Parenting is not easy – there’s no training, not enough support, and it can be hugely challenging.  Join a group of like-minded parents led by experienced Hand in Hand Instructor Madeleine Winter.  Have your questions answered, build your support network and be encouraged as you build closeness and connection in your family and learn to set loving limits.

click here for details of the next group for parents of children 0-12

click here for details of the next group for parents of pre-teens and teens

Parenting is challenging at the best of times. There is always lots of advice, but in short supply is a safe, non-judgmental place to:

• make sense of that advice and plan for our parenting;
• unload when things get tough;
• hear that we are not alone;
• be appreciated for how hard we try;
• share successes and happy moments; and
• reflect on our own stories and how these influence our parenting.

In a Hand in Hand Parenting Support Call or Group, you can learn about how Hand in Hand Parenting can work in your family, share experiences of using the Listening Tools at home, and have questions answered. In each meeting we will often practise a short Listening Partnership in pairs, and each parent is listened to in turn by the group, in a confidential environment, without comment, judgement or advice.

Being part of a Support Call or Group can help you develop a support network which you can use to help solve your parenting challenges. Getting a chance to be listened to in this way can often turn your day around, and over time, improves your capacity to connect with your children, and your flexibility in responding to their difficulties.

Groups are limited to six participants, generally meet for four-to-eight sessions, either via phone based conference call or in person.  The length of time we meet will depend on how many people join the group, but it is usually 1.5 hours.

FAQ
Why get together with other parents?
What happens on a Parent Support Call?
Who can attend?
How can I join a Call? Where are they held?
How big are the groups and how long to they run?
How do I learn more?
Tell me more about Parenting Consultations.
What is Madeleine like?
What have other parents said about these groups?

Why get together with other parents?

Parenting is not something we were ever meant to do alone.  I’ve not met a more admirable group of people than parents.  From the depths of our love for our children, we will do almost anything to have things go well for our children.  But it’s hard: we are not well supported, and we often end up feeling it is “all our fault” and struggling with feelings of exhaustion, guilt, isolation, and worry.  Sometimes we end up feeling we con’t care that much.

Something very special can happen when we get together with other parents, especially where we know we will not be judged or criticised, we will not receive unwanted advice, and where the stories we need to tell are kept confidential.  We are reminded that we are not alone, and that there are good reasons why it is hard, and we see the value of the work we do as parents.  We learn from one another, and we build networks of support for the emotional work of parenting.

Being part of a Support Call or Group can help you develop a support network which you can use to help solve your parenting challenges. In a Support Call, each parent has time to be listened to without interruption or advice giving, about their particular parenting challenges (or victories!). Getting a chance to be listened to in this way can often turn your day around, and over time, improves your capacity to connect with your children, and your flexibility in responding to their difficulties.  Many parents will also build ongoing Listening Partnerships with other parents in the group.

The calls are led by me, an experienced Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor and parent of a teen.  I will provide mentoring and guidance as you try the Listening Tools in your family and share your experiences with the other parents on the call.

How do I join a Support Call?  Where do they happen?

We use Zoom conferencing for our Support Calls, and we will send you dial-in details once you have registered.  You can join with vision via an app on your phone, via your web browser, of just dial into a local number.

In-Person groups are held in Sydney, Australia.

What happens on a Parent Support Call?

• brief introductions – what is going well in your family?
• introduce and review the Hand in Hand  Listening Tools as necessary.
• share experiences of using the Listening Tools at home;
• have questions answered;
• each parent is listened to in turn in the group, in a confidential environment, without comment, judgement or advice.

You can find out more here.

Who can attend? Do I need to know anything about Hand in Hand Parenting?

These groups are open to all parents.  It helps if you have some familiarity with the Hand in Hand/Parenting by Connection approach.  If you are new to Hand in Hand, I recommend booking a Personalised Parenting Consultation where we can develop a Parenting Connection Plan, tailored to the needs of your family.  You can then revisit this in the Support Calls. I offer these Consultations at a discounted rate if you join a Group or Support Call.

How do I learn more?

These groups are open to parents of  children aged 0-12.  It is preferable if you have some familiarity with the Hand in Hand/Parenting by Connection approach. For a good general introduction you can learn about the hand in hand approach.  For a more in-depth introduction, we can highly recommend the Short Online Parenting Courses on common parenting topics.

If you have an older child, please see our free resources and materials for Parents of Pre-Teens and Older Kids

If you are not sure, please contact Madeleine to discuss.

How big are the groups and how long to they run?

Groups are limited to six participants, generally meet for four-to-eight sessions, either via phone based conference call or in person.  The length of time we meet will depend on how many people join the group, but it is usually 1.5 hours.

Tell me more about Parenting Consultations.

I am offering an hour long One-on-One consultation at 30% off the regular price if you sign up for these Support Calls. This gives us the opportunity to get started straight away with understanding the challenges and strengths in your family. If you are new to Hand in Hand, I can introduce the approach tailored specifically for your parenting situation. If you are familiar, then we can dive more deeply into developing a Personalised Parenting Connection Plan for your family, to solve problems and help you build connection and closeness. You will then be able to use the Support Calls to follow up on that plan and have your questions answered as you implement it.

You can book a consultation when you pay for the Support Calls.

What is Madeleine like?

I’m an experienced Hand in Hand Instructor, and I provide mentoring and guidance as you try the Listening Tools in your family and share your experiences with the other parents on the call. You can learn more about me here.

Want to get a sense of me? Listen here to me talking about how to stay close to your teen, and Solving Separation Anxiety.

Here’s what one kind parent said of me:

“In addition, to all the technical support she offers, is Madeleine’s warmth, complete acceptance, lightheartedness and loving personality. She is able to awaken me to the fact that I am the perfect parent for my child and in all actuality, despite how bad I feel, I am parenting very well.”

Mother of 2 year old, Austin, TX USA.

What have other parents said about these groups?

“The adult-adult listening time has been great because I normally don’t have anyone to offload to.”

“I’ve found the listening time helpful as it is interesting to listen to where others are at and it’s a great opportunity to get things off your chest.”

“I’ve been surprised at how useful it has been just to have a chance to talk through what is going on. Things seem to become clearer. I know that no-one is going to judge me, or give me advice I don’t need.”

click here for details of the next group for parents of children 0-12

click here for details of the next group for parents of pre-teens and teens

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© 2018 by Madeleine Winter.