A campaign that provides support and advice to parents of young children living in Wales, has launched a nation-wide search for four inspirational families to share their parenting stories.
Parenting. Give it time shows how encouraging and praising children for good behaviour is more effective than doling out harsh punishments for challenging behaviour. The campaign has previously featured TV and cinema advertising, but its latest phase involves recruiting real Welsh families to share their personal experiences of the joys and challenges of bringing up a young family.
From now until the 31st August 2017, parents of children aged 0-5 will be invited to nominate their families to take part. A panel of judges will then select four families who will participate in a professional photoshoot, before sharing their personal experiences of life as parents of young children through photographs, videos, short stories and posts on the campaign’s website and Facebook page.
Details of how to nominate yourself and your family to be part of the campaign can be found at www.giveittime.gov.wales/faceofparenting
Applications are being invited from across the length and breadth of the country, from families who represent the full range and diversity of backgrounds, cultures and ages, including those with newborns, to families with one, two or lots of kids. Families with mum and dad, mum and mum, or dad and dad; with lone parents, grandparents or other carers, as well as families raising disabled children or disabled parents raising families, are all being encouraged to apply.
The campaign stresses the importance of parents giving children their time, investing in their development and consistently working on their relationship. The Welsh Government hopes that through reading the personal accounts of real families, other parents in Wales will learn from their experiences and be able to apply their tips and solutions to their own situations.
“There is no such thing as a perfect parent and every family unit is unique, but we wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate the diverse range of parents across Wales that are building positive relationships with their children,” said Carl Sargeant, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children.
“It’s human nature to be interested in other peoples’ experiences and stories, so by providing this platform for real families to get directly involved in the campaign, we can demonstrate how positive parenting techniques are being used up and down the country and how both parents and children are benefiting as a result.”
Parenting. Give it time was first launched in 2015, with a dedicated website, Facebook page, booklet and advice sheets offering tips and information for parents. It suggests ways to take some of the stress out of everyday family activities, such as bed time, bath time and the weekly food shop. The website deals with specific issues, including toddler tantrums and potty training, and addresses the challenges associated with a child’s development, from birth to five years.
