After the first couple of weeks I realised I was very much there as a parent and not in a professional capacity. Although I have found the course has given me a great deal of confidence when dealing with parents at work. I have embraced Alan’s techniques to the best of my ability and found that they have made a considerable difference to my outlook of how I think about things generally and more specifically how I communicate with children, particularly my own.
I have passed on advice to parents about how to handle tricky situations with their children and also had a conversation with 1 about her low self esteem and how she doesn’t give herself enough credit. I am encouraging parents to listen to their children at any opportunity I get and hear myself saying to people ‘its about choice, you can choose….’ I am in a great position within my job to ‘spread the word’ only last week at my coffee afternoon, I was talking to parents about taking responsibility and leading by example.
As a mum it has given me the opportunity to re connect with my son, who is 18 and having a very difficult time emotionally. I didn’t think our relationship was too bad but I knew I found it hard to talk to him and understand what was going on in his head. Things are difficult still but we are talking more, he comes to me regularly to talk about what is on his mind and more recently he agreed to go and see a doctor which is something I have been asking him to consider for some time now. I also had my first real heart to heart with my 8 year old daughter last week. I know I am better able to listen now and give better responses and this is very much down to Parent Champion.
Finding my positive energy is something that I will choose to work at constantly, as I have seen definite improvements in my life and I appreciate that this is a small steps process but very much worth the effort.”
Miss T. Parent
