For 20-year-old Heather Fryk the Powerful Moms and Super Dads seminar held last Saturday was an opportunity to reach into a parenting toolbox she didn’t even know existed.
Fryk, the mother of eight-month-old Emerson, a sweet little boy with an engaging toothless grin, held her baby through most of the sessions, but when he became too restless and wanted to check things out, helpful volunteers were there to take over for a few minutes.
The young mom said she found the session entitled ‘Kids Have Stress, Too’ to be most helpful.
“I found out he gets stressed too, even though he’s little,” she said.
Fryk said she learned about the sessions from her mother who had seen poster advertising the event.
“She thought it would be a good idea for me and it was. I would definitely go again. There’s lots of pressure to be a parent and it was certainly helpful.”
Fryk plans to take an on-line course at Red Deer College and stay home with her baby.
Debbie Oostindie, program co-ordinator for Sylvan Lake Early Child Development Coalition said she very much enjoyed the program.
“Leanne and her team did an amazing job. Not only did she have great speakers, but the whole atmosphere was welcoming and child friendly.”
Leanne Evans, program co-ordinator for Sylvan Lake Early Child Development Coalition who organized the event, said she is pleased with the feedback received from those in attendance.
The only downside of the workshops was the attendance which was smaller than anticipated.
“Parenthood is getting more demanding all the time and it’s good for parents to know they are not alone,” said Evans. “Suggestions as to how to provide kids with the best childhood which, in turn, leads to strong, resilient adults for the next generation are always helpful.”
The workshops could not have been held without the help of community groups and volunteers who stepped forward to help out.
The Bluffton 4-H Club set up, cleaned up and helped out wherever they could.
“They really are a great bunch of kids,” said Evans.
Rita Jordan did a great job looking after the food and Michelle Service took great pictures, she noted. Subway donated the cookies and the barbecued pork loin was donated and barbecued by Keyera Corp.
Volunteers from Parent Link and the Nursery School provided childcare and Rimbey librarian Jean Keetch was the master of ceremonies.