In a regional town on the Cassowary Coast, Rosie, a busy mum of three, is on a journey of parental growth with the VPG Every Family program, gaining knowledge and strategies as she navigates the complexities of parenting.
In Rosie’s household, there’s never a dull moment. With a lively 6-year-old, a fearless 3 and a half-year-old, and a spirited one and a half-year-old, each day is a whirlwind of activity and care. Her children, characterised by their adventurous spirits and boundless energy, keep her on her toes, while her husband’s FIFO work schedule often places her as the primary caregiver.
Juggling school, daycare, extracurricular activities, and medical appointments for her child who lives with autism and is nonverbal, Rosie’s schedule is nothing short of demanding. Yet, amidst the chaos of daily life, she recognised the need to equip herself with the tools and strategies to effectively address her children’s behaviours.
Turning to Every Family, Rosie engaged in online workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions, delving into the nuances of responding to behaviour with the guidance of Every Family Officer, Kate. These sessions provided Rosie with invaluable insights into understanding her children’s behaviours and implementing positive strategies to encourage desirable outcomes.
One of the key takeaways for Rosie was the diverse perspectives offered within the program, particularly regarding the “parenting trap” – the inadvertent reinforcement of undesirable behaviour. She has also come to recognise the importance of tailoring her strategies to suit each child’s unique needs.
Reflecting on her experience with the program, Rosie expressed her gratitude for the flexibility afforded by the online delivery format, which works with her busy lifestyle and regional location. She commended Kate and lauded the support received with a resounding “10/10 rating”, emphasising its profound impact on her parenting journey.
“I think every parent should do this program,” Rosie asserts, “because the more knowledge you have, the more positive impact, not only for your child or children but for yourself as well.”
