One of Australia's leading adolescent and child psychologists, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, will present a free seminar in Taree, on Monday and in Muswellbrook, on Tuesday on 'Raising happy and resilient children'.
At a time when children and teenagers are navigating an increasingly complex world, Dr Carr-Gregg's presentation is designed to arm parents and carers with additional knowledge and the skills to support their children.
Hosted by the Diocese of Maitland- Newcastle's Federation of Parents & Friends Association in conjunction with CatholicCare Social Services Hunter- Manning the event is open to all parents and carers to attend, not just parents of children attending Catholic schools, free of charge.
Cath Garrett-Jones is the Family Engagement Officer at the Catholic Schools Office and said one of the aims of the Federation of Parents & Friends' Association is to enhance outcomes for children and young people by promoting parent education.
"Parents are the first educator of their child. They're the ones in control and responsible for guiding their children, but it's not a role they should have to navigate on their own. We're here to help," Ms Garrett-Jones said.
"We invited Dr Carr-Gregg to present as he breaks down our parenting worries in plain language, he provides information, practical ideas and strategies. He has a no-judgement approach and an engaging sense of humour," Ms Garrett-Jones said.
Gary Christensen is the Director of CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning, a not-for-profit organisation that provides counselling services from across its network of offices including in Muswellbrook, Singleton, Taree, Gloucester and Forster. He said CatholicCare's priority is to strengthen families and communities.
"Parenting has its difficulties, particularly in our increasingly complex world. Children and young people experience a range of challenges as they develop, there are some parents and carers might be more familiar with – like worrying about school, peer pressure and social skills. However, others are unique to this generation including social media, cyberbullying, and climate change anxiety," Mr Christensen said.
"This seminar is a great opportunity for parents and carers to build their understanding and skills to more confidently support children to navigate a variety of problems, develop their resilience and emotional competence," Mr Christensen said.
Principal at St Clare's High School Peter Nicholls is grateful to the Federation of Parents & Friends' Association and CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning for inviting Dr Carr-Gregg to the Manning.
"Living in a rural community our families often must travel hours for an opportunity such as this, so to have one of Australia's leading adolescent and child psychologists present in Taree is a huge coup," Mr Nicholls said.
"Some of the circumstances we face in life can be tough. Equipping yourself and your children with the tools to build resilience and maintain balance under pressure is so important. We're hoping parents and carers of school-aged children from across the community, not just Catholic schools, will come and hear from what Dr Carr-Gregg has to say," Mr Nicholls said.
The seminar will include a presentation by Dr Carr-Gregg, followed by an opportunity for parents and carers to ask questions. Psychologists from CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning will also be in attendance to provide attendees with the option to ask questions after the event, privately. RSVP is essential as tickets are limited.
Event details
Taree
Date Monday 24 February 2020
Time 6pm for a 6.30pm start, 8.30pm conclusion
Venue St Clare’s High School, Taree
Cost Free
RSVP Is essential as tickets are limited
https://bit.ly/328mnsK
Muswellbrook
Date Tuesday 25 February 2020
Time 6pm for a 6.30pm start, 8.30pm conclusion
Venue Muswellbrook RSL
Cost Free
RSVP Is essential as tickets are limited
https://bit.ly/329r5GJ
About Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
Dr Michael Carr-Greg wrote his PhD at the University of NSW on adolescents with cancer and in 1985, and founded the world's first national teenage cancer patients support group, Canteen. He subsequently moved to NZ where he became a political lobbyist for the New Zealand Cancer Society heading up the Coalition Against Tobacco Advertising and Promotion. Dr Carr-Gregg was the inaugural Director of the NZ Drug Foundation before being appointed Head of Education and Training at the Centre for Adolescent Health at The Royal Children's Hospital and an Associate Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Melbourne, where he developed and taught the Graduate Diploma in Adolescent Health and Welfare. In 2015 he was appointed the Managing Director of the Young and Well Co-operative Research Centre and developed an interest in the use of technology for building wellbeing in young people.