February 2024 CAREGIVER NEWS: LOWER NORTH REGION

Ngā mihi o te tau hou! Greetings for the new year!

I truly hope your time over the holidays was spent making new wonderful memories with your families. I for one, took a spontaneous trip to Napier with my Family for a much needed break.

I know for some families their children are still at home enjoying their long summer break. The last leg of the holidays can test our patience, and I encourage you to keep at your PACE, even as they return to school. I know the list of things to do before the return to school can sometimes be daunting, here are some tips to help you get organised.

back to school organising:

• Involve your children in the planning process such as giving them their school stationary list and making it a scavenger hunt game to find the right book or pencil.
• Now is a good time for a summer clean out of their room, this will help get their school bags, lunch boxes, swimming gear, clothing and equipment ready for the school term.

• • • • Remember to PACE.
      • Try using music to motivate your child/ren to make the activity fun.
      • One day at a time, it does not have to be completed in an entire day, that way your child and you won’t be overwhelmed and frustrated with the cleaning.
      • Create a task list to give your child ownership of their belongings while also helping them to remember what needs to be done.
• Get your quotes completed – if your children need school uniform, shoes, swimming gear, stationary, etc. Now is a good time to get those quotes into WINZ or your social worker.
• Children who are learning at home, parents remember to get your respite care dates in with family and friends so that you are getting a well-deserved break from being both parents, and teachers full time.

Focus on one task a day, that way you will not be overwhelmed with the preparation. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but accomplishing these little tasks can reduce the stress and help us to focus on the bigger things such as bonding with our children, work, paying bills and family.

Continue to make memories this season, take those photos, go to the beach or park or whatever you do have fun doing it. Don’t let the weight of expectations take you away from being in the moment with your children, they truly are a gift and a gift worth enjoying.

Training

We have the following face to face training coming up in the Lower North;

Helping Children Feel Safe – This workshop will support you in connecting with your tamariki to establish structure and supervision ensuring they feel secure.

When: Wednesday 21st February, 10AM-1:30PM

Where: Wairarapa Community Centre, 41 Perry Street, Masterton.

To regsiter, please CLICK HERE.

To check out our online training this month, click below.

Support groups

Wellington Family and Foster Care Association

Join us for Subway brunch! (Subway sandwiches and drinks will be provided).

• When: Friday 9th February, 11:00AM
• Where: Coral’s Home – 5 Kaponga Street, Wainuiomata
• RSVP: to Tori on 027 425 4709 by 7th February

Levin PACE Support Group

We’re excited to welcome our caregivers back to our first support group of the year. We look forward to seeing you.

• When: Wednesday 21st February, 10:00AM
• Where: Age Concern Building, 526 Queen Street East, Levin
• RSVP to Greg on 021 293 7028

Events

Mark your calendars again for Foster Care Awareness Week!!!!

Foster Care Awareness Week is an annual celebration held every March. It’s a special week that is all about celebrating YOU; our wonderful caregiver members!

We have some exciting events taking place in our region;

• Wairarapa: Pūkaha Wildlife Centre, Saturday 2nd March
• Levin: Caregiver Appreciation Morning Tea, Thursday 7th March
• Lower Hutt: The Journey of Care Workshop and Activities, Saturday 9th March

For more information on these events, and to register, click below!

I look forward to what 2024 will bring us this year, navigating this role is becoming easier and so I hope to be more engaged with you and be there with you on your journey.

Ebony Rose Phillips