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Featured Blogs

Written by instructors, the ETIA blog provides a wealth of information and practical advice.


Latest Blogs

P.E.T. & School Readiness Funding

P.E.T. & School Readiness Funding

Written by ETIA Admin

Parent Effectiveness Training (P.E.T.) is now listed as one of the evidence-informed programs and supports on the School Readiness Funding Menu. This funding is being offered by the Victorian Department of Education & Training to provide additional support for kindergartens to help children get the most out of their early learning.

Packing Away Playfully

Packing Away Playfully

Written by Melissa Strader

The battle of getting children to do what we ask is one well-known to parents. In this case, the constant feud between mother and daughter about tidying up, is ongoing and fraught with strong emotions. Melissa explores the playful ways that have worked.

Why do Children Fight? Lessons in Moral Development

Why do Children Fight? Lessons in Moral Development

Written by Kathryn Tonges

Fights are emotionally draining. Children seem out of control and you may feel that way too, especially if you were never shown effective ways of dealing with conflict when young. Your parents may have oscillated between being aggressive or passive when faced with conflict. You now have an empowering choice. Use effective assertive communication skills that help your child move to a higher level of moral reasoning.

Leaving Parties is Tricky!

Leaving Parties is Tricky!

Written by Melissa Strader

Ever tried to get a child to leave a birthday party? A playdate? The park? Leaving something fun is often tricky. Just ask any parent. It can be hard work! Recently though, I had a completely different experience, though it started out much the same as any other party farewell.

Be Mindful and Meditate: You're kids will thank you for it! And so will you!

Be Mindful and Meditate: You're kids will thank you for it! And so will you!

Written by Melissa Strader

Because of meditation I am patient more than I am impatient. I am caring more often than I am cranky. I feel happy and content more often than dissatisfied. I am able to stop long enough to share special moments with my children rather than rushing them (and myself) through them, or missing them altogether. I am more calm and kind. I like myself more and I suspect my children do too. So, what’s not to like about mindfulness?!

Changing Judgement and Reactivity

Changing Judgement and Reactivity

Written by Kathryn Tonges

When you decide to change your underlying beliefs about children and about your role as a parent you can free yourself to choose and use a more loving and helpful response rather than resort to an angry reaction.

Morning Rush Hour: a true story of a mother choosing to listen and the amazing outcome.

Morning Rush Hour: a true story of a mother choosing to listen and the amazing outcome.

Written by Kathryn Tonges

Listening wholeheartedly is a choice leading to loving connection. Actively listening in this instance did not take very long compared to the resultant defensiveness and resistance that could have ensued from the mum ordering her daughter to hurry up, threatening her with a consequence, bribing her, moralising that good girls listen to their mothers, or even name call her and tell her that she was lazy.

Self-Care Is Not Selfish

Self-Care Is Not Selfish

Written by Melissa Strader

It might seem like a no-brainer. Of course we need to care for ourselves. Just like the flight attendants tell us, we’ve got to put on our own oxygen mask first, before we can help others with theirs. But for some reason we often still put off doing the very things we know would be good for our soul.

My Emotional Trainer Wheels

My Emotional Trainer Wheels

Written by Kathryn Tonges

Thoughts from your 2 or 3 year old (or any aged child) on losing it: "My emotions have to go somewhere and when they accumulate they sit just below the surface and then it doesn’t take much for me to lose it again and again."

The Trouble with Time Out

The Trouble with Time Out

Written by Larissa Dann

In our quest to parent effectively, to do the best by our children, ourselves and our family, we think carefully about the best way to discipline our child.

Cleaning up our mistakes with our children

Cleaning up our mistakes with our children

Written by Judith Richardson

Even after you have mastered the P.E.T. skills you will always have times when you act or speak in reaction. However what matters more to your children than the fact that you have spoken in anger or acted inappropriately is the fact that you take responsibility for your actions and apologise.

Effectiveness Training Institute of Australia's mission is to provide individuals with effective communication and conflict resolution skills to build connected, harmonious relationships.

Empowering   ∙   Transformative   ∙   Inclusive   ∙   Authentic

Loving Family | About ETIA

About ETIA

The Effectiveness Training Institute of Australia (ETIA) Ltd is a not-for-profit, community based organisation that is dedicated to making courses in communication and conflict resolution skills available and accessible to all people in Australia.

ETIA’s mission is to provide individuals with effective communication and conflict resolution skills to build connected, harmonious relationships.

Our inspiration and programs come from the late Dr Thomas Gordon who is the author and founder of Parent Effectiveness Training (P.E.T.) program and Gordon Training International (GTI).

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