A national focus on strengthening parenting skills through a certification programme and workshops has been welcomed by Family Centre.

A series of prevention-focused initiatives were recently announced in Parliament.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, shared information last Friday on efforts by the Department of Child and Family Services through its Mirrors Programme that placed a strategic focus for the year on building parenting skills.

Sandy De Silva, Family Centre’s executive director, said that the non-profit organisation welcomed the approach.

“Initiatives that equip parents and caregivers with practical tools, knowledge and support play an important role in promoting healthy child development, strengthening family relationships and preventing more serious social and mental health challenges from emerging,” she said.

“Strong, supportive parenting remains one of the most powerful protective factors in a child’s life.

“While parenting today includes navigating challenges that previous generations did not face — including social-media pressures, increased exposure to harmful online content, mental health concerns and community violence — the core needs of children remain the same: safety, connection, consistency and belonging.”

The Government’s parent coaching certification training through Mirrors aims to equip identified staff members with specialised parent coaching credentials in 2027.

The programme will begin in August and end next April.

In addition to the certification course, the Mirrors Programme will partner with the Youth Mental Health Plan and Bermuda's schools to expand access to parenting support throughout the community.

Ms Furbert said that the Keys of Excellent Parenting workshops would be delivered within school communities and sports clubs, creating greater opportunities for parents and caregivers to “strengthen parenting skills, build healthy family relationships and develop practical strategies that support the social and emotional wellbeing of children and young people”.

They will run from September through to next June, providing ongoing opportunities for engagement and learning throughout the academic year.

Dr De Silva highlighted that Family Centre regularly worked with children, adolescents and families experiencing anxiety, depression, behavioural challenges, family conflict and difficulties with peer relationships.

She added: “We know that parenting does not come with an instruction manual and many caregivers are doing their very best while balancing work, financial pressures and many other responsibilities.

“Effective parenting is not about being perfect; it is about building strong relationships through open communication, setting clear and consistent boundaries, actively listening without judgment and helping children develop healthy coping and problem-solving skills.

“Parents who create safe spaces for children to talk about their experiences, emotions and mistakes are better positioned to support resilience and wellbeing.”

Family Centre provides parenting education, coaching and counselling services for children, teenagers and their families, free of charge.

One of its therapeutic summer programmes is a Back to School summer workshop for middle-school students transitioning to high school.

The workshop will be accompanied by a session for parents.

Dr De Silva said Family Centre was still enrolling students in the workshop and that a flyer would be posted on that charity’s website soon.

“By investing in parents, we invest in children and ultimately in a healthier, safer and more connected Bermuda,” Dr De Silva said.