Elisha, a Malanda mother of three, soon to be joined by a new arrival, is committed to raising happy, resilient children by enhancing her parenting skills with the VPG Every Family program, and is encouraging other parents to do the same.
Recently completing Bringing Up Great Kids, a six-week program, and attending the Triple P Raising Resilient Children Seminar, both facilitated by VPG Every Family, Elisha was initially hesitant about accessing support. “When I first learned about the Every Family program, I questioned if needing help meant I was failing,” she admits. “But then I realised it’s great to have an outside village and the right tools and strategies for parenting. It’s not a sign of being broken – everybody needs a little help sometimes.”
The program has been impactful for Elisha, particularly in how she reflects on her own childhood and its influence on her parenting style. “One of the biggest takeaways for me was evaluating my childhood and its impact on my parenting,” she explains. “I’ve learned to assess what works, what needs changing, and what to leave behind.”
Elisha also valued learning how to create a safe space for her children to express their emotions, gaining a better understanding of the meaning behind their feelings and exploring new ways of communicating with them. “I used to get triggered by my children’s big feelings, but the program taught me how to manage their emotions better. We now handle these big feelings together by pausing and taking a step back, providing support rather than reacting.”
The sense of community she found through the program was another significant benefit. “I really loved hearing from the other parents. It was comforting to know I wasn’t alone. We shared our experiences and connected, finding reassurance that we’re all navigating similar challenges, even if at different stages.”
Elisha’s commitment to her parenting journey remains strong, and she is enthusiastic about continuing her involvement with the Every Family program. “Parenting is a continuous journey, and I’m always looking for new strategies and skills to support my kids,” she notes. “I encourage other parents to do the same and connect with the Every Family program.”
The VPG Every Family program supports families across the Tablelands, Mareeba, and Cassowary Coast regions, empowering them with tools and strategies to enhance children’s wellbeing and development.