February 2024 Caregiver News: Auckland Region

Hello everyone, 2024 is well underway!

How has January been for you?  By now you will have made it through the stationery buying rush (well done you) and be sinking into the first weeks of school. It can be an anxious time for many of our kids who are starting new schools, classes or year levels and meeting new classmates and teachers. Below are some phrases that can be helpful when chatting with your tamariki:

“What does it feel like in your body? How big is it?”

“Tell me more about it.”

“Match your breaths to mine.”

“I’m here with you; you’re safe.”

“What would you like to say to your worry? What does it say back?”

It’s okay to feel worried, even adults/teachers/Aunty/Nannies feel that way.”

Try one out and see how it works for you.

(Taken from the Institute of Child Psychology Facebook page)

Training

We have a range of great training topics available virtually this term but if you’d like to join an in-person workshop, check out Helping Children Feel Safe – providing structure & supervision, which is the next learning topic we are offering face to face.  Looking after children with attachment difficulties is challenging for caregivers, so this workshop will give you strategies and tips to help you provide structure and supervision for tamariki in your care.  You can learn more and register here.

If you’re not sure what topic might be most relevant to you and your situation, feel free to reach out to have a chat about it, or you can check out our new training pages on our website that give you more detailed information about the courses, and how they can help you by providing valuable tools and practical advice to help your tamariki heal. Check it out here.

Events

Foster Care Awareness Week is coming up during the first week of March and we are celebrating YOU! We would love to see you at an appreciation event held across Auckland during 3rd-9th March 2024.  

• North Shore: High Tea & Pampering – Tuesday 5 March
• West: Kaipara Coast Sculpture Trail & Lunch – Wednesday 6 March
• Central: Pizza in Park – Friday 8th March
• Rodney/Warkworth: Lunch and Introduction to PACE – Tuesday 12 March

Click below for specific event details and to register your attendance.

Support Groups

I would love to hear from you if you’re interested in having a caregiver group in your local area.  Share your feedback on what you’d like a group to look like: what location, day, or time (evening/day), suits you and any other brilliant brainwaves you might have!

Below are the current groups available from this month.

Browns Bay Coffee and Beach Walk

First catch up for the year is Monday 25 March, 10:30am-12:30pm. We’ll meet at the Browns Bay Beach Reserve carpark (just at the corner of Beach Front Lane) for a walk along the beach and then head to Coffee Club for a drink.

Royal Oak Coffee Group (NEW Meeting Location!)

First catch up for the year is Thursday 21 March, 10am-12pm. Come along for a drink and chat with other caregivers – meet at Oak Eatery, Shop 51 in Royal Oak Mall, 691 Manukau Road.

Sole Caregivers Virtual Group

First catch up for the year is Tuesday 27 February, we’ll be online from 7:45pm to 9pm but you’re welcome to join as soon as you can, text 027 538 9691 or email auckland@caringfamilies.org.nz to request the meeting link.

Closed Facebook Group for Auckland Caregiver Members

Click here to join the group and keep in the loop about the latest happenings with training and events.

Do you have any ideas on how we can bring Auckland caregiver members together in 2024? What would you like to see in your area?

What would you support?

Feel free to click the button below to email me and share your ideas.

Tiaki i a koutou anō, look after yourselves!  

Christie