Learn about 'Parenting with Confidence' at Dublin City Libraries
Dublin City Libraries are addressing the realities of modern parenting with a series of workshops and events this April.
With schoolchildren still off on their Easter holidays , many parents, carers, and families will be looking for some extra guidance on how to deal with challenges that come with supporting a child. Whether it’s helping with early language development through song or coping with a neurodivergent diagnosis, there's a unique programme of works across Dublin libraries all available for free.
‘Parenting with Confidence’ is a year-long programme aimed at helping parents feel informed, empowered, and supported. Through workshops, talks, and interactive activities, the series will bring together child development experts, health professionals, food educators and fellow parents to explore key parenting themes.
On Saturday April 18 at 11am, parents and guardians can attend ‘Sing and Sign’ at Inchicore Library, where Coru registered Senior Speech and Language therapist Caitriona Geraghty will offer guidance to the parents of children in the beginning stages of language development. Caitríona will speak about how and why singing and signing can support early language development.
“We will sing and sign some familiar nursery rhymes together and you can leave with the confidence and know-how in going forward with your own sing and sign sessions at home!” the event page stated. Catriona will also deliver this workshop at Charleville Library on Saturday April 25 at 11am.
Recent figures from Neurodiversity Ireland suggest that up to 20% of the Irish population is neurodivergent. With more families receiving an autism or neurodiversity diagnosis than ever before, there is a growing demand from them for practical advice on how to best support and advocate for their children.
Addressing these exact concerns, psychotherapist Fiona Hall will be delivering her ‘Parenting with Confidence: The Process of Coping with your Child's Neurodivergent Diagnosis’ workshop at Ballymun Library on Wednesday April 22 at 6:30pm.
Fiona is an accredited psychotherapist with over 10 years experience in working with parents going through this process. As a mum who has personally navigated this parenting journey from initial diagnosis age six to a teen now 16, Fiona will be happy to answer any specific questions at the end of the workshop as well.
While these workshops are tailored to the specific needs of certain parents and guardians, there are plenty more general events that children can get involved in themselves. This includes an Apple Donut Workshop at Walkinstown Library on Saturday April 18 at 11am.
Coming from children's cookbook author and award-winning children's food educator Deirdre Doyle, she has brought her innovative approach to food education to more than 20,000 children in schools, events and libraries nationwide. As the founder of the Cool Food School, Deidre is encouraging any children over the age of five to come along, accompanied by an adult, and make their own version of her recipe.
Other Dublin City Library events this April include toddler's groups, book clubs for preschoolers, Irish language play groups, kids creative writing hour, and a sensory hour catered to neurodivergent children. While all events are free of charge, advanced booking is advised and a full guide to the various Parenting with Confidence events can be found at https://www.dublincity.ie/library/blog/parenting-confidence-dcc-libraries
This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme