Parent like a pro with Triple P video tips from FCSS
There’s an old adage, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” These days, videos posted online have become invaluable tools to assist Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) deliver important parenting tips and messages to families during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
“The family services team did a bunch of videos on Triple P Top 10 parenting tips for this time we’re in right now,” said Penny Pittman, FCSS family support worker.
Videos are available to view by visiting fcss.ca and navigate to the BEW FCSS YouTube channel or visit the Triple P positive parenting program website at triplepparenting.net for more information.
Pittman noted there are 10 tips and each member of the FCSS family services team created a video and expanded on each tip. “Giving examples of how it might look and ways parents or caregivers could implement them in their own families and homes.”
Pittman explained the tip she recorded is quite important for everybody and not just for children, but for adults, as well – which is learning to tolerate uncertainty. “The idea of adults and caregivers have to try their best to become better at living with uncertainty right now, because everywhere you look, we’re faced with that.”
“When we can try and do that ourselves, we can then model what that looks like to our kids. We can help them understand, we don’t understand or know everything, and it’s OK. We can still take care of them and the world is working together,” Pittman added.
It’s a good opportunity to teach some skills, including resiliency, problem solving, and dealing with emotions, according to Pittman.
Triple P released the initial tips to FCSS, Pittman said, and staff thought it might be a good idea to create videos to pass along. FCSS staff have already created and posted videos on various online platforms to reach out and share information with families. Triple P parenting tips on video, Pittman noted, are also a good way to connect with and share practical strategies parents or caregivers can use right now, when things are stressful.
Working from home has been a big transition for everyone, including FCSS staff. “I have two children, so trying to juggle home schooling with work. And doing a lot of learning about new technology,” said Pittman.
It’s kind of exciting to learn new stuff and a little bit challenging, Pittman continued. “I think parents, for the most part, seem to be handling things OK. Sometimes when we are in crisis mode, we just do what we have to do. After a while, those stressors kind of leap out. It wouldn’t surprise me if we started seeing more parents needing support in the weeks to come.”
FCSS family support worker Maria Klassen said the Triple P parenting video tips are a great resource for families to be able to access for free. “From there, they can reach out for help.” Klassen’s video tip is taking care of yourself the best you can. “Taking care of yourself comes in many forms. We have to remember each person is individual. You, yourself, will find what works best for you. The common idea of taking care of yourself was take time for yourself and your well-being.”
Working from home, Klassen said, comes with its own challenges, but what hasn’t changed is FCSS staff is available to support individuals, families, and communities. “That hasn’t changed at all.”
According to Klassen, a big thank you goes out to Triple P, as the information is evidence-based and is the program FCSS family services staff is trained in. “Many changes are happening in our world right now. Perhaps you are working from home, perhaps you are now schooling your children full-time from home. It may feel like everyone is together all the time and it is becoming overwhelming. Overwhelming feelings are completely normal and FCSS is here to help.”
COVID-19, Klassen added, represents a challenge to families around the world unlike anything we have ever experienced.
“Most parents, when confronted with a highly stressful situation like this, have a basic concern for the well-being and safety of their children. To be able to take care of our children effectively parents must also look after themselves. FCSS has many evidence and researchbased programs and resources to offer your family. This would include supports for individuals, families, children, youth, and seniors,” said Klassen.
It is entirely reasonable to feel anxious, distressed, confused, and angry at times during the current situation, Klassen continued. The following are the Top 10 parenting tips for parents and caregivers included in the posted videos. In uncertain times you can: 1) reassure your children your family is
your top priority
2) maintain every day family routines 3) have plenty of interesting things to do
at home
4) take notice of any behaviour you like 5) make sure your child knows you are
ready to talk
6) be truthful in answering children’s
questions 7) have a family plan of action and
involve children in preparing a plan 8) help your children learn to tolerate
more uncertainty
9) take care of yourself the best you can 10)try to reach out and connect with loved ones
FCSS encourages southern Albertans to apply and model the Triple P strategies and Top 10 tips into their daily lives.
For more local information contact Petra DeBow, FCSS manager, at 403795-3328 or e-mail DeBow at petra. debow@fcss.ca.