Parents with NYF Deaf Services Celebrate ‘Parenting Journey’ Graduation

Four parents receiving services through The New York Foundling’s Deaf Services program graduated from the first Parenting Journey workshop adapted especially for the deaf community.

 

The participants, whose children ranged in age from infant to young adult, attended the once-per-week sessions over 12 weeks. During the sessions, they were able to reflect about themselves, learn new parenting skills, practice techniques such as guided meditation, and talk about how to make informed choices in raising their children.

 

Topics for the course included: Honoring Yourself, Personal Inventory, Picture My Past, Relating Parents and Children, Secrets and Fears, Honoring your Child’s Identity, Making Choices, and Setting Goals.

 

For the activities, participants shared a special object that held meaning for them, drew a picture about a significant early experience for their children, and wrote a letter to their parent and/or caregiver.

 

“I learned so much during the Parenting Journey,” says Patricia A., one of the program’s graduates. “It was a great class, (and) I definitely learned about my role.”

 

Patricia says she would recommend the course to anybody looking for or in need of the resources.

 

“I might even come with them and introduce them — definitely help to foster that relationship, because that would help them improve so much,” Patricia says. “It would be a great help. And I know if they learn about it, they would pick up so many things and improve.”