This was the first time the program has been offered at the centre, following a request from staff who saw a real need for extra parenting support.
Bringing Up Great Kids gives parents practical tools to understand their children more deeply, communicate with them more effectively, and build strong family relationships, especially important for parents preparing to return home after being in custody.
The dads who took part shared how valuable the experience was. One participant said the sessions encouraged him to “think mindfully about messages being sent/received in my parenting,” helping him feel more confident in his role as a father.
Another dad told us, “The teacher made the class more interactive and personal, and I was able to take the time to open up feelings, experiences and emotions.”
“The teacher made the class more interactive and personal, and I was able to take the time to open up feelings, experiences and emotions.”
Our SHINE for Kids facilitator said it was a privilege to work with this new group of dads, describing them as “really great and engaged,” and noting that even those who were hesitant at first soon felt comfortable sharing their stories.
We’ve already seen dads putting their new skills into action. During a recent visit with his son, one father remembered the program’s “iceberg analogy” (the idea that a child’s behaviour is just the visible tip, with unseen emotions and struggles underneath).
Thinking of this helped him respond to his son with more patience and understanding during the visit. He told our team he was grateful for the program, especially with his release just a month away, and is determined to use what he’s learned to strengthen his relationship with his child.
The team at Mary Wade have been incredibly supportive throughout this pilot program, delivered by SHINE for Kids with the centre’s collaboration. This was a special one-off initiative to inform future planning.
(Some dads preferred not to be photographed, and we respect their choice.)
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