The Prairie South School Division is once again putting on The Incredible Years program.
The 12-week program is designed for parents of children aged five to 12 who struggle with emotion regulation, intense emotions, difficulty making decisions, outbursts, aggression, impulsivity, and/or defiance.
"It was originally designed for children with ADHD, ODD, any type of big behaviours was the original intent for the program. However, it’s an excellent program that helps parents manage difficult behaviours that maybe aren’t as severe as well,” said Prairie South School Division Advocacy and Behavioural Consultant and co-facilitator of the program, Lorelei Rendall.
The program will equip parents with tools and strategies to support their child’s growth, development, behaviour, and school success.
Starting on Sept. 24, The Incredible Years is held every Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindale School. The program is facilitated by Rendall and Prairie South School Division Advocacy and Behaviour Consultant, Kirsten Lawson Knoop.
Parents will explore new topics throughout the 12 weeks, including building a strong parenting relationship and learning how to effectively support their child.
"And then we move on to things like coaching, emotion regulation, rules and routines, schedules, and we keep going up each week adding on new strategies that support a healthy home environment,” explained Rendall.
The program has been running for about five years through the Prairie South School Division and was previously hosted by the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
For Rendall, this is her fourth year with the program. She said the program has been very successful as many groups have met independently even after the 12 weeks to provide further support for each other.
"The funny thing about groups is people are always hesitant to start but then as we near the end they don’t want it to end,” Rendall said.
“It’s not easy coming into a group, we recognize that, but actually coming and learning alongside other parents and building that sense of community and that sense of trust and understanding is huge. We know when our parents do better, our families do better."
For more information or to register, email lawsonknoop.kirsten@prairiesouth.ca. There will be limited childcare space available on a first-come, first-served basis.