Support – The Best Lockdown Tool

This past month has been tough, there is no sugar coating it. And for parents, and caregivers who have become teachers on top of your very busy parenting role, you deserve a round of applause. Here at Caring Families Aotearoa, we understand. Many of us are parents, some are caregivers too, who have had to take on working from home while keeping our tamariki (children) entertained and assisting with online school work which was no easy task.

What helped us get through this? SUPPORT!

Support was and is the most vital lockdown survival tool.

Thousands of caregivers were invited to our virtual support group held on 7 September. It was so great connecting with caregivers, being able to share stories, and check in on each other.

This new virtual support group will continue on the first Tuesday of the month, if you are wanting to attend our next one on 5 October, click below to register.

Another support opportunity we are providing during higher COVID-19 alert levels is online learning. Our training not only equips you with knowledge and tools to assist you in your role as a caregiver, but also provides a safe space with other caregivers who are going through the same challenges.

Our latest training, What’s Behind the Behaviour, was adapted to be presented online using Microsoft Teams, a free online meeting app. During COVID-19 lockdown, our Regional Coordinators, Bernadette, Nyvonne, and Denise presented this workshop to caregivers in their region.

Ako Ngatahi – Learning Together, also continued to run online. In September we discussed Reactive Children – Understanding the volcano, Regulation Based Parenting with PACE.  On October 27 and 28 we will be introducing attachment theory.

If you would like to know more about our online training options, please click the button below or call Dagmar, Training Administrator on 0800 693 323 or email dagmarc@caringfamilies.org.nz.

If you need support, Caring Families Aotearoa has many options for you. This includes:

• One on one support with Regional Coordinators.
• Support Groups throughout New Zealand for caregiver connection.
• Virtual Support Groups for those who can not attend physical support meetings.
• Private Facebook Groups in each region for Caregiver Members only.

All of Caring Families Aotearoa Support services provide a safe place to share challenges, stories, or advice with other caregivers going through the same journey.