The Social Service of the Gouves municipality is organizing Parent Teams, involving parents of children of all ages, from adolescents to preschool to regular school.  

In these teams, concerned parents will receive information on subjects regarding the road in development and education of children; the structure and operation of the family unit and the sentimental bonds of its members.

According to Maria Pateraki, psychologist and one of the organizers of the programme, parents will have the opportunity to formulate their own opinions; list their own experiences; interact with other parents; get psychological support for any problems involving their children and be informed about current psychosocial issues.

“The objective of the Parents’ Teams is the systematic briefing and educating of parents in subjects concerning the improvement of communication within the family,” she said. “Also, they will experience an essential communication between parents and the school, and learn more with regard to the mental, social, intellectual and other needs of children for each stage of their development.

“Also,” Mrs. Pateraki added, “they will be encouraged to be more involved

in school activities and to work together with schoolteachers so they can help the children more effectively; to help the parents understand difficult behaviour and develop ways in confronting it, and to acquire capabilities in coping with the requirements of kindergarten, public school, high school and lyceum.”

Each team will only accept up to 12 individuals and will begin and end with the same individuals, she stated. The meetings will occur on a weekly basis, and the issues to be discussed will depend on the needs of the participants and they will be announced before the beginning of the program.

The program will begin in November and all those interested in joining must do so by Friday, 22 of October. For more information please call Maria Pateraki at 2813-404635 or social worker Katerina Kataki at 2813-404636.