Playcentre calls for more education

Playcentre calls for more education so parents can raise their children without violence

The Playcentre Federation calls for more effort to be given to positive parenting education regardless of the outcome of the child discipline referendum.

Over ten years ago, the New Zealand Playcentre Federation called for increased funding for parent education to remove the need for parents to use “reasonable force” against children, with a remit passed at their 1998 national conference.

Since that time, tens of thousands of parents have been involved in the nearly 500 Playcentres around the country. As well as informal mentoring, all have been offered free courses to help them learn non-violent ways of raising their children.

“Playcentre is passionate about supporting parents and families,” said Federation President Marion Pilkington. “Our adult education programme provides parents with the opportunity to learn more positive ways to deal with children's behaviour.”

The Playcentre education programme includes teaching practical techniques for working with children such as applying consistent boundaries and focusing on the underlying causes of behaviour. The programme also teaches communication skills, and promotes awareness of the impact of culture on parenting and an appreciation of different parenting styles. These courses have been shown to improve parenting skills and confidence in working with both children and adults.

“I've really appreciated what I've learned from being involved in Playcentre,” said Naenae Playcentre member, Carelle Austin. “Being able to talk about different ways of handling tantrums or situations has made a real difference, as well as learning from watching other parents.”

Playcentre will continue to offer its courses, and informal mentoring, to its members, but calls on the government for more parenting education that extends into the wider community.

ENDS

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