Parenting Skills

Mothers who enter the program have full responsibility for the care of their own children. However there is extensive support, monitoring and teaching of appropriate parenting behaviours and skills. Due to the high level of House Parent support to the mother, parenting is tailored appropriately to the age, needs and behaviours of the child and the interactions with the mother, as well as other siblings. The mothers engage in a parenting style which excludes smacking.

House Parent Observation

A major part of the House Parent role is to ensure that children are being adequately cared for through the observation of interactions between mothers and their children. The House Parent will intervene in a situation if necessary, or may suggest alternative methods of addressing issues. Mothers need to be willing and open to receiving this feedback and committed to following through on the suggestions put forward to address concerns.

Star Charts

Star Charts are a tool that Mothers use with their children to keep track of behaviours. It lists behaviours, such as manners, kindness, sharing, chores, and each morning and night the mother discusses with her child whether they have received a tick or cross for the particular behaviour. Star Charts are used with children aged 2 and above and the behaviours addressed are age appropriate and achievable for the child.

The Star Chart is a great tool to ensure that the mother is being consistent with parenting so that the children have security in what is acceptable and what is unacceptable.

Star Charts are also used as a reward system with the child scoring the highest points at the end of the week given the reward of being able to choose the meal and children's movie on Friday Night.

Nightly Routine

The nightly routine of bathing, dinner, star chart, story time and bedtime is a very important part of the day for both mother and child. It assists with the bonding and attachment process between the mother and child. It is also important in giving the child a sense of structure and consistency that they may have been missing in the past. This in turn assists with addressing any behavioural issues by the child during the day.

Meal Times

Due to the complexities of living in a community, mealtimes are structured with all mothers, children, house parents and other staff sharing meals together at a set time. Children are expected to finish the meal given to them without complaining. If they choose not to finish their meal then they wait until the next meal to eat again (i.e. If they do not finish their dinner, they do not receive dessert and do not eat again until breakfast). Children are also expected to sit at the table with the family while the meal is on and to take their cup and plate to the sink when they are finished. This can be linked to the child's star chart if necessary.

Kids Day Activities

Kids Day is a day set aside for the mothers to spend time bonding with their children. During the allocated day, the mother and child spend quality time together reading stories, baking in the kitchen, playing, painting or gardening outside, or going on an excursion for a picnic. This is a highly anticipated day of the week for both mothers and children and is also an important component of the Fresh Hope program.