Bookbug
Bookbug sessions are free, fun-filled songs and rhymes sessions that run in every library across Edinburgh and the Lothians for parents and children aged 0 – 4 years. There is no need to book; you can turn up to any of these sessions and join in with your child. In Midlothian, for further information on any aspect of the Bookbug Programme, please contact the Early Years Literacy & Bookbug Coordinator at Library HQ. by emailing library.hq@midlothian.gov.uk or phoning 0131 271 3970.
Incredible Years
Incredible Years is a parenting programme which aims to help strengthen parent-child interaction and encourage positive behaviour. There are separate parent programmes for babies (0-1 years), toddlers (1-3 years), preschoolers (3-6 years) and school age children (6-12 years).
It runs over 12-18 weeks and gives parents effective techniques for managing behaviours such as aggression, tantrums, shouting, answering back and refusing to follow rules. The programme is free and is available across Edinburgh and the Lothians. In Midlothian, contact 0131 654 0489 or 0131 271 3744.
Peep Learning Together Programme
Peep groups are held in various venues across the Edinburgh and the Lothians. They are free and open to families with children aged 0 – 5years. You can bring your child to a Peep session, where you can take part in group activities, nursery rhymes, games, songs and stories. They are informal, comfortable, welcoming and supportive and offer opportunities to chat about what’s great and what’s difficult about being a parent. For further information, and to find out where Peep groups are running in Midlothian you can use the following link to the Midlothian Council website. Alternatively, you can contact the Early Years team on 0131 271 3909, or email Sharyn.mckenzie@midlothian.gov.uk
Raising Children with Confidence
Raising Children with Confidence is a training programme which aims to give all parents and carers of children ages 0-10 years the chance to explore emotional health and well-being and consider how they can best promote it in themselves and their children. Drawing on the latest research, it helps explain why parents’ actions make a difference to their children’s emotional wellbeing and future positive mental health. Courses are held throughout the year and often run in primary schools and community venues. The groups run as a 14 hour course with 7 x 2 hour sessions. In Midlothian courses take place in schools and community settings throughout the year. You can find out more information by contacting 0131 663 9998