Chaplain's Spot

“Parenting”

Put your hand up if you are a parent. Keep your hand up if being a parent isn’t what you expected. Keep it up if it is the most amazing ‘job/calling/challenge’ in the world. There is nothing like it … except being a grandparent – when you get away with a lot more than you did as a parent, and the children usually get away with more when they are with their grandparents as well. 

In this article, I thought I would bring some quotes on parenting, some funny, and some a challenge, while most of them are applicable to some extent. I trust that you have developed some effective strategies for the benefit of your children, and yourself. 

• Parenting is the easiest thing in the world to have an opinion about, but the hardest thing in the world to do" 
• "Children are not things to be molded, but are people to be unfolded" 
• "The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice" 
• "You can't pick and choose when to be a parent" 
• "Let them try, fail, try again learn" 
• "Stop babying them. Stop doing everything for them. Let them think figure things out on their own" 
• My biggest parenting conundrum: why is it so hard to put someone who is already sleepy to sleep" 
• When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice safe playpen. When they're finished, I climb out [Erma Bombeck]
• Parenting is a constant battle between going to bed to catch up on some sleep, or staying awake to finally get some alone time
• The hardest part about parenting is trying to be fake mad, when your kid does something bad but hilarious.
• Hakuna Matoddler: It means no relaxing for the rest of your days
• Whenever you feel like a bad parent, just remember that the mum from Home Alone was halfway to Paris before she realised she was missing a child. 

There is always help available, from such organisations as Anglicare. Check out their website: https://www.anglicarevic.org.au/our-services/family-and-parenting-support/

Community wellbeing:  Our Toast Tuesday program runs before school in the Sports and Performance Centre, and is open to all students. If you would like to help, the link to sign up is volunteersignup.org/LJX4A. There is one space available on March 11. 

Baker Delight goods: We are thankful to Bakers Delight Heathmont, who provides loaves for our Toast Tuesday program. If your family would appreciate regular bread or rolls, sourdough, multi-grain, wholemeal etc. please email me below, or see me at school. 

Uniforms: We also have available second-hand uniforms in good condition for sale, for gold coin donations. These sales also provide necessary supplies for Toast Tuesday.

Contact: Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss anything about the above. 

Alan Silverwood: Chaplain - Pastoral care for our community. [Tuesday & Friday]

[alan.silverwood@education.vic.gov.au]

Supporting the School community in emotional, social, spiritual and practical wellbeing. 

Our Chaplaincy program is funded by the Federal Government’s ‘National Student Wellbeing Program’, the GRPS School Council and donations.