The idea for the Becoming Parents project came from a series of civil conversations between parents in different European countries who in many ways face similar difficulties. We recognized that, although we have different parenting patterns, different parenting strategies, different ages and circumstances, and even our children are not necessarily the same age - we have something in common. Parenthood is certainly one of the most defining aspects of our lives, and it affects every other aspect of life. If we are comfortable with it, because we can choose the right framework within which to run the family, parenthood can give us wings. However, if we misjudge our own strengths, energies and personality, and place unrealistic expectations on ourselves for the sake of our children, we can put a heavy burden on ourselves by parenting. The aim of the project is to empower young men and women in their role as parents. Parenting education is achieved through the use of positive psychology, emotional intelligence and literacy tools, using methods from three areas - storytelling, drama education and symbolwork. Parenting is a basic importance for the society as a whole, as good parenting is the base for everything in the early childhood development. We would like to develop the soft skills of current and future young parents.
Tools will be designed using methods of positive psychology, symbolwork, emotional intelligence and mindfulness as well as coaching, character education and motivational techniques (drama). The Resource Guide will consist tools for professionals and the Parental Guide has ideas directly for young parents. We will write a syllabus and organise a transnational training for professionals and local training events for professionals and young parents in person or online.
Professionals who participate in our training sessions and use the Resource Guide should be able to support young and prospective parents through practical exercises. The soft skills of young parents who use the Parental Guide and participate in our trainings should develop in the targeted areas, increase their confidence and develop their self-awareness.
