My Nonprofit Reviews

I first started with Hand in Hand in the late 1980's. It was the thinking about children and parents that resonated with me 100% - and I'm astute when it comes to this topic. I wanted to learn and to reach other parents with this amazing, revolutionary and effective approach. One of the qualities I loved and value and stood it in good stead with me, was the consistency of the approach. For example, there was the insight about the importance of children feeling connected that was consistent with the tools that address off-track behaviour - there was no 'ignoring tantrums' or 'sending a child to their room to 'think about' what you've done'. While setting limits is key in the approach, the Setting Limits tool is about moving towards a child, bringing them in, and bringing ourselves to them as we set the limit. A challenge to be sure - that is addressed by teaching parents how to engage in Listening Partnerships with each other. In these Listening Partnerships (and Support Groups) they can face the emotional challenges of setting limits, of listening to a child who is releasing emotions mightily (eg when 'No' is held) and of the whole host of other issues for parents Not the least of these challenges is the lack of societal support for the work of parenting. Hand in Hand recognises this disrespect for parents right up front and recognises it as the source of parental guilt, exhaustion, isolation and confusion - for a start. As a Certified Instructor of Hand in Hand Parenting, this is the first thing I talk with parents about in a class or a talk. I extend a heartfelt, respectful 'thank you' for their hard work and recognise that they are doing the most important job in the world - one that goes largely unrecognised by the society that counts on them. There are usually tears all round because it counters the internalised blame parents carry for their - imagined - failings. But, parents' struggles are not parents' fault. Society as a whole must address this fundamental issue. This is not a platitude; it's critical to world change; to a better, more human world society.

I am happy and proud to part of the Hand in Hand movement that is here to bring some of the much-need respect and resource to parents and children that they need and deserve.

Ann Hefferan, Adelaide, South Australia