Parent nurturing programme – additional needs

About the programme

The Parent Nurturing Programme (PNP) – additional needs is tailored for parents who have a child with a disability or additional needs. The programme will give you:  

• ideas and strategies that you can use to help support your child when they are overwhelmed,  
• insight into why children behave the way they do, and 
• information about speaking and non-speaking communication.  

If your child has additional needs, you can often face many additional challenges in your parenting journey. You may find it beneficial to speak to other parents with similar experiences.  

The group offers great peer support, and there is an emphasis on giving you the opportunity to share your knowledge, experience and ideas with each other.   

What is covered?

• Understanding why children behave the way they do  
• Recognising the feelings behind behaviours  
• Family rules  
• Ages and stages in child development  
• Connecting and communicating with our children 
• Problem solving and negotiating  
• Finding ways to develop co-operation in children 
• The importance of looking after and nurturing ourselves  
• Building and developing self-esteem 

Practical information

It is best suited for parents of children aged 3 to 11.  

You are welcome to come to the sessions on your own or with a partner or another relative that helps care for your child. 

We can work with you in a group or individually, either online or face-to-face.  

Each session is 2 hours long with a break for refreshments.  

We recommend that you come to all 11 sessions. The programme fits together like a puzzle.  

You will be given a parenting puzzle book and other materials to support your learning over the 11 weeks. 

If attending a face-to-face group, we provide a crèche run by qualified staff. 

Our fully trained practitioners deliver the programme. They see you as the expert on your own child. These sessions are intended to be interactive.