Taking a positive approach to parenting (and grandparenting) – by Professor Matt Sanders

There’s one type of family conflict that’s very common, but not often discussed in the media: parents and grandparents disagreeing. Fortunately, the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program® can…

There’s one type of family conflict that’s very common, but not often discussed in the media: parents and grandparents disagreeing. Fortunately, the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program® can offer some new ways to handle the problem. 

Commonly, conflict between parents and grandparents occurs when: 

  • Grandparents give the child extra treats or toys even when Mum or Dad has said “no”.  They may even feel that it’s their right to do so because day-to-day discipline is no longer their responsibility, and because they’re taking on some care duties. Parents may be surprised – especially comparing what they see now with their own memories of a stricter upbringing. 
  • Grandparents want to pass on their wisdom and experience in the form of frequent suggestions, but this can seem to the parent like constant criticism. Most parents don’t like unsolicited advice and therefore may not respond well.

Parents may feel annoyed and frustrated, or even disrespected, if grandparents don’t agree with their methods of child-rearing. And grandparents may feel upset because they’re just trying to be helpful, and want the best for their family.

It may be a relief to know you’re not the only one dealing with these kinds of problems. And there are ways to bridge some of the communication and expectation gaps, and help bring everyone onto common ground when it comes to managing children’s behaviour.

In a trial of a special Triple P program for grandparents, participants reported lower levels of depression, anxiety and stress, and (not surprisingly) fewer grandchild behaviour problems. Grandparents also said they felt more confident when having conversations about delicate parenting topics with parents, and this resulted in a better relationship with their own (adult) children.  

Adjusting to new roles takes time for everyone. A step in the right direction is to think about all doing a parenting course together, (parents and grandparents), to help everyone to agree on the basic issues. 

The Queensland Government is currently funding free access to Triple P across Queensland. Programs available include one-to-one, group, online and self-help. Check the Triple P parent site for more information: www.triplep-parenting.net 

* Many school chaplains are trained to deliver Triple P in Queensland schools. ISo If this is something you’re interested in, check with your local school chaplain to find out if they are a qualified Triple P trainer. 

Posted: 11/08/2020

New SU QLD Training equips Charissa to change lives

For 34 years SU QLD has been training the next generation of youth workers through formal qualifications and internship-based programs. Through your support, we have launched a new qualification –…

For 34 years SU QLD has been training the next generation of youth workers through formal qualifications and internship-based programs.

Through your support, we have launched a new qualification – a Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care (CHC42315). We’re already hearing encouraging stories from students who have completed the qualification.

Charissa registered for the first intake of the nine-month course, which equips students with the foundations they need to work as a school chaplain.

“I loved how even though most of the course was online – the sense of community was really strong. The trainers had lots of real-life experience in youth work too, which was really valuable as a student,” says Charissa.

After graduating, Charissa secured a job as the school chaplain for St Bernard State School. She says the training equipped her with skills she is now using in her work each day.

“Probably the most useful thing I learnt was how to have effective pastoral conversations with young people,” Charissa says.

“It’s all about helping them [the young person] to think about what they want to do in the situation rather than giving them the easy answers or putting your own bias on it.

“That was huge for me because before I’d just want to swoop in, fix all their problems and be the rescuer – but it’s actually about giving them the power to make those key decisions for themselves.”

Alanna Sorrensen, SU Training’s Delivery Manager, says the new Certificate IV in Chaplaincy is a great way to get the training and qualifications you need to work effectively as a chaplain.

“The course ensures students are properly trained and equipped to provide support as a chaplain, and only takes nine months to complete,” Alanna says.

“Intakes are open all the time, with new cohorts starting every second month throughout the year.

“It’s a great option for people who want to be equipped to make a difference to the next generation.”

If you have a passion for helping young people and want to make a difference, a Cert IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care (CHC42315) may be for you!

Visit training.suqld.org.au to find out more about starting your qualification in Youth Work or Chaplaincy.

Please note: The completion of a qualification with Scripture Union Queensland (RTO 30548) does not guarantee employment in school chaplaincy with Scripture Union Queensland or other school chaplaincy employing authorities.

Posted: 4/03/2020

Training laid the tracks to save a life

Every 21 days someone commits suicide by jumping in front of a train in Australia*. This tragic statistic speaks volumes to the negative mental health epidemic our country is…

Every 21 days someone commits suicide by jumping in front of a train in Australia*. This tragic statistic speaks volumes to the negative mental health epidemic our country is up against.

For Steph Alksne and Miriam Frangakis, training they had received as part of their Diploma of Youth Work (CHC50413) with SU QLD (RTO 30548) gave them the confidence to help a stranger in the middle of a life-threatening situation.

