MacKillop runs a range of parenting courses throughout the year, designed to support families to build strong and positive relationships. These courses are delivered through a mixture of online and face to face parenting groups and 1:1 sessions.
All courses aim to help parents and/or carers:
- build better communication skills with their child
- understand the different ages and stages for emotional development
- raise independent, self-motivated children
- build positive self-esteem for healthy social development.
This service is only for residents of the western suburbs of Melbourne.
Available courses
Courses are long term commitments, six to eight weeks in length.
Circle of Security
In-person course
Circle of Security is an evidence-based program that aims to strengthen the parent-child bond, allowing parents to be better equipped to read and respond to their child’s cues and form a secure attachment. For parents with children six months to six years.
Tuning in to Kids
In-person course
The Tuning into Kids program helps parents, grandparents, and carers of children 3- 10 years ‘tune in’ and improve communication and connection with their kids.
Tuning into Teens
Online course
The Tuning into Teens program helps parents, grandparents, and carers of children 11- 18 years ‘tune in’ and improve communication and connection with their young person.
Tuning into Kids
Online course
The Tuning into Kids program helps parents, grandparents and carers of children 3- 10 years ‘tune in’ and improve communication and connection with their kids.
Watch Now
One hour videos which can we viewed on demand.
The Power of Play
For parents/carers of children aged two - 12 years.
Discover how to offer your child the opportunity for 'true play' and thrive with the social, emotional, cognitive and physical benefits.
In this video we help you reframe what constitutes as play, changes you may need to make and steps you can take to make play a little easier to engage in every day.
The New Age Parent 'Managing Screen Time'
For parents/carers of children aged three - 11 years.
This video explores how to incorporate technology into your household without it taking over play, connection and sleep time. As technology forms a large part of modern life, we cannot resist screens in our home but must learn to artfully manage them for each developmental stage. Discover how to keep screens from taking over and transition away from screens without the meltdowns.
The Informed Parent 'Managing Challenging Behaviour'
For parents/carers of children three - 11 years
Finding your home to be a battle ground with acting out, tantrums or uncooperative behaviour? This video offers insight into the developing brain and how to use this understanding to guide and nurture your child in more harmonious ways. Moving away from punishment and towards fostering learning, this video explores the ‘why’ of children’s behaviour, leading us to ‘how’ we can best respond.
Understanding the Teenage Brain
For parents/carers of young people 11-18 years
This video helps to explain the changes to the teenage brain, giving insight into why teens act as they do and how you can best respond to offer more support and foster a stronger relationship. With an understanding of what's happening for your teen on the inside, you'll be in a better position to interpret their behaviour from the outside.
Overcoming Separation Anxiety
For parents/carers of children six months to 10 years.
Are you struggling with day care drop off? Finding mornings to be filled with tears and long goodbyes to head off to school? This video helps explore the anticipated stage of separation anxiety and helpful things you can do to better prepare your little one for times away from you.
Can't find what you are looking for?
Other course providers
If you can't enrol in the course you're after with us, please see here for other low and no cost course providers in Melbourne.
Frequently asked questions about Parenting Education
When are your next parenting courses?
Please subscribe to the mailing list to be emailed when new courses and workshops become available. All emails will be redirected back the mailing list.
Is there a cost to attend MacKillop's courses and workshops?
No, all parent education is free of charge.
Who can attend MacKillop's Parenting courses?
Residents of the western suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, living in one of the following local government areas: City of Melbourne, Melton City Council, Brimbank City Council, Maribyrnong City Council, Hobsons Bay City Council or Wyndham City Council.
What if I live outside of the western region?
Please look at the link 'Other Course Providers' document above where you can likely find other organisations to support you.
What do I do if I cannot attend the course or workshop dates offered?
Join our mailing list above and receive communication from us when new course dates become available.
Do I need a referral to join?
No, you are welcome to register to the courses and workshops directly.
What if the topic or age range I'm interested in isn't listed?
Please note your details in the Join The Mailing List section and let us know what you would like to see us host in the future.
I am just learning English. Are there courses suited to me?
All courses are delivered in English however handouts and resources can be provided in multiple languages. Please contact us directly to discuss further.
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