How can you de-escalate the situation when your child displays challenging behaviour? How much should you discipline a child with ADHD or Autism? And how can you work better with your child's school?

These are the questions that will be answered during a series of five talks aimed at parents/carers who are struggling with their children, either school-aged or adolescents, having challenging behaviour, mostly related to ADHD and Autism.

Building Bridges is an initiative of the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Malta Chapter, and will be held at its Learning Centre in Qawra. Sessions led by a Family Systemic Psychotherapist will be held on Fridays, between 6pm and 8pm on May 3rd, June 14th, July 5th, September 13th and October 4th (programme below). Interested persons can register here. A donation of €10 per person / €15 per couple for each session is being recommended.

Meanwhile, following last year's success, RMHC is once again organising SibShops, workshops for siblings of children with a chronic illness or disability, on July 27^th and September 7^th between 2pm and 6pm. During these workshops, children will have the opportunity to meet with other siblings who experience life in a similar way, engage in fun activities which help them to feel empowered and understood. SibShops has been particularly useful for families whose lives have been impacted by a sick child who needs care. Their siblings share a life full of challenges and often live in the shadow of the illness or disability, requiring them to develop resilience to cope with the family dynamic. 

Participants for SibShops may register here for 7-10-year-olds and here for 11-14-year-olds.

Executive Director of RMHC's Malta Chapter Stephania Dimech Sant said: "This year, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary since RMHC was founded in Philadelphia, we are more motivated than ever to give back to the communities we serve and leave a lasting legacy."

 

Building Bridges: Improving Connections within the Family: A series of 5 talks for parents of children with challenging behaviour
1. Navigating our relationships within the family	3rd May
2. Rebuilding stronger relationships between parents and Adolescents with challenging behaviour	14th June
3. Positive Discipline: How it can transform Family Dynamics	5th July
4. Conflict Management between parents and their children with ADHD/Autism: De-escalation Strategies	13th September
5. Collaboration vs Confrontation: The Parent-School Relationship - Working together for the good of all those involved in the System.	4th October
SibShops: A series of workshops for siblings of children with chronic illness or disability
For ages 7-10	July 27th
For ages 11-14	September 7th