Tamara’s Story
What is one key thing you’ve learnt through Kids Matter?
I’ve learnt that we should not be embarrassed of ourselves when we think that we are a bad parent. Everybody has a different style and we learn in different ways, in different styles, how to connect to our children even when we think we can’t do it anymore.
Can you name one practical way in which family life has changed for you?
Implementing rules. There are certain times that we don’t appreciate the times that we spend with our children. Sometimes we spend more time with the TV or with our phones and we don’t understand that our children need our attention.
I’ve implemented this rule where my child has a limited time of screening, but I do that as well. And we’ve been spending much more time together, which has helped us build a better connection for both of us.
What is it about the Kids Matter programme that you like most?
I think it’s the fact that you can be open and you have different mums with different experiences – so you’re not alone. It’s the sharing and the caring as well, that helps you: “Oh, do you know what she did?” I’m going to try it as well. And then it actually works. So it’s having tips that you actually can find online, but you would never implement because you’re just not sure. It’s just amazing being able to share in a very good environment.
What would you say to a parent who’s thinking about doing Kids Matter?
I totally recommended Kids Matter. It made my life easier because it’s not only implementing rules, it’s the overall experience of making yourself happier because your child can only be happy if you’re happy too. All this love and caring between each other that you also learn to give out to your children.
It’s just amazing.