Journey through motherhood together.

Why we do what we do

• Discussion Groups

  In our society, we are privileged to have access to so much information on parenting. While a privilege, this can sometimes be overwhelming. There is so much advice on what we should be doing as mums, yet far less opportunities to talk about the experience of motherhood. At The Village, we believe that mums themselves are just as important as the job they do. The Village provides space to have real conversations, to journey together through motherhood, sharing the joys, the struggles and everything in between.

  In The Village sessions we’ll explore a variety of topics relevant to motherhood. The Village is not just to provide you with parenting information, though we hope our sessions are helpful. Our primary focus is to support and connect women throughout their parenting journey. A significant part of how we do this is through small group discussion.

  Small group discussion creates opportunities to further explore issues covered in talks. Sometimes the topics will be light and other times we will be talking about deeper issues. We believe that small groups create a sense of safety and comfort that is often not as strong in a larger group. We also believe that having the opportunity to develop real relationships with other women who are on a similar journey is so valuable. This is why we value our small discussion groups so highly and provide significant time to connect in this space.

  Each discussion group is facilitated by one of The Village team members. Our team has participated in group facilitator training as well as mental health first aid training to ensure you feel safe and valued in your group.

• Village Creche

  We know how much you love your kids. And we know that sometimes, even though you really need a break, it’s hard to leave them. That’s why at The Village Creche we work hard to make sure your child settles well into their own morning of fun.

  The Village Creche is a safe and nurturing space, available for children from 6 months to 5 years. The Village Creche workers are screened for suitability and given appropriate training. The Village Creche is run according to the Parkerville Baptist Church Creche Policy and all creche workers carry a current Working with Children Card. If you have any questions regarding the creche or would like to view the Creche Policy, please speak to the Creche Coordinator or email Rachel.Philp@parkycare.net.au

  Before you arrive at The Village Creche, please clearly label all belongings, and make note of these items in the sign in/out book. Usually, the only thing your child will need is a drink bottle, so you may choose to take the rest of their belongings with you to avoid any confusion. It is also helpful if dummies are clipped to your child. Sticky labels and/or a marker are available at The Village Creche sign in desk if you forget to label your items prior to arrival.

  Morning tea of in season fruit will be provided for all children. Please do not send food in bags unless an arrangement has been made with the Creche Coordinator due to allergies. Please ensure allergies are noted each session when signing in your child. For younger toddlers & babies who may not be ready to enjoy the fruit, please provide other suitable morning tea as required. Please note the Village Creche is a nut free environment.

  We know how tempting it is to peek in on your child during Village sessions. Often, if they happen to see you and/or hear the door open, they think it’s time to go when it is not. If your child needs you, you will be called out of The Village session. You will be notified if your child cries consistently for 10 minutes or if an injury is sustained. You will also be called if your child requires a nappy change. If you are called out to The Village creche, please attend to your child immediately.

  Quiet infants are welcome in The Village session with their mums. Once babies become more active (typically around 6 months) we encourage mums to start transitioning them into The Village Creche. Please remember and respect that other mums have come to The Village to engage and listen without distraction from little ones.

  We understand how much mums don’t want to miss out on The Village, but please don’t bring sick children (including older siblings) into The Village Creche as this exposes other children to illness. For information on when you should keep your child home from The Village Creche, please see The Village Creche Coordinator.

  Tips for settling your child into The Village Creche

  • Before you even get there, even days before, start telling your child about how they’re going to have a great time at The Village Creche while mummy has a cup of tea/coffee with her friends.
  • When you arrive, take your child and show them where you’ll be (if you think this will be helpful), and explain “Mummy is going to have a cup of tea in here while you play and then I’ll come back and get you.”
  • When you come into The Village Creche and one of the creche workers has taken over playing with them, tell your child you are going now, give them a kiss and walk out the door – don’t turn back, just keep going.
  • If they cry it is usually only for a few minutes, and if it is longer, or they are very distressed, someone will come and get you.
  • If you are called back in, please stay with your child in the Village Creche room until they are calm. Then do step 3 again. Obviously if they are upsetting other children, it is best to go into the foyer or outside to calm them down, then back into the Village Creche room and try again.

  We kindly request that you don’t come back into The Village session with an unsettled/noisy child. Please remember other mums have come to have a break, and it can be very distracting while they are trying to listen to a talk/participate in discussion.