Parents-Carers:
Children don't come with a manual but now there is a map!
Build your Parent-Carer Confidence - especially for a Child with Challenges
Take the First Step on an I Matter Journey
Are you a stressed parent or carer of a challenging or struggling child? Are there difficulties at home and at school?
Do you feel you have tried everything but just don't know what to do to help your child have the positive relationships you long for?
Or are you someone who just wants to invest in your own skills as a parent so as to be the best parent-carer you can be?
If so, do you have local I Matter approved local Lead Professional? If Yes, then you may be able to access a supported learning programme
If no, then our self-help learning route may be of interest but please check our advice carefully.
In any case you will know that getting well-informed help can be difficult and that when it comes to parenting a longer view really matters. That is why we are developing something new as we know that parenting and caring really DOES matter for children's healthy development and that your role is key. However we also know that supportive local networks make a massive difference.
Training in the I Matter Framework helps parents and carers understand better
We bring research evidence together into a easy to understand practical whole.
Training strengthens your ability to help your child - whether typical or more complex.
When professionals and parents have shared training they can work better with each other
When you understand the 'Why', the 'What' is much easier to implement.
The truth is that parenting is not just about the kids! There is a much bigger picture which is important - and fascinating.
We also think parenting and caring offers an amazing opportunity to learn and grow so although we are still small as a project, we would love to see more people able to access I Matter training because as the fog starts to lift.. this can change everything.
Imagine too how different our communities would look if we all decided that our parenting and caring skills were something that mattered and that we could be part of making sure that parents and carers could find support when it was really needed.
Do you feel you have tried everything but just don't know what to do to help your child have the positive relationships you long for?
Or are you someone who just wants to invest in your own skills as a parent so as to be the best parent-carer you can be?
If so, do you have local I Matter approved local Lead Professional? If Yes, then you may be able to access a supported learning programme
If no, then our self-help learning route may be of interest but please check our advice carefully.
In any case you will know that getting well-informed help can be difficult and that when it comes to parenting a longer view really matters. That is why we are developing something new as we know that parenting and caring really DOES matter for children's healthy development and that your role is key. However we also know that supportive local networks make a massive difference.
Training in the I Matter Framework helps parents and carers understand better
We bring research evidence together into a easy to understand practical whole.
Training strengthens your ability to help your child - whether typical or more complex.
When professionals and parents have shared training they can work better with each other
When you understand the 'Why', the 'What' is much easier to implement.
The truth is that parenting is not just about the kids! There is a much bigger picture which is important - and fascinating.
We also think parenting and caring offers an amazing opportunity to learn and grow so although we are still small as a project, we would love to see more people able to access I Matter training because as the fog starts to lift.. this can change everything.
Imagine too how different our communities would look if we all decided that our parenting and caring skills were something that mattered and that we could be part of making sure that parents and carers could find support when it was really needed.
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Click here for more information about the Introductions and/or the First Steps Course for an I Matter Parent-Carer Journey
Please Note: At present we are only able to offer the supported I Matter Parent-Carer Journey to parents supported by an approved I Matter Link or Lead Professional via a member school or service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DOES I MATTER TRAINING HELP ME TO HELP MY CHILD?
You will know that getting well-informed help can be difficult and that when it comes to parenting a longer view really matters. That is why we are developing something new as we know that parenting and caring really DOES matter for children's healthy development and that your role is key. However we also know that supportive local networks make a massive difference.
I Matter Framework Training offers a carefully structured step-by-step training that helps professionals and parents-carers on their journey to feeling knowledgeable and confident in their own important role in addressing challenges at home and at school. This tried-and-tested training was developed by Dr Cathy Betoin following her observation of the confusion that many parents and professionals felt about how to best help the challenging child - especially when there were additional challenges - mild or more severe.
