Unfortunately due to the Covid-19 pandemic many parents were unable to complete the Parenting Partners workshops. We recently received an encouraging story from a parent at Franklin Middle School in Somerset, New Jersey who participated in four of the sessions. She found the techniques taught to be very influential and applicable as she is spending more time with her children.
She was kind enough to share her story and the impact Parenting Partners has had on her. Below in her words is how she benefited from the workshops.
“I am a mother of two beautiful girls age twelve and age four. I was invited by my twelve-year-old daughter’s counselor at her school to attend a parenting partners workshop at our townships Middle School for a 6-week course. Six weeks, I was hesitant at first, but I must say I was hooked after the first class.
I loved being a part of this workshop. I enjoyed everyone’s stories and having the opportunity to speak openly about parenting and know that “No One Way” is the right way. Everyone has their own strategies and stories and to listen and share those experiences was encouraging and informative. Regrettably, I was only able to complete 4 classes due to COVID-19 but I would love to share what I took away from this experience in that short period of time.
The very first thing I took away from this parenting workshop was to have more patience and always encourage my children. Middle school is hard, and kids deal with a lot of bullying, opinions of peers, body appearances changes, and pulling away from parents. To hear stories from the teachers and guidance counselors, as well as other parents that shared their experience led me to rethink how I speak to my daughters after a long day of school. I realized that I needed to build a shield for my daughters at home and use more positive power words. I used the 101 power words tips and noticed an immediate change in their behavior. The power of words goes a very long way. Build up a child to create a strong leader.
Our workshop on listening techniques was by far the best. I never realized how much I hear my kids but don’t really listen. This was one topic that hit home. I don’t do it intentionally, however living a busy life, as a parent I just tend to tune out my kids at times. Since this class I have become more aware of this. I now put down my phone when my daughters are talking to me. I stop what I’m doing and give them my full undivided attention. Communication is the key, and I have learned to become a sponge, and absorb it all. Credit to this workshop I have learned to let them just talk it out, and not try to fix their problems, but to just listen and help them work through it together.
The favorite tool I find myself using weekly if not daily is the Nevertheless and Regardless shield. This has become a great tool for ending arguments with my four-year-old. I was a little skeptical about using it the first night. But once I saw the power of these two words I was blown away. Now when I say regardless to my daughter she just backs down and does what she was asked to do. LOVE-Love this tool!
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 our classes came to an abrupt end. However, I noticed that I have shared my experience and tools to become a better parent with friends which has helped them enforce positive parenting. I continue to use the tools I learned daily.
I want to thank Mrs. Precious Acolatse, Mrs. Melanie Tould, Mrs. Diane Anderson, Mrs. Mildred Arrieta, Mrs. Rosemary King, Mrs. Karen Ocasio, Mrs. Jill Santoni, Mr. Ian Ferguson and Parenting Partners for making me a better parent. I am excited to have this guidance and be able to share my learning experiences with other parents and my daughters so that one day they will be great parents to their children.”
Mrs. Tiffany Chiles
Franklin Township Public Schools
Somerset, New Jersey
Thanks for sharing your story Tiffany! The Parenting Partners team loves to hear how the workshops impact people!
