Does anyone else think that parenting sessions run by the church are a bit {hmm}

[mosschops30]

ds is in catholic primary and Im catholic. This week the school newsletter mentioned a 'parenting programme' that is 'in no way to be seen as for parents who are struggling' but to 'experience the joys' blah blah 'takes a whole village to raise a child' blah blah.

The accompanying leaflet is from the Archdiocese giving more detail with other priceless quotes such as 'you have a right NOT to speak at these sessions' and 'there are no right or wrong questions'

Now I dont want an argument about faith schools or similar but does just wondered if anyone else with children at faith schools has had anything similar?

Is someone forcing you to go?
Did you somehow not understand that in a religious school there might be a small attempt to show that the religion in question is relevant to everyday life?

For God's sake!

Well, I was suppose they don't want to offend anybody.

I'm a single mum with one child on the spectrum and I was sent parenting class leaflets(not by a church though). I was a bit offended, but at the same time, I probably do struggle at times. NOT because of a gap in my parenting knowledge though. Because of practical issues such as being outnumbered by my children! 2 of them and one of me.

Anyway, I think the point I'm getting to is that they should offer the parenting classes in a way that is not condescending or prejudiced. THey shouldn't assume that they know who is struggling or why.

it could be a wealthy privileged mum of one child who has a great supportive husband, you just never know.

Not sure why they should be - you know there are qualified people of all professions in churches you know - ok it's almost certainly (being Catholic run ) got a faith element to it, but doesn't mean that there wouldn't be anything useful for parents of any, or no faith.

moondog - as usual you have completely misread my post and flown off at a tangent which is neither relevant nor true. I find you extremely tiresome as you obviously do me, so why bother!

Oh yes I dont mind the faith thing at all (obviously), its a faith school and we always attend the mass, assemblies, school meetings etc.
I just have visions of the parish priest turning up and telling us how to deal with our teenagers (lol Id love him to keep dd for a week).
Fair enough if they are run by a parenting expert who just happens to be part of the archdiocese, but I doubt this will be the case.
I totally agree that we all struggle as parents no matter where we live/work/our marital status etc etc, Im just not sure this is the right way to rectify it.
Maybe theyre just trying to get ahead of the game with offering this type of help, I just think it might be better directed elsewhere and by different people

'parenting clases' are the latest hot topic at most schools, faith or otherwise.

unless you live in a very small parish I doubt it would be the Parish priest, certainly if our church (coe) set up parenting classses the Vicar a) would steer well clear of running it as she'll be the first to admit she wouldn't have a clue about parenting at all b) wouldn't have the time. It would be someone else who has done some of the children training offered by the CoE - which judging from what I've seen covers not much less than the NVQ3/2's that deal with working with children - which often all that the people running the Sure Start parenting classes round here have.

depends on who is delivering it and what they are delivering. Parenting classes have become quite the in thing, but only a few have been developed and trialed in such a way as to make them effective (ie webster stratton). FWIW the training required to deliver such programmes is quite time consuming and intensive (not to mention expensive) and quite frankly so it should be...... Being a psychologist it's a bugbear of mine when well meaning poorly trained psuedo profesionals take on complicated issues becasue they care (not just parenting help but drugs and alcohol, eating disorders- you name it) it chews up resources, can do more harm than good and if people who engage with such classes/services have a poor experience it can put them off seeking other/more useful help.

Why not? you might pick up some tips; more likely get sense of solidarity with other parents who are probably having v. similar experiences and can laugh about the good stuff too. Might get to know extra faces at the school gate. Hopefully course will avoid hettie's concerns which should be dealt with a prof level IMO.