Hundreds of parents and professionals have already accessed I Matter training and now we are developing our online learning options. Our proviso is that we know that support really matters so though self-help learning is an option, support is vital, particularly if a parent-carer is feeling very stressed,
The I Matter Framework has recently been adopted by the Kendal Integrated Care Community as a basis for improving wellbeing for children and families in the Kendal locality through helping professionals in health and education have a shared language and perspective and now we are starting to reach out to others.
I Matter Framework Training offers a carefully structured step-by-step training that helps professionals and parents-carers on their journey to feeling knowledgeable and confident in their own important role in addressing challenges at home and at school. This tried-and-tested training was developed by Dr Cathy Betoin following her observation of the confusion that many parents and professionals felt about how to best help the challenging child - especially when there were additional challenges - mild or more severe.
Hundreds of parents and professionals have already accessed I Matter training and now we are developing our online learning options. Our proviso is that we know that support really matters so though self-help learning is an option, support is vital, particularly if a parent-carer is feeling very stressed,
The I Matter Framework has recently been adopted by the Kendal Integrated Care Community as a basis for improving wellbeing for children and families in the Kendal locality through helping professionals in health and education have a shared language and perspective and now we are starting to reach out to others.
THE BENEFITS OF I MATTER TRAINING FOR PARENTS-CARERS
+ You will be making time to think about the most important relationships ever - those between yourself and your child
+ You will be empowering yourself to be able to know how to help your child - and yourself - so that this relationship can be the best it can be for both of you
+ You will be learning to use ideas that you are confident have the support of decades of research
+ You will be taking a long term view with some clear skills and progress tracking involved - not just reacting to problems
+ Your role can be come much more fulfilling and rewarding when you understand better
+ You will gain a language to help you to work more confidently with others to help your child both at home and at school and in your community
However be advised - I Matter for parents is not a typical parenting course. We look at some much bigger questions about wellbeing in general, at how children develop, at the way the brain works and the adult role and at the power of our own beliefs and attitudes. This knowledge and the linked skills involved are relevant for ALL children but the understanding is particularly important if you have a child with some additional challenges.
As you progress through your I Matter Parent-Carer Journey course you will come to know exactly why you matter and you will have some practical steps that you will be able to use to help you get to where you want to go as the best parent you can be for your child
+ You will be empowering yourself to be able to know how to help your child - and yourself - so that this relationship can be the best it can be for both of you
+ You will be learning to use ideas that you are confident have the support of decades of research
+ You will be taking a long term view with some clear skills and progress tracking involved - not just reacting to problems
+ Your role can be come much more fulfilling and rewarding when you understand better
+ You will gain a language to help you to work more confidently with others to help your child both at home and at school and in your community
However be advised - I Matter for parents is not a typical parenting course. We look at some much bigger questions about wellbeing in general, at how children develop, at the way the brain works and the adult role and at the power of our own beliefs and attitudes. This knowledge and the linked skills involved are relevant for ALL children but the understanding is particularly important if you have a child with some additional challenges.
As you progress through your I Matter Parent-Carer Journey course you will come to know exactly why you matter and you will have some practical steps that you will be able to use to help you get to where you want to go as the best parent you can be for your child
CAN I MATTER HELP IF MY CHILD HAS SPECIAL OR ADDITIONAL NEEDS?
Definitely! The I Matter Framework and linked training is relevant to the confident care of all children. However if you have a child with additional needs or challenges, having a solid understanding of these ideas is particularly important. We describe this as being about the need to gain Advanced Parenting or Caring skills.
We regularly work with families of children who have been adopted, or fostered. We also work with families of children who have formal diagnoses such as Autism, or ADHD or children who are currently being assessed for such diagnoses. However we also work with lots of families with very typical children who right now are struggling. What the training does is to drill underneath these terms so that you can gain a much clearer idea of what is happening and a much clearer understanding of the type of support your child needs and why.
We actively encourage parents and carers to speak up with their own schools and GP practices about their own wish for training and support that helps them to work well with their child at home in a manner that supports their progress at home and at school. The evidence is really clear that parent insight and skills really do matter. However self-help learning is rarely ideal and when difficulties are complex or escalated informed local support is really vital.
