Programs & Services > Counselling > Connecting Families > Frequently Asked Questions
Community Parenting Education
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happens during Connecting Families group sessions?
- What are Connecting Families' benefits?
- Who leads the workshops?
- How long does it take to complete a Connecting Families program?
- How do I register for Connecting Families?
- Is Connecting Families offered in other languages than English?
- Where is Connecting Families offered?
What happens during Connecting Families group sessions?
Parents group:
During the session, parents have the opportunity to share their concerns
and connect around common challenges. All participants have the opportunity
to contribute their wealth of knowledge and experience to other group
members, together building on strengths and broadening their parenting
tools/skills.
Each week through large and small group discussion, watching short video clips, role plays and other creative tools, parents have the chance to look at advantages and disadvantages of a variety of parenting ideas and strategies. Using individual strengths, group sharing and Connecting Families resources, parents have the opportunity to create solutions which feel right for their family.
The group process helps parents build confidence in their skills and handling challenges. Parents also develop a supportive parent network.
Children’s group:
Through activities and play, the children’s group, builds social
skills; which are then generalized to relationships with peers, siblings
and support parental efforts to implement new child management skills
at home. Core social skills are introduced: dealing with feelings such
as anger, frustration, sadness, following instructions, listening,
sharing, focusing on positive behaviour and problem solving.
What are Connecting Families’s benefits?
Parenting is the single most important task any adult “takes
on” in his or her lifetime – yet this is a job for which
most of us receive little, if any, preparation or training. Connecting Families
provides practical ideas and direction for parents wanting to “update” their
parenting skills. These include:
- listening and talking effectively with your children
- encouraging co-operation regarding chores, mealtimes, school work, etc.;
- handling stressful situations without conflict
- promoting positive relationships among brothers and sisters;
- finding solutions for problem behaviour
Connecting Families also encourages parents to:
- network with other parents
- find out about community activities / resources;
- support one another.
Who leads the workshops?
Connecting Families is made available through FST’s Counselling Service which is staffed by professional social workers trained at the Master’s Degree level and with many years of experience counselling families through a wide range of difficulties.
How long does it take to complete a Connecting Families program?
Connecting Families groups run from 6 – 8 weeks. Group sessions last for approximately 2 hours.
Is Connecting Families offered in other languages than English?
Connecting Families parenting programs are offered in the following languages: English, Spanish, Cantonese, and Farsi.
How do I register for Connecting Families?
There are two ways of registering in the program:
- Call the Service Access Unit at 416-595 9618 to get the
contact information for a Connecting Families group closest to you .
- Check our on-line schedule and see if there is
a group starting in your area and call the contact person for more information
There is no fee for attending Connecting Families groups.
Where
is Connecting Families offered?
The program is offered at several locations in Toronto. For current schedule and location, go to Connecting Families groups schedule and locations page.
