Bringing up Great Kids Program

The Bringing Up Great Kids (BUGK) program is an evidence-based program that builds positive and nurturing relationships between parents and their children.

BUGK has been developed into a series of easy-to-use facilitator packages for use by professionals working with families and/or supporting parents and any other adults supporting children. The program recognises that a variety of adults can be involved in parenting children.

…parents commented that they have gained insights into their children’s behaviour and have a greater understanding of what their children need.

The program uses mindfulness and reflection to help parents examine and improve their communication and interactions with their children so that they may foster more respectful and positive relationships, which support children’s development and positive identity. The program also works to address the sources of parents’ negative or unhelpful attitudes.

This year, the program delivered a series of group sessions throughout the north and south of the state. Group sessions were held once per week for two hours over the course of a 6-week period. Participants were given techniques for coping appropriately with the everyday pressures of parenting, communicating, and establishing healthy boundaries and relationships with their children.

Feedback was positive from participants of the BUGK program this year, with all participants recording a 100% satisfaction score. Through participation in the group, parents commented that they have gained insights into their children’s behaviour and have a greater understanding of what their children need. Participants commented that there was an increase in self-knowledge and self-confidence, with an increased ability to use deep listening and reflective parenting skills to foster stronger relationships with their children.