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Th ursday, October 19, 2017 • WATERLOO CHRONICLE • 13Serving your community since 1856 CITY LIFE WATERLOO CHRONICLEWATERLOO CHRONICLE AROUND TOWN By Joy Struthers Chronicle Sta� Learning about parenting starts with a conversation. Diane McGregor from KW Counselling and her team are gearing up to launch a new parenting website and service Oct. 21 that will facilitate conversations between parents. Parentingnow.ca is for parents in the Waterloo Region who want to reach out, connect and learn. It includes the option to take part in online chats. "We call it Let's Talk Parenting," said McGregor. It began with a two-year research proj- ect during which McGregor and colleagues went out into the community and talked to parents about how they learn to take care of their kids and what they are looking for. "It's not the topics, like how do you get your kids to bed, but how do you develop skills to get your kids to bed. � at's what we were interested in," said McGregor. � ey also asked parents to describe par- enting, and even got them to � ll out signs, or choose one already made, to hold up for photographs at the Multicultural Festival this year. "The most common ones were 'I learn something new every day' … and 'parenting is hard work'," said McGregor. They found that parents really turn to other parents for support and decided to set up a system of connecting people with more experienced local parents. A total of 13 people have been hired to be available online to talk, and also be avail- able out in the community. "Conversation does make a big differ- ence. A lot of times we just want to say it out loud, be heard and understood, not judged," said McGregor. She realizes that parenting is learned through trying things, failing and trying again. Informal conversations between parents can provide support and ideas. McGregor said parents don't necessar- ily want tried and true methods, but just for someone to say they will get through it. "It's not an expert approach, it's a 'we're all in this together' type of approach," said McGregor. Parents can read about the experienced parents that are online and choose who they would like to speak to through the website. "I asked the parents to talk about what their parenting experiences are and what their vulnerabilities are," said McGregor. Teresa Wikkerink, parenting lead, said they are working hard to train the experi- enced parents before the o� cial launch. "We have such a range of parents with a variety of experiences and cultural back- grounds," Wikkerink said. She said they do mock conversations and practice situations with each other. "It's more about mentoring than teaching," she said. � ey are trying to avoid giving unwant- ed advice and using words like 'help'. Ask- ing someone what would work for them is much better. The website will focus on the parent- ing experience and not child behaviour. McGregor said it's a subtle di� erence, but an important one. "It means the parent is important," she said. She said that's why they decided to call their launch a celebration of parenting, and she hopes many people will come. There will be some child-related activities and information, and children are welcome. But it's mainly about connecting parents, shar- ing resources and having fun. "We're really excited about the launch. � is is what we've been gearing up for since January," said McGregor. The website will be active after the ribbon-cutting Oct. 21, and everyone is encouraged to come to the Family Centre at 65 Hanson Ave., Kitchener, from 2-4 p.m. � e Parenting Now sta� can also be reached on Facebook and Twitter. Getting parenting help now KW Counselling launches new parenting site to o� er more support JOY STRUTHERS PHOTO Diane McGregor shows off KW Counselling's soon to be published website, Parenting Now. It includes a live chat option so people can connect with experienced local parents. Uptown Back to Business Oct. 21 Join Grand River Hospital Foundation for the inau- gural Uptown Back to Business, in partnership with Scotiabank, on Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Re-discover Uptown Waterloo and all it has to o� er. Be reminded of the wonderful local businesses by indulging in some tasty treats, window shopping for a new out� t or just simply enjoying the excitement and energy of the community coming together. Come and explore an array of entertainment for all ages, including live music, games and more at the Waterloo public square. Events include a stationary bike competition. For more information visit www.grhf.org/event/ uptown. Family story time with WLU String Academy The Waterloo Public Library main branch wel- comes its friends from the Laurier Strings Academy for a special musical family story time Oct. 21, 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., at 35 Albert Street, Waterloo. Attend this storytime as a family. Listen to stories, dance and sing fun songs. Everyone is welcome. Drop- in to the children's department. For more information visit www.wpl.ca. Head to Toe event set for Oct. 21 Learn how to feel better with small changes that get big results from Head to Toe, Oct. 21, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., at 22 King St. S., Ste. 202. LillyPad Health, Advanced Foot Care by All My Nails Salon and KW Pilates will be presenting during this special event. � is free event is sponsored by UpTown Waterloo BIA Hand in Hand program to support uptown busi- nesses during road construction. Visit the Head to Toe website to register and for more details at 22kingstgroup.com.