Starting in September, the You’re Kidding Me program will deliver a series of online workshops for Lake Macquarie parents and children to come together to reconnect, learn and be supported across a range of topics relevant to families raising children.
Expert-led talks and workshops kicks off in mid-September as part of Lake Macquarie City Council’s You’re Kidding Me program and features six online sessions.
The program, designed to improve access to health, education and family services for Lake Mac families, features a series of online information sessions to help inform and inspire parents and their children.
The program covers including family law services, children’s emotions during the current pandemic, children’s health, nature play and tips for a calm transition to school.
You’re Kidding Me workshops are free, but each session has a maximum attendance, so bookings are essential.
You’re Kidding Me Program Schedule
Family law and support services
Get to know more about Family law issues with a specific focus on your rights in parenting arrangements, legal and non-legal pathways and referrals in an interactive presentation from the Hunter Community Legal Centre.
- Thursday 14 September 2021 from 10am to 11:30am
- Presented by Hunter Community Legal Centre
- Bookings essential. Register online
Keeping your sanity as a parent
Being a parent is hard. There is a lot of pressure and stress that comes along with it and there are so many big challenges throughout the journey.
As parents, we often put our own needs last in our efforts to raise happy and healthy kids. But looking after yourself is worth it – it’s good for you and good for your children.
This workshop unpacks all things related to taking care of ourselves and keeping our sanity as parents, with handy tips and takeaways to try.
- Wednesday 15 September 2021 from 10am to 12pm
- Presented by Beam Health – Children’s Development
- Bookings essential. Register online
Supporting kids through big emotions and behaviours
As children are developing, emotions and behaviours can take all kinds of forms and, at times, are quite unpredictable and confronting for parents. This workshop will provide guidance to parents on putting their child’s behaviours into perspective; understanding what is going on with their child and learning some simple, effective strategies which will hopefully help take the frustration out of these challenging moments.
- Wednesday 15 September 2021 from 1pm to 3pm
- Presented by Beam Health – Children’s Development
- Bookings essential. Register online
Ask Me Anything Q&A about kids’ sickness on Insta
Local children’s health education platform Sick Happens will host a Q&A takeover of Council’s Instagram focusing on the skills required to navigate children’s illness with confidence and calm.
Founder Penny Blunden who is a Paediatric Nurse, will answer all your questions about children’s health, as well as provide access to additional resources to learn more.
- Tuesday 21 September 2021 from 9am – 9pm
- Presented by Penny Blunden, Sick Happens
- Follow on Lake Macquarie City Council Instagram
Play and nature
Being outdoors with infants should be idyllic. It should be a rich, engaging and sensorial experience. Yet for many parents, it can be hard to know where to start.
In this workshop, experienced educator, consultant and nature play program facilitator Nicole Halton will share simple and creative ways to get out in nature with infants and toddlers.
- Wednesday 22 September 2021 from 10am to 11am
- Presented by Nicole Halton, Inspired EC
- Bookings essential. Register online
Transition to school
Transitioning to kindergarten from day care is a significant step for your child and family. It’s also a time of change in areas of your child’s development including their physical, social and emotional wellbeing.
Whilst it is an exciting time, it can be met with hesitance, uncertainty and undue pressure for both you and your little one.
This workshop will provide you with the information you need to make this a positive and calm transition, whilst de-bunking many of the myths about what your child needs to know before school, that often lead to the stress in the first place!
- Thursday 20 May 2021 from 10:30am – 11:30am
- Presented by Kim Moroney – Primary School Educator
- Bookings essential. Register online
For more information, visit the You’re Kidding Me website.
Started in late 2012 by a local mum, Newy with Kids has grown into a thriving go-to family guide for the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter region. Parents visit the Newy with Kids website to find things to do with babies, kids and teens. Whether it’s local attractions, upcoming events, kids eat free, school holiday activities or birthday party ideas, Newy with Kids is the best website for local parents to find local kid-friendly activities and information 24/7.
