News
31 May 2012
Side by Side mentors will learn how to use toys to teach children about compassionate communication in the next training module in July.
Mentors learn to connect the gifts of experience, wisdom, empathy and knowledge that are abundant in any Sunday Mass congregation or school meeting to families with young children and feel better equipped to walk alongside families, affirming parents in their role, and assuring them of the support of their parish community as they raise their children.
The families may not always be at Mass so the mentors take the spirit of the Eucharist to them assuring parents that they belong to a faith community that cares about them and their children. They make contact from time to time to keep reinforcing that link. And when the family needs help, the mentor can call on the skills of the parish and wider community.
Mentors may meet parents when they drop their children at school and offer a coffee and a chat but some form more official relationships, for example through a sacramental programme, keep in touch with the parents from time to time. In Upper Hutt, mentors support the mums who come to playgroup.
If you have time to spare, join a training course and learn how to support parents and children with the props available such as the jackal and giraffe toys pictured.
Saturdays July 14, August 11, September 8, 9.00am – 3.30pm in Lower Hutt. Contact Sue Devereux, (04) 496-1744.
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