The ‘Parents as Partners’ program was launched, which is specialized on raising children at an early stage. This is with the aim that a couple who have a child can enjoy a healthy relationship, even in the first weeks after the baby is born. This is an innovative program, which has already started operating in Malta, where couples who feel a need for help can participate in this program which is given by professionals trained in the subject, and is spread over 16 weeks.
Parents as Partners is being done in collaboration with Perinatal Mental Health Care, the Department of Child and Family Studies within the University of Malta, and the participation of professionals such as midwives, psychiatrists and psychologists , among others.
These details were announced during a news conference, on Monday afternoon by the Positive Parenting and Family Strengthening Committee, which is also a branch of the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights.
Minister Michael Falzon said that this pilot project is aimed at parents who have a child under one year, in order to maintain a strong relationship between them and their baby.
Minister Falzon reiterated that “In the first weeks and months there is a lack of sleep, as well as a lot of crying by the babies with the parents not knowing what is causing this, and that often creates tension between the parents with -consequence of disagreement. If this type of behavior is long-term, it can have devastating effects on children.” He claimed that through the Positive Parenting and Family Strengthening Committee, they will be strengthening resources, also through professionals, so that they can give their advice and assistance.
The program will be helping the midwives to refer certain cases, even when they stop with their visits to the couples’ homes where they see the mothers and babies. So far, 700 questionnaires have already been distributed to mothers and fathers in the period before birth and the same number of questionnaires after birth.
The Chairperson of the Positive Parenting and Family Strengthening Committee Ruth Sciberras explained how through this pilot project, the work in the community will continue to be strengthened. She said that this program was prompted by initiatives that were taken in the past months, all of which are linked to positive parenting, a safe environment and that promotes relationships between parents and children.
“In the past months we have seen how many of the campaigns we have carried out have left a positive mark and are serving to give direction, especially in the first months of parenting. As parents of our children we have the duty and responsibility to raise our children in the best possible way. What we sow today is what we reap tomorrow and the day after that. There is the necessary help and assistance for all those who find difficulties,” concluded Chairperson Ruth Sciberras.
Anyone wishing to contact Positive Parenting Malta can do so by sending a message on Facebook or sending an email to positiveparenting.family@gov.mt.
