Those graduating on Thursday March 23 came from all over to

• Published date: 05 April 2023
• Publication title: Southern Mail

During the course, parents and caregivers realised that their method of parenting stems from how they were raised as children – and that that method may not always be effective for their own children

The Parent Centre, located in Wetton Road, Wynberg, was established 40 years ago as a project of the Cape Town Child Welfare Society.

It was started as a primary prevention project to reduce the incidence of child abuse through the promotion of positive parenting and effective child management practices that would enhance the well-being and self-esteem of parents and children.

The project grew into a branch of the Cape Town Child Welfare Society. In 1997, it became an independent, registered non-profit organisation (NPO).

Kaashifa King, resource developer, counsellor and parent education facilitator, explained: “Our first priority is to help parents feel heard, accepted and validated and to (then) create a safe environment free of judgement so that they can empower themselves to have homes which are calmer, where families listen to each other, spend time with one another and are able to communicate effectively when faced with challenges.”

Ms King added: “Raising children can at times feel difficult, so we try to instil hope and confidence in parents. The training is intense and can be overwhelming, however, those who complete it, walk away with a renewed understanding of themselves and with improvements in their relationship with not only their children, but spouses, extended family and colleagues as well.”

The parents and caregivers who attended the course at the centre’s office in Wynberg shared how they have gained a new perspective on how to parent.

Adriaan Jacobs said when he set foot in the workshop he was a bit sceptical.

“At first I was not very happy to do the course, as there were not a lot of males but every meeting made me more positive, taught me a lot.

“I thought some days that I was a good parent, and other days that I was a bad parent. But at the end of the day, I have learnt that we are all human. None of us are bad parents – just different upbringings and different circumstances.”

Mr Jacobs said the course broadened his mind when learning new skills. “The classes gave us more and better skills, which help us to adapt with our children in their different stages of growth. Even skills we can use in our social lives and in the workplace.”

Busisiwe Matola said the training helped her a lot as she used to often be short-tempered but “now I can...