Gabriel Conversation Groups
- Imagine: a place where you find others like yourself, looking for meaning and understanding
- Imagine: a place where you can feel accepted, and encouraged to meet the challenges of parenting
- Imagine: a place where your questions are recognised, and steps are found together towards the future
Now in its 7th year this group has traditionally been held in a home setting, but we have moved to a community space at Ghilgai School, as well as starting a new group working in the inner city - around Northcote.
The groups exists to support mothers (fathers also come from time to time and they are always very welcome) in the journey of parenting with its many facets and challenges. A key aim is to provide a safe, nurturing and supportive space where mothers feel able to share their experiences, or ask questions, or just listen. While there can be poignant moments there is always a lot of laughter as well. Friendships often develop amongst participants.
Each week there is a short presentation on an aspect of child care, child development or parenting and sharing of insight gained from many years working with families. The purpose of this is to provide a context for building a deeper understanding of child development and parenting experience/ responsibilities at different stages. The philosophy that informs this work is the concept of the human being given by Rudolf Steiner and others working in the Steiner Early Childhood area, not as a prescription or dogma but as a living picture to observe and explore. There is also a seasonal/festival focus and sometimes a simple craft activity. Singing nursery rhymes or other simple children’s songs and movement begins our group. From time to time we have a guest speaker.
Cost is $50.00 a term - payable week 1.
Read Sue’s experience of the group last year – she has been a regular participant for several years.