Program helps caregivers strengthen connections with children - and each other

Mental wellness and self-care are two things that often fall to the bottom of the ‘to-do’ list for many parents and childcare providers.

But a program offered by the Early Childhood Development Association of PEI is helping Island caregivers make the time they need to nurture the well-being of not only the children under their care but themselves, too.

“Well-being is part of overall health,” says Jayne Crane, coordinator of Handle With Care, a program that promotes the social and emotional wellness of children from birth to age six.

“It’s about how we think, feel and behave. How we cope with the ups and downs of everyday life. How stress affects us.”

Handle With Care is an eight-week program funded by the Department of Education and Lifelong Learning. It celebrates parenting and caregiving while recognizing the value of every parent, caregiver and child.

The program aims to provide participants with a common set of values and approaches that help nurture the social and emotional well-being of young children, says Crane.

However, it’s often the wellness of the program’s moms, dads and caregivers that comes into focus, too.

“Maintaining your own mental health as a parent is vital and the most commonly overlooked issue,” says Jennifer Giddings, a mother of two who enrolled in Handle With Care last fall with her husband.

“When we become parents, we push our own needs aside and it was important to be reminded that it’s okay to take a minute or an hour for yourself.”

Giddings says her favourite part of the weekly sessions was being able to talk freely with the other parents and the program’s facilitators in a safe and welcoming environment.

She was surprised how quickly everyone got comfortable and opened up to one another—an important aspect of caregivers’ wellness, especially during these changing times when staying connected can be challenging.

“Having the chance to have this dialogue with other parents and take the time to talk and think through the topics discussed was such a positive experience.” 

Crane says the program helps caregivers build trust and connections with their little ones, too.

“Participants report being able to better help the children in their lives in expressing and navigating emotions, both positive and negative ones.”

They also report a renewed understanding of making time for themselves, she says.

Pushing aside the “mom guilt” of feeling the need to do everything for everyone was one of her biggest challenges, says Giddings.

However, the program reminded her that taking care of herself is just as important as taking care of her family. And it gave her the space and time to do just that.

“It was an amazing opportunity to have a few stress-free and child-free hours in the evening while being able to sit, talk and learn with other parents.”

Giddings recommends the program to anyone looking to further develop their parenting skills.

“It is never too late or too early to forge or strengthen our connections with our children.”

Handle With Care programming is delivered 24 times throughout the year and is offered in early learning and family resources centres, mental health organizations, and community programs across the province.