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Parenting information sessions

Adults and young children sitting outside 

Council organises parenting information sessions for parents, grandparents and carers in Maroondah to support families in their parenting journeys with children and young people.

How to book

  • Bookings are essential as there are limited places available for each session.
  • You will be sent a link to join the online presentation, once you have booked in.
  • Most presentations are free to attend or low cost.
  • Certificates of attendance will be emailed to everyone who registers.

Parenting information sessions 2023

Please note: if there are no events showing in the below listing - upcoming events will be added soon! 

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Completed sessions

The strengths of neurodiversity: Why valuing difference supports all children to thrive

  • Understand neurodiversity from an affirming, strengths-based perspective.
  • Have reflected on their personal understanding of neurodivergence and how this has been influenced by stereotypes & the media.
  • Understand the difference between the social & medical models of disability.
  • Have considered the positive wellbeing outcomes possible for all children through working from a neurodiversity affirming perspective.
  • Have gained practical tips & examples to take steps toward a more affirming approach.
  • Know where to access further information regarding neurodiversity affirming practice.

Event details

  • Suitable for early childhood and primary school educators
  • Tuesday 14 February 2023
  • 7pm to 9pm
  • Presented by Mel Jeffery
  • $53 per person (GST inclusive)
  • Karralyka, Mines Rd, Ringwood East

Floral Friday

Join Cecelia Wright (See Kee) and Jackie Bennett from Connecting the Dots through Culture to learn about Floral Friday and how you can embed Torres Strait Island perspectives into your practice in an authentic and fun way.

The session will include practical elements and many examples of how you can embrace Torres Strait Islander activities and culture.

This is a special opportunity to discover the what, why and how of Floral Fridays celebrations in the Torres Strait Islands.

Event details

  • Suitable for early childhood educators
  • Tuesday 21 February 2023
  • 7pm to 9.30pm
  • Presented by Cecelia Wright (See Kee) and Jackie Bennett, from Connecting the Dots through Culture
  • $70 per person (GST inclusive)
  • Karralyka, Mines Rd, Ringwood East

Vaping – What do parents need to know?

Vaping (the use of electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes or ‘vapes’) has become a growing issue for many parents across the country.

This session will provide up-to-date and accurate information on the use of e-cigarettes and vaping, including the potential harms associated with the use of these devices, particularly young people.

Practical advice will also be provided on how to talk to young people about vaping, as well as some possible responses that parents can use should their child attempt to challenge them in this complex area.

  • Thursday 9 June
  • 7.30pm to 9pm
  • Presented by Paul Dillon - Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA)
  • Online webinar
  • Free

This session is now complete.

Promoting Equality and Respect in the Early Years 

From an early age, children become aware of gender stereotypes. Hearing and seeing messages about what they ‘should’ play with and how they 'should' act can begin to change their behaviours and interests.

Brianna and Phoebe from the Level Playground team will be sharing simple strategies and tips to support breaking down gender stereotypes in your home or in your early childhood service.

  • Tuesday 3 May
  • 7.30pm to 9pm
  • Presented by Brianna & Phoebe from Level Playground
  • Online via Zoom
  • Free 

This session is now complete. 

Transition to kindergarten and lifelong learning - information session for parents and carers

This session will explore many of the questions parents and carers have and discuss the importance of social and emotional maturity and play based learning.

Louise will also talk about what to expect at kinder and share practical strategies to prepare for a smooth and positive transition.

  • Monday 7 March
  • 7.30pm to 9pm
  • Presented by Louise Dorrat
  • Online via Zoom
  • Free 

This session is now complete. 

Body safety education for parents and carers

As parents it’s so important we understand that not everyone is a safe person for our children. Teaching children about body safety and consent from an early age will help them to develop respectful relationships as they grow into adults, and be more considerate of others knowing that everyone has the right to feel safe.

Body safety and consent education aims to empower children with skills and knowledge that will reduce the likelihood of them becoming victims of childhood sexual abuse.

  • Thursday 3 March, 2022
  • 7.30pm to 9pm
  • Presented by Neil Milton
  • Online via Zoom
  • Free 

This session is now complete. 

My Body! What I say goes!

A conversation about body safety and consent can often be a difficult one to have with young children, but it is one we need to have.

This two-part webinar is directed at children - with their parents/carers with them - so they can learn the 5 Body Safety Messages found in the ‘My body! What I say goes!’ book by Jayneen Sanders.

This session is now complete.

Webinar sessions will include:

  • Talking about feelings
  • Talking about early warning signs when they feel unsafe
  • Understanding a safety network and how to build one
  • Body parts and how to use the correct names
  • The difference between secrets and surprises
  • We learn about what their body bubble is

What to expect:

  • Fun interactive reading and questions
  • Movement and action to illustrate learnings
  • We will not be able to see or hear you during the sessions, but you will be encouraged to use the chat function to communicate with us

Your booking includes:

  • A link to the two webinar sessions
  • A body safety and consent activity book
  • A bookmark with the 5 body safety rules on them
  • A poster with the 5 body safety rules on them
  • A copy of 'My Body! What I say goes!' book by Jayneen Sanders

Books and resources will be available to collect fromFriday 26 Novemberfrom one ofCouncil's customer service centres.

*Please select your preferred location when booking.

About the presenter - Neil Milton

Neil Milton.jpg

Neil is a passionate leader of ChildSafe Australia, a Not for Profit harm prevention charity of over 14 years built on the integrity of supporting organisations and families to understand how to keep children safe while helping them practically do this.Neil also a parent and his daughter Grace join him to present these interactive webinars.

