“The other big difference I’ve seen is with enrolments into three- and four-year-old kinder programs. We’ve been able to help parents know the difference between the two programs and also discuss the differences between stand-alone kinders and long daycares so parents can decide what’s right for them.”
Smalltalk is a free playgroup with a program that’s been designed to help parents be their best selves. It’s a set of evidence-based strategies that can be used to provide an environment for kids to thrive in. Her role, Tiffany assures, is to provide guidance to goals that parents who attend the sessions set.
“Parents are a child’s first teacher and smalltalk just want to help both parents and their kids to thrive.
“I know I wouldn’t like it if someone came in and started telling me how to parent. That’s not what I do, that’s not what the program is about. It was developed to promote parent and child interactions. Our sessions provide the time, space and resources for families to come along and have that quality time together, all while meeting other people and potentially making lifelong friendships.”
The relaxed sessions also provide the chance for parents to have a debrief with others in the same boat, all over a cup of coffee and some morning tea.
“While group settings can be daunting, quite often parents will end up sharing information with each other about how they’re handling a particular stage with their child and it’s just so rewarding to help facilitate that conversation and to see parents realise they’re not alone in what they’re experiencing,” Tiffany says.
Term 3 is about to kick off in the Bendigo region and spots are still available.
“We’ve got sessions in Kangaroo Flat, Ironbark, Eaglehawk, Long Gully and we’ve just started running sessions in White Hills too.
“This term we’re going to be focusing on zones of regulations and helping parents understand their child’s emotions, especially since most children don’t know what emotion they’re feeling.”
For more information on smalltalk supported playgroup contact Tiffany:
Text: 0498 642 909
More smalltalk
What can parents/families expect during a smalltalk session?
I like to welcome families into a nurturing and stimulating environment, especially new families. We’ll chat about strategies parents are already using, if any, and their goals, and then I’ll explain some of smalltalk’s strategies and offer encouragement on when they can be used. If families want to come with specific questions that’s great, if they just want to come for social interaction and to see what it’s all about, that’s also great. I’m here to help. I’ve also created a calendar of events to celebrate with families, things like book week, and that just makes the learning environment extra fun and exciting for everyone.
How does smalltalk playgroup differ from other playgroups?
We’re different to other playgroups because I can provide ongoing support with referrals etc. We have local services come share information with families too, people like speech therapists, dentists, maternal and child health nurses and even librarians.
What are the benefits of attending a supported playgroup?
Perhaps the biggest thing is that we provide everything families need to have fun with their kids while they’re playing and learning. Give me your time and I can give you the space and resources to have fun, quality interactions with your kids. Families are also able to meet other families who may be in the same or similar circumstances, and that’s always comforting for everyone.
What do you love about being a smalltalk facilitator?
I love the connections that I create with families. I love being able to support parents who just want their kids to learn and grow and develop social skills and just be happy. It’s so amazing to be able to provide children with experiences that enable all that.
What would you say to someone who isn’t sure smalltalk is for them?
I always say this, but it’s so important, I’m not here to parent families or their children, I’m here to provide support and guidance. Parenting is hard and I really just aim to increase parents’ confidence through guidance and support of their goals for their children and themselves.
