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Parent Page

Centacare Courses

Centacare and the Family Relationship Centre are here to help you strengthen family relationships; help families stay together; and assist families through separation

 

“The attitude you have as a parent is what your kids will learn from more than what you tell them.

They don’t remember what you try to teach them.

They remember what you are.” -Jim Henson

 

Please note: Due to the pandemic and social distancing requirements there are less spaces available than usual so if you would like to attend please book early

 

Courses for Separated Parents

Building Connections - One session FREE

This program aims to help separated parents have healthy and strong relationships with their children.

The pre-mediation program covers:

- ways of communicating with the other parent

- the impact of separation and conflict on children

- setting goals for future parenting

 

NEXT SESSSIONS: Monday, 17 May, 5.30pm - 8.30pm

                                      Monday, 24 May, 9.30am - 12.30pm

 

Parenting Courses

Surviving Your Adolescents - Two sessions - FREE 

Surviving Your Adolescents will provide parents with some useful skills for dealing with teenage behaviour. Find out what is normal behaviour for a teenager; how to manage risk-taking; tips to maintain and improve your relationship with your teenager; and the Four Cardinal Sins (what not to do) and what to do with your teens.

 

NEXT SESSIONS: Tuesday 15th & 22nd June - 9.30am - 12.30pm

 

Toolkit for Dads - One session FREE

 

"By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he's wrong."

 

Council of Catholic School Parents News

The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT is the peak body representing parents and carers of children and young people in Catholic schools.  Please see their website for many publications including newsletters, media releases and submissions, research papers, educational tips, activities and fact sheets. 

 

Helping your child to make new friends

For some children, making friends is easy while other children may find it difficult. For her recent article in ABC Everyday, Amanda Hob interviewed Natasha Wardman, Lecturer in Education Studies at the Australian Catholic University, and Kimberley O'Brien, a Sydney-based child psychologist, to create some helpful tips for parents of children who are just beginning their school-life journey or changing schools.   

  • Check in with your child. If you have concerns, speak with their teacher.
  • Practise some conversation skills with your children. Ask open ended questions, using positive, respectful language.
  • Generate opportunities for your children to make friendships outside of school. It could be sport, music, dance, Parish events or a picnic in the local park.

You can read the full article here.

Good for Kids

Cancer Council Snippets

Toast – the best thing since sliced bread!

Coming up with healthy lunches and snacks on a daily basis can be a challenge.  However, it seems that we often overlook the humble toast.  Check out these simple ideas:

 

1. Sweet treat

Adding different fruits to your toast or toasties makes for a delicious and fibre-rich snack.

  • Try adding a thin layer of to a slice of wholegrain toast and topping with banana slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
  • Make a fruit toastie using slices of banana, apple and pear with a sprinkle of mixed spice.
  • Raisin toast with a thin layer of reduced salt margarine will also make for a healthy sweet treat.

2. Classic baked bean toastie

The baked bean toastie is a classic for a reason.  It is tasty, simple and very nutritious.  For a twist on the classic, try adding sliced fresh tomato and a sprinkle of cheese. This will also provide some additional fibre and a source of calcium.  Why not try reduced salt baked beans – you won’t taste the difference!

 

3. Filling lunch

In addition to vegetables, you could try adding a source of protein to the toastie for a nutritious and filling lunch.

  • Eggs with cheese and spinach make for a healthy oozy toastie
  • Try a cheese, spinach/capsicum/mushroom and tomato toastie for a tasty twist on a classic sandwich

 

4. Leftovers toastie

Leftovers from the night before can be reimagined into a delicious lunch the following day. There is no better way to use up your leftover spaghetti bolognaise or meatballs than as a toastie filling.

 

5. Dips

Nutritious dips used as a spread on wholegrain toast can make for a healthy lunch.  Think guacamole, babaganoush, hummus or salsa.  Top with your favourite ingredients to make it more filling, for example guacamole with tomato and onion slices or salsa topped with our Mexican meatballs.

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