FAMILY WORKSHOPS FOR PARENTS AND CARERS

  • Practical, everyday strategies for behaviour, toileting, fussy eating and more
  • Presenters include popular early childhood experts
  • For parents and carers of children 0-5

SUPPORTIVE WORKSHOPS FOCUSED ON
EVERYDAY STRATEGIES

Parenting comes with big questions, busy days and moments where you just want a little reassurance. Gowrie NSW’s Family Workshops are a free series of practical, supportive sessions designed to help parents and carers feel more confident in everyday family life. Each workshop offers practical tips and everyday strategies for parents, grounded in early childhood expertise and real-world experience. From sleep and emotions to play, learning and connection, these sessions support you to understand your child, respond with confidence and nurture their development at home.
 
Each session is led by early childhood experts who understand the challenges and joys of the early years.  Funded through the NSW Government’s Start Strong Pathways program, these workshops aim to strengthen your understanding of how children learn, grow and engage with the world around them. 
Sessions are completely free and open to everyone – invite friends, family or carers to join too!

FREE PARENT WORKSHOPS

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Toileting for 2-5yr olds - Practical strategies for parents

September 23rd, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
 

Are you feeling unsure about when to start toileting, or worried it’s turning into a daily struggle? Many families find this stage stressful, especially when progress feels rushed or becomes a power battle.

This workshop invites parents to step away from the idea of “toilet training” and instead see toileting as a shared learning journey. You’ll explore how to recognise signs of readiness, involve your child in age-appropriate ways, and support toileting without pressure or conflict.

The session shares practical strategies to work alongside your child, create a supportive environment, and build confidence over time. You’ll leave feeling calmer, better informed and more confident in supporting your child’s independence at their own pace

 
Presenter: Dr Katherine Bussey

 

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Supporting Shared Reading for Babies and Toddlers at Home - Make Storytime Engaging and Meaningful

October 20, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
 

Have you ever wondered if you’re reading “the right way”, or what your child is really getting out of storytime? Many parents want to support early learning through books but feel unsure where to start or how to keep young children engaged.

This workshop helps families build confidence in shared reading with babies and toddlers. You’ll explore how shared reading supports language, connection and learning, how to choose picture books that suit your child’s age and interests, and simple ways to make storytime playful and interactive.

With practical ideas you can use straight away, this session supports parents to turn reading together into a relaxed, enjoyable part of everyday family life.

 
Presenter: Wilma Murdoch, Early Childhood Teacher with over 30 years of experience working with children and families across diverse service types in Australia and overseas.

 

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Separation and Goodbyes - helping your child feel secure when saying goodbye

November 18, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
 

Saying goodbye each day can be challenging for children and parents. Join expert Elena Marouchos in this online session to explore practical strategies for creating a positive daily ritual.

The workshop will touch on separation anxiety, helping parents understand their child's emotions, and share tips to make departures calm, consistent and reassuring.

 
Presenter: Elena Marouchos, Early Childhood Education Expert

 

TOILETING, BEHAVIOUR, FUSSY EATING, TANTRUMS, SLEEP AND MORE

Ten sessions to help you support, understand, manage and grow in confidence as a parent.
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