Educational Psychology for parents?

[EPea]

Hi all 👋🏻 I've lurked around Mumsnet for years but never been much of an active user. However, I'm hoping to tap into the collective wisdom that is here, to just get some opinions on a business idea I've been playing around with.

I'm an Educational Psychologist. A proportion of my work involves delivering training to school staff, to help them better understand different areas of need and think about how children could be better supported. When I deliver these sessions, I often think how useful it would be if parents had access to similar content, to help them better understand why their child might present in a certain way and walk away with some practical strategies they could use to help them. I'm wondering whether there would be a market for delivering half day workshops on a range of topics, specifically for parents. I'm imagining small-ish groups (maybe 20 or 30?) so people could chat and share experiences. Focus topics could cover emotional needs (e.g. understanding and managing anxiety, supporting children through bereavement and loss, understanding and managing challenging behaviour) or learning issues (e.g. working memory difficulties, supporting reading development, fostering a growth mindset in your child) - these are just some rough initial thoughts, there are many possible topics.

I don't want to get carried away with this idea if the demand wouldn't be there, so I thought I'd just put some feelers out. What do you think?

I'm specifically wondering:

• Do you think there would be a market for this - would you, or another parent you know be interested in attending this sort of thing?
• What might be a potential barrier to parents signing up?
• If a programme of events like this did exist, what topics would you be most interested in signing up to learn more about?

Thank you if you've read this far, I'll be really interested to hear your thoughts and receive any constructive criticism on this idea!

This sounds absolutely brilliant OP! I know in my school (small rural affluent area) the parents are really interested in this kind of thing —and many of the staff could do with learning more— good luck!

I would be really interested in this too. Potential barriers will be cost, childcare and timing of courses for working parents.

In terms of topics, the ones you have suggested would be good. One of my daughters is being assessed for adhd and another one for learning needs. There is obviously a crossover between learning needs and behaviour so people may want to attend both.

I’ve heard EPs (both private and County employed) talk at ASD/ADHD support groups. It’s really helpful.

I think it's a great idea.

My son has dyslexia and the support we have had via school focussed on school life, but I'd like more information a bit how to support him at home, with everyday tasks, because there is huge crossover.

You could also tie with with local dyslexia groups. Admittedly, mine relies on free speakers, but 'taster' sessions could get interest.

I'd also suggest producing information leaflets etc for parents so that they come away with something, that they can refer back to.

I think it's a great idea. We have a local autism support group that runs classes for parents about the types of things you mentioned and I've found them useful as a teacher. I think there is always benefit in talking to others who might be in a similar position to yourself as a parent - even just a chance to informally talk to an EP could help with signposting parents.

I think there would be a market but for 1.5-2hr sessions not half day.

Either during school hours and/or in the evening.

We have someone local who does sessions on parenting focussing on different issues but also explaining how the brain is working etc. They're great.

This is great, thank you so much for these encouraging responses. Agree that I'd definitely need to think about timings to make sessions accessible, and I take on board the point that half a day might be a bit much for some. Thank you all, I really appreciate your input