Are you a parent who would like to find additional support?
Smoky River Adult Learning will be hosting a free parenting program called Nobody’s Perfect every Tuesday in March from 8-9:30 p.m. The program is targeting parents with children ages newborn to five years of age.
“At Smoky River Adult Learning, we believe parenting deserves support,” says Smoky River Adult Learning’s Veronik Zawacki.
“Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and many parents are doing their best while navigating challenges on their own. We felt it was important to bring a program into our region that creates a safe, welcoming space for parents to connect, share experiences, and build confidence together.”
Zawacki says Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Program was developed in Canada in the early 1980s by Health Canada (then called Health and Welfare Canada). She explains the program was created to support parents of young children and has been running across Canada ever since.
“Community is so important, especially in parenting,” says Zawacki. “I think one of the biggest benefits is helping parents realize they’re not alone. So many parents experience similar struggles, but they often think they’re the only ones going through it.”
The program will run about 90 minutes every seminar, with respect to the parents’ time and schedule.
Zawacki says the program is very discussion-based, surrounding conversations, shared experiences, and practical learning. She adds the workshop may include short activities, reflection exercises or light interactive games to make the experience engaging and meaningful.
“This program creates a supportive space where parents can have honest conversations, learn from each other, and leave feeling more confident and reassured in their role,” she says.
“Another important benefit is that the program is delivered in plain language, which makes it easy to understand and accessible for parents of all skill levels and abilities. The goal is to make learning comfortable, practical, and welcoming for everyone.”
Zawacki says the program is open to anyone who wants support, connection, and a better understanding of child development.
“Parenting is a big responsibility and having a community to talk things through with can make a huge difference,” Zawacki says.
“Each of the eight weeks focuses on a different topic, so every session builds on the last. While attendance isn’t mandatory every week, I highly recommend it so parents can get the full experience and benefit from all the discussions.”
The course will be facilitated by Zawacki, who is a trained Nobody’s Perfect Program facilitator.
“As a parent myself, I am deeply passionate about supporting other parents in building confidence and strengthening their skills,” she explains.
“For the first time, we are offering the course online. Sessions will begin at 8 p.m. to make it more accessible for parents, after children are in bed. We know childcare can be a barrier, so offering it in the evening online helps remove some of those obstacles.”
Over the eight weeks, topics discussed will include child safety, understanding how young children’s minds and bodies develop, behaviour and emotional regulation, positive parenting strategies, building parental confidence, coping skills and stress management, and community resources available to families.
“The program is also participant-centered, so discussions are guided by what parents want to talk about,” Zawacki explains.
“Their questions and experiences shape the conversations.”
To register for the free online program, please phone (780) 837-4064.
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter