Preparing for Life Family Mentoring Programme

Preparing for Life

Are you pregnant or have you just had a baby?

Do you live in Finglas?

Preparing for Life Mentors work alongside parents from pregnancy onwards.

We visit families in their homes and give information on child development and parenting.

Our Mentors provide guidance and support through your child’s early years.

What can I expect?

One of our mentors will visit you with tip sheet information and activities based around child development and parenting.

Your mentor will work alongside you and will help you make the best decisions for you and your baby.

Pre-birth: Support and Care during your Pregnancy; Information on Labour and Delivery; Making Healthy Choices

0-6 Months: Bonding and Attachment; Baby Massage; Setting up Positive Routines; Caring for Baby; Breast and Bottle Feeding; Looking after Yourself; Safety at Home; Hand-Eye Coordination

6-12 Months: Feeding and Weaning; Good Sleep Routines; Movement; Listening, Talking and Thinking; Building Confidence and Self Esteem; Sharing Stories; Common Illnesses

1-2 Years: Playing and Learning; Language Development; Healthy Eating Choices

2 years +: Managing Tantrums; Toilet Training; Making Good Friends; Expressing Feelings Appropriately; Imaginative Play; Reading, Writing, Numbers and Art; Getting Ready for School

Your mentor will work in partnership with you to give you information that is relevant to you, your baby and family. They will explain the tip sheets, chat about how it is relevant to you and give demonstrations. Your mentor will be flexible about arranging visits. Visits can last between 30 and 60 minutes.

Who is my mentor?

Your mentor is trained in parenting and child development, they will support, advise and help you throughout your pregnancy and after your baby is born.

Who will my mentor work with?

We will work with mam, dad and any-one else who looks after the parenting of the baby.

What are the outcomes for my child?

The Preparing for Life Programme was developed through an extensive study in North Dublin. In August 2016 findings were released to show that the mentoring process leads to positive outcomes for children in relation to health, education and cognitive functioning, social skills and parent practices. You can read more here: Preparing for Life Findings Document- August 2016

So taking part in Preparing for Life could lead to better outcomes for your child.

Interested?

If you or anyone you know would like to benefit from this service, and would like more information

Phone: 01 864 2941 | Email: abcfinglas@barnardos.ie Text or Call: Rebecca on 086 029 6823

Address: St. Malachy’s M.N.S, St. Helena’s Rd., Finglas, Dublin 11