I grew up in Scarborough during the 90s - a blooming young families community of average to below-average class. Income, racism and politics weren't issues I grew up being concerned about - school, health and traditions were the building blocks to my character.
Perhaps I was ignorant but it's surprising how a decade or two can propel how kids see the world today. We are still learning how to utilize and protect ourselves from information, accessibility and privacy. I believe it puts a stress on growing up and what it means to be a family.
That is why this week I'm making a donation to Parent Education Network (PEN) ~ a non-profit charity that offer courses, workshops, referrals and community networking in the Toronto area. Their instructors are parents helping parents in participatory classes, encouraged to develop tools and problem-solving skills to meet the challenges of raising children.
In the 80s, Parent Education Network started an in-house Leadership Training Program, through which our own parent educators began facilitating parenting classes. They continue to train new leaders drawn from the expertise of their parent members. Over the years, the focus has completely shifted from large-scale lectures to building sustainable parenting skills in our community by offering small and affordable classes where lively group discussions and learning from each other can flourish.
P.E.N. was founded on the philosophy of Adlerian psychology, whose approach to humanity considers the virtues of equality, respect, and democratic freedom as its guiding principles. I encourage anyone to checkout their website - it has great articles and resources.
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