Tell me a bit about your new role?
My new role will involve running group parenting programs and providing some individual support to parents. I am trained in Circle Of Security and Bringing Up Great Kids so they will be the programs I focus on initially.
Group programs are a great way for parents and carers to share their experiences and knowledge as well as learn evidence-based strategies to support their parenting. Most groups will run for 6-8 weeks.
I have been working with parenting in some way or another for over 15 years. Early on my focus was working with young people who were at risk of homelessness, I then went on to support refugee and asylum seekers to settle into Australia.
But the last 5 or so years I have supported women and children who have been impacted by Family and Domestic Violence, its really in these roles that I was able to work one on one with mums to help them understand the impact of trauma on their parenting, their children and support to repair the child/parent relationship.
As a specialist Family and Domestic Violence caseworker and Service Lead for an after-hours service I was able to provide practical supports to women to either leave a violent relationship and start anew life or to stay in their homes safely without the perpetrator. Being child focussed helped to support an better understanding between the mother, child and other services.
My last role before NCNS was a departure from the community space, working as a Community and Stakeholder Engagement officer for a new program that aimed to grow the Home Care Workforce. It involved meeting numerous services and community members to inform them of the opportunities in Home Care for older Australians.
Parenting courses are a safe space to learn effective parenting strategies and to reflect on your own parenting. Parenting programs are not just for when things go wrong, in fact by attending groups you can help identify what is happening for a child and meet their needs before issues arise. Ideally if both parents or caregivers can attend it really helps with parenting of a child.
We have all learnt things from the way we were parented, friends and family some good and some that are outdated or just not in the best interest of the child.
By working on your own parenting practice, you are creating a stronger connection between yourself and child. In turn this creates safety for the child who will not only thrive but also come to you when they are in need.
The more we can do as a parent, especially in the first 3 years, the better the outcome for the child.
What would your best advice to parents be?
There is no such thing as perfect parenting, get the information and support you need and don’t beat yourself up about the past. There is always time to work on your relationship with children. And don’t forget to give yourself a break when you need it. Parenting is a full time job, you can’t give if you don’t take care of yourself.
What is something that you find challenging about your work?
Just the technology, I’m not a fan of computers and the online world yet its part of the world we live in.
What motivates you at work?
Meeting new people.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
Love nothing more then a walk along the beach, listening to the waves, reading a good book or catching up with family and friends.
Tell me something interesting about yourself?
I’m really interested in natural health and healing with essential oils.
What are your favourite parenting courses to teach?
Circle of Security – Parenting™ because you get great feedback from participants.
We have a Circle of Security – Parenting™ Program starting in Term 4, why would you recommend Circle of Security – Parenting™ and who is this for?
Circle of Security – Parenting™ is a great program to do in the early years, I would recommend it particularly for parents and caregivers of babies to toddlers.
I would recommend this to start the journey of parenting as it helps you reflect of your parenting and helps you to recognise and respond to your child’s need early on. This leads to secure attachment which helps your child grow and navigate life’s challenges.
To get in touch with Sussan:
0437 699 019
parenting@nepeancommunity.org.au
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To find out more about Circle of Security – Parenting™ course please see our flyer.