Toronto– It is simple, educational and fun.
The program known as Mother Goose and offered at Parkdale Community Health Centre invites mothers with children up to 2-years-old to sing, dance and tell stories without the help of toys or books.
“It enables mothers who may not have been able to bond with their children, who don’t know how to touch them or be expressive with them, to do these things and therefore develop that crucial bonding relationship,” said Susan Ryan, executive director of the Mother Goose program.
Classes are held Tuesday mornings for one hour, over a span of 30 weeks. Two specially trained teachers lead the classes with rhymes, songs and simple dances in a relaxed atmosphere. Sitting in a circle on colourful mats on the floor, parents learn and repeat rhymes and songs that lead naturally to holding, touching and bouncing their children.
“I think (my daughter) has gained a sense of focus,” said Lydia Meiring, a Mother Goose participant. “She’s learning the movements, following the actions of the teachers and it’s just given her a bit more focus I think.”
Meiring said she’s a recent newcomer to the program with her 17-month-old daughter Maia.
“There’s definitely a sense of support,” said Meiring. “Especially (with) the program teachers and the assistants, as soon as you come through the door they make you feel welcome. We talk about our daily struggles and our tribulations.”
Parents gain skills and confidence which can enable them to create positive family patterns during their children’s early years. Ryan said research in early child development has shown direct parent-child interaction provides long term benefits.
“The quality of responsiveness, the animation and the touch are the most crucial things in developing the synaptic connections in the brain that will be there forever,” said Ryan.
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