Mellow Parenting
Mellow Parenting is a 14 week, one day a week group designed to support families with relationship problems with their children under 5 years of age. Separate Programmes have also been developed for infants, toddlers, fathers and grandparents. Mellow Parenting combines personal support with video and direct work with parents and children on their own parenting problems. Emphasis is placed on working with strengths through a structured format.
The Mellow Parenting program is:
For families who are experiencing significant parenting or relationship difficulties, including child protection concerns. The program is ideal for parents who may be struggling with family vilence, mental health problems or difficulties with their extended family or family of origin.
There are no costs for families referred to the Mellow Parenting programme, however referrals must include all of the following criteria:
• Participants must reside in the Counties Manukau DHB area at the point of first contact.
• Participant must be the primary caregiver of child younger than 5 years of age on the day of consent.
• Participant must be aged over 16 years on the day of consent.
• Participant must want help with parenting. She must consent to group participation and cannot be referred as a result of court order.
• Participant must have at least one child under the age of 5 years.
Participants can expect:
• Personal group for parents while children are supported in children’s group within the preschool.
• Transport provided to and from the group.
• Shared lunch time for children, parents and staff.
• Lap games and songs to promote mutual enjoyment.
• Individual analysis of video tape of family mealtime.
• Activities and outing to practice new skills and build a repertoire of skills.
• Structured parenting workshop.
• “Homework” to reinforce new skills.
Effectiveness:
Mellow Parenting is an evaluated programme which has been shown to be effective in engaging hard-to-reach families with children under fi ve, and in helping them make changes in their relationships with their children
• Mother child interaction
• Child behavior problems
• Mother’s well being
• Mother’s effectiveness and confi dence in parenting
• Children’s language and non-verbal abilities
These changes have been shown to be sustained over a eighteen month follow-up in overseas based programmes. The ATWC Mellow Parenting program is part of a Counties Manukau District Health Board initiative.
Contact
For more information about the Mellow Parenting please contact one of the ATWC Mellow Parenting Facilitators at ATWC.
ATWC Mellow Parenting Facilitators
10 Beatty Street,
PO Box 22-363
Otahuhu, Auckland
Tel: (09) 276-3729
Fax: (09) 276-9761
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