Parents and people working with parents will be taking part in a series of special workshops in Bradford to help boost children's confidence and overcome difficulties in life.
Organised by Bradford Council's Parental Involvement Team, the 'resilience' sessions are aimed at giving adults tips on how children and young people can 'bounce back' from a range of challenging situations, from moving house and exam stress to family or friendship breakdowns.
An event will be held in each of the five constituencies from March 8 and workshops will focus on different topics, such as encouraging children through play, managing stress and how to praise children and help them to be happy.
Writer, broadcaster and consultant on the education of young children Sue Palmer will also be talking at each event and sharing her advice.
Coun Michael Kelly, the Council's Executive Member for Services to Children and Young People, said: "These workshops will give parents and people who work with them the opportunity to discuss situations in which children and young people could face a knock back and to explore different ways in helping them tackle these situations and the effects they can have.
"They also support the district's b someone campaign which is all about making sure children and young people are given the support they need to fulfil their potential and succeed."
Pam Khan, the Council's Parental Involvement Co-ordinator, said: "The aim is to give parents and staff a deeper understanding of the term 'resilience' and to help children to be stronger when faced with upset or failure.
"As parents we can't protect children from every difficulty in life but we can help them to become stronger through the ways we talk to them and support them through life's challenges.
"Parents who are taking part will also act as peer mentors for others when they arrange smaller events like this within their own communities to help us spread the messages far and wide."
Officer/Contact
Carole Cheney
Parental Involvement Operational Officer
Telephone: 01274 433714
Media Relations Officer
Carolyne Coyle
Telephone: 01274 432400
Fax: 01274 432005
Email: press.communications@bradford.gov.uk
Date: 4.03.10
