september 2023 caregiver news: central north region

Kia ora koutou katoa,

It is hard to believe we are nearly at the end of term 3 already!  What have been some positives for your whānau this term and what have you been focusing on?  Two of my tamariki had their very first grading for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu this term, one received their first stripe on her belt, and an awesome achievement for the other who received two stripes for his belt.  I was extra proud of them and how they have stepped up and are a lot more focused at training!  Looking for those next stripes 😊

We have also been focusing on having empathy for one another in our whare (house).  This has been our focus for the term and we have had lots of discussions about how others may feel, why they may act the way they do etc.  It is incredible how our tamariki can pick up new ways of doing things and understand new concepts.

Is there something that you may like to focus on next term as a whanau/family? Here are some ideas…

Being kind to others.

How do we do this?  Demonstrate acts of kindness! Talk about what being kind to others looks like.  How it makes us feel?  How does it make the other person feel?

Making Christmas Gifts.  

Why do we give gifts for Christmas? What is the meaning behind the gift? Having fun together.

Quality time together. 

Are we spending quality time together?  Why is it important?  How can we manage our time so that everyone gets some quality time?

Think about what you would like to improve or address, sometimes it is much more fun to do it together.  Tamariki can also take some responsibility on how things go depending on their age and capabilities.  Try something fun where it is easily achievable.

Father’s Day

And then there’s Father’s Day on the 3rd of September.  This can sometimes bring up anxiety among our tamariki and caregivers.  Schools are more aware that some children are not raised within their biological family, however some are not.  Maybe talk to your tamariki about Father’s Day and the meaning behind it.  To all our Father’s, have a fantastic day!! To our mothers, nanas, uncles and aunties who sometimes have to do some of the father’s role, you also have a fantastic day!!!

Te Wiki O te reo Māori (Māori language week) is coming up this month so why not take up the challenge yourself and ‘Karawhiua!’ (Have a go!)

We then finish off September with the school holidays!!!! 

SUPPORT

Welcome to our new members to both groups!  Thank you to our existing members for making our newbies feel comfortable.

It has been a privilege to be a part of new connections forming in the caregiver circle and I thank you all.  As a caregiver, I get how important it is to share with those who share similar experiences.

We currently have our Tauranga and Rotorua Support Groups up and running. If you would like to start a support group in your area please get in contact and I will be happy to assist you with this.

Rotorua Support Group

Next meeting:  Friday 15th September, 10:00AM – 12:00PM

Venue: TBC – please text me on 027 501 0393 for updates and to RSVP.

Topic:  Surprise 🙂

If you need any support please do not hesitate to contact me!!! Nothing is too big or too small!

TRAINING

A massive welcome to our new members who have managed to attend our training 😊. The feedback has been very positive with one caregiver focusing on the connection!

For some of us, attending face-to-face training can be tricky, but I do encourage you to join us if you can.  Some of the information shared by caregivers enhances the learning and we get some valuable tips.  It is also a very nice space to share some of those things that are on top of us. 

Please click the button below for training in our region.

If for any reason you are unable to make these sessions please make contact and I will arrange something that suits you if I am able.

EVENTS: Central north regional hui

save the date: Saturday 28th October!

We have our Regional Hui coming up 😊

It’s a mini conference right in our region.  I am so excited about some of the details we have planned, but I cant share anything yet, but promise further details will be shared as soon as all aspects of the hui have been confirmed.

Tiaki i a koutou anō, look after yourselves!  

Chris