Therefore approaching your school or GP or community service to encourage them to look into I Matter Training or share with you other complementary options that are available is an appropriate request for all parents and carers but is particularly so if a child is adopted, looked after or has some specific challenges with mental health or relationships.
We regularly work with families of children who have been adopted, or fostered. We also work with families of children who have formal diagnoses such as Autism, or ADHD or children who are currently being assessed for such diagnoses. However we also work with lots of families with very typical children who right now are struggling. What the training does is to drill underneath these terms so that you can gain a much clearer idea of what is happening and a much clearer understanding of the type of support your child needs and why.
We actively encourage parents and carers to speak up with their own schools and GP practices about their own wish for training and support that helps them to work well with their child at home in a manner that supports their progress at home and at school. The evidence is really clear that parent insight and skills really do matter. However self-help learning is rarely ideal and when difficulties are complex or escalated informed local support is really vital.
Therefore approaching your school or GP or community service to encourage them to look into I Matter Training or share with you other complementary options that are available is an appropriate request for all parents and carers but is particularly so if a child is adopted, looked after or has some specific challenges with mental health or relationships.
THE STRUCTURE AND COSTS OF I MATTER TRAINING
COURSE STRUCTURE
I Matter Training is carefully structured to support a journey towards greater confidence. Some people may only want to complete the first stages. Those with children with additional challenges can benefit from the more indepth content and with working with experienced support.
The prices below represent the full course costs. Those parents linked to a member school or service may be eligible for partial or full discounts on the costs of training though our experience is that we prefer all participants to make some contribution to the costs of their own training.
Awareness sessions requires initial registration
- 90 min introductory workshop or webinar (FREE) OR
- One day Intensive introduction to the I Matter Framework (this is an orientation course) £165pp TBC
- Community Wheel - open events
First Steps Self-Help Online Orientation Course £30
- Review of introductory content - 3 x 20mins
- I Matter Self-Assessment with guidance and Five Steps email course 30mins and 7 days x 3mins a day
- Essentials Course (optional - 14 days at 3 mins a day) extra £30
First Steps Online Orientation Course for those with a named lead professional £30
- Review of introductory content - 3 x 20mins
- I Matter Detailed Online questionnaire with recommendations and Five Steps email course 30mins and 7 days x 3mins a day
- Essentials Course (optional at this stage - 14 days at 3 mins a day) optional extra £30
I Matter Consultation Recommendations £120-£500 Requires Awareness session and/or First Steps course
- Consultation and recommendations - 90mins
- Options for more indepth assessment including observations at home-school with recommendations - as appropriate
Foundation A Theory course – Confusion to Clarity £300 (or £160 for each part - parent journey only) Usually 1 part each half term Requires I Matter formal Q
- Getting Started Workshop (2 hrs)
- Part 1 - Sections 1-2 and bonus comprising 90 mins independent study with 3 60min small group study support sessions (face to face or online)
+ The Essentials course is included at the end of the Part 1
- Part 2 - Sections 3-6 Study support As Part 1
Time limits: 1 half term or 9 weeks per part
Options for personalised consultation series to support Foundation stage learning - £500 for 6 sessions
Optional extra for those who struggle to attend workshops: confidential forum £12pcm
Course fee discounts sometimes available via member schools with a lead professional in a member school where inhouse study support is provided
Membership £12pcm or £120pa (after completion of Foundation A Part 1)
- Offers monthly recorded Q&A and ongoing access to online course
- Community Wheel - closed events
Link Parent Training TBC
Foundation B Theory to Practice course – Watching Affectionately £200 (sometimes offered to parents after Foundation A part 1)
- Taking Stock Workshop - 90mins
- intensive Theory to Practice coaching usually 1:1 unless a group has been learning together - 20mins a day online 4-5x a week for
Intermediate A Theory course - Thinking Developmentally £300 Usually over 2 half terms
- Taking Stock Plus Workshop - 90mins
- Part 1 - Sections 1-3 and bonus comprising 90 mins independent study with 3 60min small group study support sessions (face to face or online)
- Part 2 - Sections 4-6 and study support as for Part 1
Time limits: 18 weeks
Intermediate B Theory to Practice course – Nurturing Growth - Extended support- TBC)
- Check- In Workshop - 90mins
- intensive Theory to Practice group coaching building foundational skills
Advanced Training and Complex Care Co-ordination support
- Parent Mentor Training
- Complex Care Co-ordination to support joined up home-school practice - requires indepth assessment and regular progress monitoring
PLEASE NOTE: ALL PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO ADJUSTMENT
We are working to build a network of trained professionals and parents who can offer this study support
I Matter Training is carefully structured to support a journey towards greater confidence. Some people may only want to complete the first stages. Those with children with additional challenges can benefit from the more indepth content and with working with experienced support.
