Kia ora everyone,

From my office I see the mountains getting whiter. Besides the cold, I am so happy to have seen so many faces at our Face-to-Face Training in Woodend and Christchurch in May. Thank you for your openness and energy, especially as we explored some more challenging subjects. One of them was included in the training “Making Changes – Stability in Hard Times”, where we talked about Blocked Care.

Blocked Care is when you become so stressed in parenting that you focus on the child’s behaviour, and trying to fix the problem, then lose sight of the relationship. We then can appear uncaring and non-empathic.

It’s a natural brain function to protect ourselves. So you are not crazy 😊

How to get out of it?

1. Look after yourself
2. Reduce stress
3. Reflect on what’s going on for you
4. Seek help and talk to someone

Feeling understood, not judged, and getting a different perspective by meeting other people who have similar struggles can make a difference – I hope that you are part of one of our local support groups!

A good opportunity to meet new people is not only at our support groups but also at one of our Events. I am looking forward to seeing you there in June (more details below).

Warmly,
Caroline

How cool was the Aurora?! I hope you all got to see it. 

A word from Jared

Kia ora Canterbury caregivers, it is with a heavy heart that we share the below message from your Regional Coordinator, Jared.

Dear Canterbury Caregiver Community,

As I sit down to write this email, my heart is filled with a mix of emotions. It is with both sadness and excitement that I share the news of my resignation from Caring Families Aotearoa.

Working alongside each and every one of you over the years has been an incredible honour and privilege. Together, we’ve embarked on a journey of growth, support, advocacy, and teaching in therapeutic parenting. This journey has not only enriched my professional life but also deeply touched my heart on a personal level.

The bonds we’ve formed, the challenges we’ve faced, and the victories we’ve celebrated together hold a special place in my heart. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have been welcomed into your homes and lives, and to have shared in your dedication and passion for caregiving.

I have the utmost confidence in Caring Families Aotearoa to continue their incredible work in supporting our caregiver community. They have been amazing, and I know they will continue to offer the invaluable support and resources that you all need.

Thank you, from the depths of my heart, for allowing me into your lives and for the privilege of working alongside you. Though my time in this role may be coming to an end, I am certain that our paths will cross again. Until then, please take care, and keep doing the amazing job you are doing for our tamariki in care.

Nga mihi
Jared

Training

Online Courses

Ako Ngātahi (Learning Together) – Parenting in a Healing Way

• Monday 10 June 2024, 07:30pm – 08:30pm

Helping Children Feel Safe – Providing Structure and Supervision

• Session 1: Tuesday 11 June 2024, 10:00am – 11:30am
• Session 2: Thursday 13 June 2024, 10:00am – 11:30am

You must attend both sessions to complete the training.

Ako Ngātahi (Learning Together) – Reactive Children – Understanding the Volcano

• Monday 17 June 2024, 11:00am – 12:00pm

Family Dynamics – Torn Loyalties

• Session 1: Tuesday 18 June 2024, 10:00am – 11:30am
• Session 2: Thursday 20 June 2024, 10:00am – 11:30am

You must attend both sessions to complete the training.

Making Changes – Stability in Hard Times

• Session 1: Monday 24 June 2024, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
• Session 2: Tuesday 25 June 2024, 7:30pm – 9:00pm

You must attend both sessions to complete the training.

Events

I’m in the final planning stages of two caregiver dinners for our region – one in Rangiora and one in Lincoln. They will be taking place later this month, so keep an eye out for more details very soon!

Support

We have a closed Private Facebook group for our wonderful Canterbury Caregiver Members to keep updated and connect virtually, you can find it here.

We also have some great community connections face to face, please find below contact details for our Support Groups.