Suitable for:For parents, carers and their children aged 3 to 5 years old
Date:Thursday 2 and 9 December 2021 (*This is a two-part webinar. You must be able to attend both 30 minute sessions.)
Time:4.30pm to 5pm
Venue:Online
Cost:$5 per family (includes a $0.50 Trybooking fee)

Download the flyer(pdf,528KB)

This session is now complete.

Youth Employment: Information session for carers and parents of young people

Join us for a conversation about youth employment with specialists from the local youth employment and education sector. Learn about local youth employment trends and data, and explore ways to support young people to recognise and build on employment skills and strategies. This webinar is a partnership between Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges Council Youth Services

Presented by:Brooke Young, Outer Eastern Local Learning and Employment Network (OELLEN) and Melinda Davis, Skills and Job Centre

Date:Thursday 14October
Time:
7 - 8.30pm
Venue:
Online via Zoom
Cost:
Free

This session is now complete.

Reach out and connect: The suicide conversation for parents

Supportive connection is early prevention.Join us for this webinar presented by LifeConnect Neami National, to help recognise and support young people who may be at risk of suicide.

Topics will include:

  • Suicide and suicidal thinking are more common than most people realise.
  • Young people are at increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours - understand why a young person might feel this way.
  • Gain confidence in asking appropriate questions and listening with empathy.
  • Learn how to play a part in community suicide prevention and support the wellbeing of young people in your family.

This session is based on evidence-informed practice and was developed in consultation with people with a lived experience of the impacts of suicide

Presented by:A Community Suicide Prevention Worker and an Allied Health Worker, both from LifeConnect Neami National.

Date:Thursday 7 October
Time:
7pm to 8.30pm
Venue:
Online
Cost:
Free

This session is now complete.

Body safety education for parents and carers

As parents it’s so important we understand that not everyone is a safe person for our children.Teaching children about body safety and consent from an early age will help them to develop respectful relationships as they grow into adults, and be more considerate of others knowing that everyone has the right to feel safe.

Body safety and consent education aims to empower children with skills and knowledge that will reduce the likelihood of them becoming victims of childhood sexual abuse.

Topics will include:

  • Child sexual abuse - it’s characteristics and statistics.
  • What is grooming?Why is it so important we know about it?
  • What is body safety and why teach it.
  • Body safety skills, messages and resources.
  • Practical ways you can keep the body safety and consent conversation going in your home and community to protect children.

About the presenter

Neil is a passionate leader of ChildSafe Australia - a Not for Profit harm prevention charity of over 14 years built on the integrity of supporting organisations and families to understand how to keep children safe while helping them practically do this. Neil, also a parent will provide you with the tools to educate and support your children empowering them with the 5 Body Safety and consent messages to protect them.

Presented by:Neil Milton
Date:
Tuesday 7 September
Time:
7pm to 8.30pm
Venue:
Online
Cost:
Free

This session is now complete.

Taming the technology: Parenting in the cyber age

If you have recently felt like your child’s device has become an extension of their body, had an argument about how much time they spend online or just had concerns about what they’re accessing then you are in the majority of Australian parents and carers who feel exactly the same way!

  • One in five children experience online bullying but only 2.1% report it to a teacher.
  • Girls are about twice as likely as boys to be victims and perpetrators of cyber bullying.
  • More than 80% of boys aged 15+ access pornography weekly and one third of children under 8 have tried to access pornographic content.
  • Fifteen per cent of Aussie teens report being contacted daily by strangers on their social media accounts ad 10% report they actively communicate or respond to strangers daily.
  • And 4% of young people have had someone they met online ask to meet them in person.

Research indicates that parents and carers have the biggest role to play in cyber safety, but 60% say they do not actively monitor their child’s online behaviour.

This session is for parents and carers only; and will provide essential information and resources you can access to protect your children online and navigate the internet safely together.

About the presenter - Kate Wilde

Kate Wilde is an educator, counsellor and development worker with over 20 years’ experience working with schools, young people and their families.
Kate is an engaging facilitator of parent/carer and community forums and sought after conference speaker and facilitator. She also maintains a small counselling practice working with young people and their families.

Presented by:Kate Wilde
Date:Thursday 26 August
Time:7pm to 8.30pm
Venue:online
Cost:Free

Building blocks of wellbeing

Practical strategies to support you and your children to flourish

More than ever we are aware of the importance of looking after the mental health and wellbeing of ourselves and our children. Join us to discuss strategies for building wellbeing and becoming the best version of ourselves.

Throughout this session you will:

  • Gain an understanding of the PERMAH wellbeing framework and the science of Positive Psychology.
  • Hear an introduction to each of the PERMAH pillars and evidence behind its link to wellbeing.
  • Hear practical examples of PERMAH building activities; and be introduced to a range of tools to build on each of these pillars in your own life.
  • Leave with ideas for how you could implement tiny habits in to your daily routine to increase your own and your families’ wellbeing.

Building Blocks of Wellbeing information flyer(pdf,796KB).

About the presenters

Rachelle Jones and Mel Jeffery are qualified youth workers and members of Maroondah City Council’s Youth and Children’s services team, which aims to raise the wellbeing of Maroondah’s young people. Rachelle and Mel have a wealth of experience supporting young people to flourish and are excited to share their knowledge with parents to develop a positive family culture at home.

Presented by:Rachelle Jones and Mel Jeffery
Date:Tuesday 8 June
Time:7pm to 8.30pm
Venue:online
Cost:free

 

Where

Sessions are usually held online. Participants need to register, to receive a link to join events. 

Further information

For more details on Council’s parent information sessions, please contact Cathie Wills on 9294 5740 or email childrens.services.events@maroondah.vic.gov.au

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31/07/2017
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