The prices below represent the full course costs. Those parents linked to a member school or service may be eligible for partial or full discounts on the costs of training though our experience is that we prefer all participants to make some contribution to the costs of their own training.
Awareness sessions requires initial registration
- 90 min introductory workshop or webinar (FREE) OR
- One day Intensive introduction to the I Matter Framework (this is an orientation course) £165pp TBC
- Community Wheel - open events
First Steps Self-Help Online Orientation Course £30
- Review of introductory content - 3 x 20mins
- I Matter Self-Assessment with guidance and Five Steps email course 30mins and 7 days x 3mins a day
- Essentials Course (optional - 14 days at 3 mins a day) extra £30
First Steps Online Orientation Course for those with a named lead professional £30
- Review of introductory content - 3 x 20mins
- I Matter Detailed Online questionnaire with recommendations and Five Steps email course 30mins and 7 days x 3mins a day
- Essentials Course (optional at this stage - 14 days at 3 mins a day) optional extra £30
I Matter Consultation Recommendations £120-£500 Requires Awareness session and/or First Steps course
- Consultation and recommendations - 90mins
- Options for more indepth assessment including observations at home-school with recommendations - as appropriate
Foundation A Theory course – Confusion to Clarity £300 (or £160 for each part - parent journey only) Usually 1 part each half term Requires I Matter formal Q
- Getting Started Workshop (2 hrs)
- Part 1 - Sections 1-2 and bonus comprising 90 mins independent study with 3 60min small group study support sessions (face to face or online)
+ The Essentials course is included at the end of the Part 1
- Part 2 - Sections 3-6 Study support As Part 1
Time limits: 1 half term or 9 weeks per part
Options for personalised consultation series to support Foundation stage learning - £500 for 6 sessions
Optional extra for those who struggle to attend workshops: confidential forum £12pcm
Course fee discounts sometimes available via member schools with a lead professional in a member school where inhouse study support is provided
Membership £12pcm or £120pa (after completion of Foundation A Part 1)
- Offers monthly recorded Q&A and ongoing access to online course
- Community Wheel - closed events
Link Parent Training TBC
Foundation B Theory to Practice course – Watching Affectionately £200 (sometimes offered to parents after Foundation A part 1)
- Taking Stock Workshop - 90mins
- intensive Theory to Practice coaching usually 1:1 unless a group has been learning together - 20mins a day online 4-5x a week for
Intermediate A Theory course - Thinking Developmentally £300 Usually over 2 half terms
- Taking Stock Plus Workshop - 90mins
- Part 1 - Sections 1-3 and bonus comprising 90 mins independent study with 3 60min small group study support sessions (face to face or online)
- Part 2 - Sections 4-6 and study support as for Part 1
Time limits: 18 weeks
Intermediate B Theory to Practice course – Nurturing Growth - Extended support- TBC)
- Check- In Workshop - 90mins
- intensive Theory to Practice group coaching building foundational skills
Advanced Training and Complex Care Co-ordination support
- Parent Mentor Training
- Complex Care Co-ordination to support joined up home-school practice - requires indepth assessment and regular progress monitoring
PLEASE NOTE: ALL PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO ADJUSTMENT
We are working to build a network of trained professionals and parents who can offer this study support
RECENT PARENT-CARER FEEDBACK
I decided to take part in this training as an investment in my families wellbeing. I am finding it very interesting. Single parent of two children
I am a teacher but I have been amazed at how much I didn't know. My relationship with my own son has deepened and strengthened so much. Parent of two
I have been looking for help for so long. It has been so good taking part in this training together. For the first time my husband and I are really working well as a team. It feels so different Parent of 3 complex children
