Breaking free...

In response to my post about the Children's First holiday program we did at Centacare recently, here are some photos from graduation day.

For those who came in late, I eschewed thoughts of theme park visits and playdates for a week-long psychologist-led program for the children of separated parents.

The idea was for kids to talk with other kids who are going through similar situations and experiencing similar feelings. And psychogists/carers would be in board in case anyone got too upset, or needed help putting names to their feelings or learning how to express them in a safe and/or helpful way.

As usual I suffered a truck load of Mother Guilt as I tried to reconcile holiday fun with the idea of therapy or 'work', but I needn't have worried.

The program was play-based and the kids bonded really well and couldn't wait to return each day. And actually complained when the week was over!

At the end of the week, there was a graduation ceremony, where the kids were told what was special about them and given certificates and a care package to take home. Miss H. was praised for her kind-heartedness and giving nature.

Mr C. was praised for joining in enthusiastically, and having a fun sense of humour. (Sorry for blurry photo, C. kept moving!)

Breaking free ceremony - the kids put their worries in a bottle of bubbles, then watched them blow away!

Missy's turn now ...

And again...

One more!

There was a pirate theme and the kids all adopted pirate names for the week

C. was Pirate No-Eyes

H. was Pirate Happy Face

Readers, how did you celebrate the school holidays?