“We were on the train home from our training day on crisis management and de-escalation when a young woman walked past us screaming,” Steph recalls. (more…)

Posted: 14/06/2019

Backpacker’s journey becomes a life of service

When Julia Creek State School chaplain Angelina was feeling lost and hopeless as a teenager in her native Germany, she met a shepherd – well, a teacher whose surname…

When Julia Creek State School chaplain Angelina was feeling lost and hopeless as a teenager in her native Germany, she met a shepherd – well, a teacher whose surname meant ‘shepherd’.

After her parents’ divorce, Angelina was searching for help to navigate her feelings of confusion and rejection. (more…)

Posted: 11/04/2019

Think you can’t learn anything new? Simon says, no!

St George State High School chaplain Simon Teunis had worked as a youth worker for years and thought there wasn’t anything left for him to learn in the field….

St George State High School chaplain Simon Teunis had worked as a youth worker for years and thought there wasn’t anything left for him to learn in the field.

His extensive experience included running youth drop-in centres, working in homeless youth shelters, and serving in a variety of youth support coordinator roles.

Simon’s wealth of experience had seen him work with young people from all corners of society.

(more…)

Posted: 28/11/2018

Daughters inspire busy dad to pursue his passion

Long-time SU QLD supporter, Greg Beech, is one busy man, but that hasn’t stopped the 55-year old from enrolling in a Certificate IV in Youth Work (CHC40413) with Scripture Union…

Long-time SU QLD supporter, Greg Beech, is one busy man, but that hasn’t stopped the 55-year old from enrolling in a Certificate IV in Youth Work (CHC40413) with Scripture Union Queensland (RTO 30548).

While the nationally recognised qualification can open doors to a variety of careers working with youth, Greg said he felt drawn to school chaplaincy after seeing how his two daughters are helping children in need.

“One of my daughters is a primary school teacher in an outer Brisbane suburb and my other daughter is a social worker for child safety,” he said.

(more…)

Posted: 18/05/2018

Mike’s mourning turned to meaning

As the Christmas lights faded on the eve of 2015, Mike McMillan entered the New Year feeling empty and directionless. Two months earlier he lost his wife, who he…

As the Christmas lights faded on the eve of 2015, Mike McMillan entered the New Year feeling empty and directionless.

Two months earlier he lost his wife, who he nursed through a five-year long battle with cancer. This very same woman was the one who saved him from a life of self-destruction, alcoholism and violence.

Suddenly, he faced a future without her – with four children to care for.

(more…)

Posted: 28/06/2017

You’re equipping students to help our rural youth 

Training with Scripture Union Queensland can take you anywhere… even to the furthest corners of Queensland. Current student, Esther Lawaniyasana, is taking her qualification a long way off the…

Training with Scripture Union Queensland can take you anywhere… even to the furthest corners of Queensland.

Current student, Esther Lawaniyasana, is taking her qualification a long way off the beaten track, working as a chaplain at Gulf Christian College in Normanton in Far North West Queensland.

(more…)

Posted: 14/09/2016

Quality training changes people

30 years ago, we embarked on a mission to invest in equipping a new generation of youth workers. Spearheaded by Ross Farley, an internship program was developed that provided…

30 years ago, we embarked on a mission to invest in equipping a new generation of youth workers.

Spearheaded by Ross Farley, an internship program was developed that provided a year-long, formal qualification primarily focussed on training for youth ministry. YMIS, the Youth Ministry Internship Scheme, was conceived and, in 1987, the inaugural class of students celebrated their graduation.

Today, the YMIS legacy continues in SU QLD Training. (more…)

Posted: 12/02/2016

Chaplain Dale trained to empower young people

Meet Dale Lawrence, Gladstone Chaplain and current Youth Work student with Scripture Union Queensland (RTO 30548). Dale loves being that person in a child’s life they can talk to…

Meet Dale Lawrence, Gladstone Chaplain and current Youth Work student with Scripture Union Queensland (RTO 30548).

Dale loves being that person in a child’s life they can talk to and receive a little hope from.

“I had one student I hung out with him for one lesson down at the bike racks at school and he was able to talk about his home life, friends at school, and why he was quite upset. Two days later the deputy principal asked me if I could sit in on a police investigation with this student. So I was there to support him. As the interview was closing the police officer asked, “if you were in an unsafe situation, name five safe adults you could trust to go and talk to, and the first answer off the bat was Chappy.”

(more…)

Posted: 15/12/2015

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Family Space is a resource-based website that’s all about nurturing the family unit.

Our mission is to equip, empower and nurture family households and church families across Australia.

Family Space seeks to support children, teenagers, parents and churches through practical resources, activities and expert advice.

We’re all about nurturing healthy families and creating healthy communities.

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