Parenting Solutions

There are tons of resources while you are expecting – GPs, midwives, antenatal classes, etc. – but once you have the baby, where do you turn?

You can still seek information from your GP. There are also health visitors, outreach workers affiliated with the Children’s Centres and the staff that manage the Children’s Centre’s drop-ins.

In fact, Maida Vale Children’s Centre, Paddington Green Children’s Centre and Mickey Star Nursery are running ‘Triple P Focus Group’ for positive parenting support as well as Family Support drop-ins. Some of the times are listed on our drop-in schedule. They are by appointment only, so please call the Centre for more information and to arrange to participate.

Queen’s Park Children’s Centre has a parenting course starting in Novmber 2012. Please contact the centre for more information.

In our area, we are lucky enough to have the following additional resources (some of which are free like the above and some have a fee).

Babiesknow
Their courses will give you the tools you need to transform and enrich your relationships with your child or children. They offer a foundation course, day courses (babies up to 1, ages 1-3, and ages 3-7). Following on from the success of the group at the Randolph Surgery which is no longer running, they are holding a weekly support group on Friday mornings in St. John’s Wood. Last session of every month focuses on toddlers.

babybrains
Intellectually stimulating workshops, run by a MVM, introduce science in a fun and accessible way – helping you understand the workings of your little one’s brain (from conception to 3 years) – why they do the funny/strange things they do. Babies welcome (snacks and toys provided) – it “is like a playgroup for the babies but with learning for the mums!”. Courses cover topics such as memory, language, genetics & environment, social cognition, learning & development, and discipline.
To book or for more info, call 07909 655438 (Silvia) or email babybrainsinfo@gmail.com

Emilie Caro Sleep
MVM Emilie is a fully certified child sleep consultant with a gentle approach to helping children primarily from the ages of 3 months to 6 years.” Crying is very stressful for children and parents and Emilie does not believeit is necessary to achieve good sleeping habits. Following a consultation, Emilie creates personalised, easy-to-follow plans that help babies and young children resolve sleep problems – ending the cycle of bad sleep.

Parent Confidential
Offers one-to-one, couple, telephone, and coffee morning (up to 8 parents) sessions. You pick the topic and they’ll help you get through your difficult time whilst building confidence and setting achievable goals. They cover issues from newborns to troublesome tots and teens all discreetly in your own home.

The Parenting Children Course
Holy Trinity Brompton. Course is held at St Paul’s Onslow Square , SW7 3NX.

The Parent Practice

Mindful Parenting Class
Barbara Godoy is presenting a one-hour parenting class every Friday 11.45am-12.45pm at the Paddington Sports Club (straight after Jacqui’s yoga class). Babies welcome. Cost is £15 drop-in or £50 for a block of five. Each week a range of topics will be covered relating to the complexities of parenting, helping us to feel supported and difficult situations faced by mothers today. To book call Jacqui at 07947568890 or email jacqui@porjes.com.

Mini KickStart
Mini KickStart is a FREE Healthy Lifestyle Programme for 2-5 year olds currently running in the Westminster Borough. It is run over 6 weeks for families who want to learn about nutrition and play activities  to help keep the family fit for life. The sessions are run by qualified dietitians, nutritionists and child play experts. Each session lasts up to an hour and will be divided into:

• games and activities for kids such as dancing
• arts and crafts including painting, making placemats, and
• advice about healthy food choices, reading nutrition labels, fussy eating.

Mums can self-refer on to this programme and do not require a referral from their GP. All parents living in Westminster with a child between the ages of 2 and 5 who will also be able to attend the programme are welcome.

Register your interest today by calling the Mini KickStart team on 0207 313 3060 or email kickstart@clch.nhs.uk.

NEXT SESSION: Beginning on the 12 November 2012 at Queen’s Park Children’s Centre.