I Matter Training has helped me take a hard look at what has been happening without me feeling judged. Now I understand better I can see that I was sometimes not helpful to my child. Now we are moving on and life feels so different. I wish I had had this training earlier. Parent of challenging child
I thought it wouldn't work for us - I thought we were 'too far gone' but six months on my confidence is coming back, my children are attending school again and my husband is off antidepressants. The training showed us how everything is connected. Life can still be challenging but now I know why I Matter - Parent of three
I am a teacher but I have been amazed at how much I didn't know. My relationship with my own son has deepened and strengthened so much. Parent of two
I have been looking for help for so long. It has been so good taking part in this training together. For the first time my husband and I are really working well as a team. It feels so different Parent of 3 complex children
I Matter Training has helped me take a hard look at what has been happening without me feeling judged. Now I understand better I can see that I was sometimes not helpful to my child. Now we are moving on and life feels so different. I wish I had had this training earlier. Parent of challenging child
I thought it wouldn't work for us - I thought we were 'too far gone' but six months on my confidence is coming back, my children are attending school again and my husband is off antidepressants. The training showed us how everything is connected. Life can still be challenging but now I know why I Matter - Parent of three
I DON'T HAVE A LOCAL I MATTER LEAD PROFESSIONAL COULD I TAKE PART?
We have been trying to work out how to help more families and professionals access this learning and it seems that self-help learning may be a key option. However we know that self-help learning is not the best way to approach this material. If you are someone who is used to learning independently and if you feel that you have good support and challenges that are not too escalated, then self-help learning may be a positive way forward for you. Please contact us.
WHEN IS SELF-HELP LEARNING NOT SUITABLE?
I Matter Online Training is not recommended for self-help learning where there are escalated challenges or high stress levels in child or adult.
The course covers material that can be experienced as sensitive and so the right form of support is vitally important. If you decide to take part in self help learning please be aware that the course may raise issues for you that could be uncomfortable. Please think carefully about where you will go if you need support with thinking the issues through. No one should be required to do this training as choosing the right time can also be important.
The course covers material that can be experienced as sensitive and so the right form of support is vitally important. If you decide to take part in self help learning please be aware that the course may raise issues for you that could be uncomfortable. Please think carefully about where you will go if you need support with thinking the issues through. No one should be required to do this training as choosing the right time can also be important.
I DON'T LIKE ONLINE LEARNING!
You may be pleasantly surprised! The course is based on filmed discussion of a group of professionals working with Cathy so you will often feel as if you are taking part in a discussion. By being online you will find you can pick the course up and put it down as fits with busy family life and won't miss anything. Many parents who didn't expect to like it found it much more helpful than they had first thought it could be.
Course Start Dates
Start dates for self help and supported I Matter Courses run on a rolling programme.
YOU CAN CONTACT US AT ANYTIME TO COMPLETE AN INITIAL REGISTRATION SO WE CAN GUIDE YOU
IF WE ARE COMMITTED TO HELPING CHILDREN WE CANNOT IGNORE THE NEEDS OF THE ADULTS - UNDERSTANDING MATTERS
On the blog you will find some of the original blog articles and musings on why adult-child relationships matter
for mental health, positive behaviour and healthy child development at home and in school.
for mental health, positive behaviour and healthy child development at home and in school.