Parent Link's fall season underway

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Parent Link playroom
C. Davis photo

Parent Link has already begun their fall season, and they have something going on every weekday, with additional programming aimed at making life better for children and parents alike.  If you go into their newly redesigned office at 688 Main Street, you will find toys, games and puzzles designed to engage children's minds and imagination, and books and magazines designed for parents.  Parent Educator and Family Support Worker Jacqui Bruns has seen younger siblings that have older brothers or sisters in grade school come to programs at "their school" with backpacks and lunch kits.  "They want to emulate what their siblings are doing, and for many, that is going to school in the daytime.  It also gets the moms to teach the younger children a routine while teaching valuable social skills like sharing," said Bruns.

Street Hockey Tournament
C. Davis photo

Even when the focus is fun, learning is key.  At the recent Street Hockey Festival held on September 10, 2011, children were learning skills of sociallizing, how to take turns, and listening for directions.  Exercise, body mechanics and team play also came to the forefront.

The parents attend the programs with their children and also learn with their child.  Not all of the education comes from the course instructors.  "This is the chance for parents to interact with other parents.  They get to share their stories with each other," explained Bruns. Although this is done in an informal way throughout all of the Parent Link programing, they have a session coming up on Wednesday, November 16 called "The Power of Positive Parenting".  This will cover a number of preset topics, and allows for open questions regarding parental concerns.

Pincher Creek has been fortunate to have a Parent Link Centre since 2005.  It provides information and support for parents and caregivers on how to assist with your child’s learning, development and health.   This group works with the community regarding the care of children from birth to the age of 18 years, with a focus on pre-school age children.  Co-ordinators Anne Grover and Diane Oczowski bring years of experience as  professionals and as parents.

To find out more about the schedule of events and programs you can visit the new Parent Link website at www.pinchercreekparentlink.com.