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 SESSSION: 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.
Good for Kids
Cancer Council Snippets
Spotlight on sugary drinks
On hot summer days, it is nice to cool down with a refreshing drink. When we talk about ‘refreshing drinks’ – what is the first drink that comes to mind? Maybe it’s an ice-cold Cola? Or is it one of those $1 slushies you see advertised on the side of the bus or at the bus stop? Chances are water is not top of mind. This is because the drinks industry pours millions of dollars into marketing their sugary products – especially over the summer months to entice us to buy. The majority of the ‘refreshing’ drinks advertised are packed full of sugar and can actually make us thirstier!
What are sugary drinks?
Sugary drinks are all water-based non-alcoholic drinks with added sugar such as soft drinks, slushies, energy drinks, sports drinks, cordials, iced tea, flavoured water and fruit drinks. Dietitians refer to these drinks as having ’empty kilojoules’. This means they provide little to no nutrients such as fibre, vitamins and minerals, but are high in kilojoules (calories) and sugar.
Do you know how much sugar is in these drinks?
Soft drinks – the average 600mL soft drink has 16 teaspoons of sugar. Would you eat 16 teaspoons of sugar in one sitting?
Slushies – summertime often means slushie season. Often slushies are marketed to capture kid’s attention with their colourful options and tend to be inexpensive. Unfortunately, that’s where the fun ends – a 375 mL slushy can contain more than 13 teaspoons of sugar!
Energy drinks – the average 600mL energy drink has 13 teaspoons of sugar plus caffeine equal to 1½ shots of espresso.
Sports drinks – don’t believe the heavy marketing that these are a ‘healthy’ drink that sportspeople consume to keep hydrated. The average 600mL serve has around 9 teaspoons of sugar.
Iced tea – as refreshing as iced tea can be on a hot day, commercial drinks can contain 6 teaspoons of sugar per 500mL serve. Best to make your own, and it’s easier on the wallet!
Flavoured water – don’t be fooled by ‘flavoured water’, some varieties still contain 5 teaspoons of sugar per 500 mL serve.
Tap water – with zero sugar it’s the healthiest drink choice and best of all it’s free!
Sip smarter
So rather than reaching out for a sugary drink try these ideas:
- Water flavoured with slices of lemon, cucumber, strawberries or mint. You could even add some berries or cucumber slices to a bottle of water and freeze.
- Milk blended with frozen fruit such as our berrylicious smoothie or our green smoothie are refreshing choices packed full of protein, calcium and vitamins.
- Make a pot of herbal tea (with no added sugar) in the morning and once cooled, keep in the fridge ready to drink.
- Fruit and vegies are full of fluid, so on hot days try oranges, watermelon, rockmelon or cucumber sticks.
- Frappes made with ice and blended frozen fruit make for a nice treat and are also packed with fibre.
Road Safety Tips
