Six of the graduates of a two-day parenting workshop at Wairarapa Safer Community Trust with youth coach Abby Cooper, left, and Sam Williams, the co-ordinator of Proactive Parenting Services at Wairarapa Safer Community Trust, right. PHOTO/EMILY IRELAND

Emily Ireland

Six young mums have taken their parenting skills to the next level, graduating from a two-day course run by the Wairarapa Safer Community Trust.

The programme, Positive Tools for You and Your Child, was delivered by Sam Williams, the co-ordinator of Proactive Parenting Services at Wairarapa Safer Community Trust, based in Carterton.

She was assisted by youth coach Abby Cooper.

Six teenaged mums took part in the course at the end of last week and learned about and discussed all aspects of bringing up their children, exploring topics like brain development, child safety, stress management, and play.

Williams said it was an “awesome group of young ladies” who were very honest, open, and embraced the challenge of upskilling as a parent.

Peaches Matthews-Northover, 16, said she recommended that every parent do the course.

She has a 10-month-old son named Hoani.

“I learned about parenting strategies, and how the brain develops in certain situations; we also learned about shaken baby syndrome and how it can affect the baby’s life.”

Another teen mum Mackenzie Thompson said the course offered her great support. She has a four-month-old daughter called Stevie, who was born 10 weeks premature.

“I learned about brain development and about how my baby’s development is very special, especially in the first three years.”

The young mums were gifted hats and teddies for their babies, donated from Red Cross and the Salvation Army respectively.

The course is done as part of their support from Youth Service.