Course helps family restore harmony

Attending a Strengthening Families course was all it took to restore a little harmony to the lives of this Mynyddygarreg family.
Fiona and Chris Woodward, who live with Daniel, 14, Nathan, 12, Frances, eight, and Leah, four, feel that the advice and support offered during the course has helped make a real difference to the way they live and communicate with each other.
The family attended a Strengthening Families course at Ysgol Glan Y Mor, Burry Port, after it was suggested they may benefit from meeting other families with children of the same age and experiencing similar family pressures.
Over seven weeks, they covered various aspects of family life – from looking at different ways to communicate with one another better to peer pressure and approaching behavioral issues from a different angle.
Whilst Fiona, Chris, and the two boys took part in group discussions and activities, the younger girls were able to enjoy play sessions.
As part of the sessions, parents and children are faced with every day family issues, and asked to express their feelings about how things could be improved, whilst being supported to recognise any characteristics within their own families which may contribute towards anxieties and conflict.
Parents and children are asked to work in separate groups, but are brought back together in the second part of the session to discuss – as a family – a new way forward.
It is this approach that Fiona and Chris feel has made a massive difference to their family life.
“It can be difficult in a big family with children of various ages to ensure everyone is getting along,” said Fiona.
“It was nice to meet other families in the same shoes and realise that we were not alone! That was a massive help in itself – to know that it is perfectly normal and to get different takes on approaches to make positive changes.
“We also found that being able to see things from the perspective of the children was a massive help – it has made a real difference to the way we approach things at home. And even at school we are seeing a difference. The boys’ teachers have seen a marked improvement.
“But it hasn’t happened overnight – it’s an ongoing process. Now, if there’s a problem, we’ll hold a family meeting and give everyone a chance to have their say to see if we can work things out together.”
The Strengthening Families Programme is facilitated locally by Carmarthenshire County Council and Action for Children, as part of a research trial funded by Cardiff University.
It aims to support families to achieve changes in family functioning and also helps young people to develop new skills to resist peer pressure, manage stress, and setting goals.
Families with children aged between 10 and 14 can take part, with childcare and activities provided for younger children.
So far, eight programmes have, or are being, delivered, with up to 12 families taking part in each.
The council is currently evaluating the programme with a view to running similar programmes to local families.
Fran Dixon, Strengthening Families Coordinator, said: “Becoming a teenager can be a challenging time for young people and parents alike. The Strengthening Families Programme has been proven to support parents and young people through this time of change.
“The Strengthening Families approach provides an opportunity to make positive changes before problems escalate.”
For further information about the Strengthening Families programme, contact Fran Dixon, on 01554 744377, or email frances.dixon@actionforchildren.org.uk