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Alberta downturn hurts families

Whitevalley Community Resource Centre's case load has climbed since the downturn in the oil and gas sector
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Jupiterimages The Whitevalley Community Resource Centre is reaching out to parents who are wanting to improve the relationship with their children.

The ebbs and flows of the oil patch are having a ripple effect on local families.

When the industry was booming, many North Okanagan men headed to Alberta, leaving their wives and kids to cope. Now that many jobs have dried up, financial and relationship pressures have arisen.

“When all of the men went north, we had programs for women to change the oil in the car and do household repairs. We showed them how to be more independent,” said Gay Jewitt, executive director of Lumby’s Whitevalley Community Resource Centre.

“But now the men are coming back home or there is a huge reduction in pay. The income level has changed and the kids are not playing hockey or skiing. There’s no work or no sign of work and they’re trying to support their family.”

WCRC’s case load for couples needing assistance has climbed since the downturn in the oil and gas sector, while addiction cases are also up.

“Families face the usual challenges but this creates more challenges,” said Jewitt.

Whitevalley has been working with other groups, the Lumby Food Bank and the thrift shop, to ensure families’ basic needs are addressed. Valley First Credit Union has also helped fund the response.

“It makes sure kids are included. It’s runners, it’s boots or maybe it means Johnny can be on the basketball team,” said Jewitt.

No matter the circumstances, there are a number of support programs for all parents in Lumby, including the six-part Ups and Downs of Parenting, which started Feb. 17 and runs Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Lumby Christian Church.

The Ups and Downs of Parenting is free for parents of children ages eight to 14, and participants will learn about communicating with their child, understanding and working with anger, dealing with emotions, building your child’s confidence, sibling relationships and raising kids in a world of technology.

“Parenting has its ups and downs. Everything is going smoothly and then there’s a bump in the road,” said Sandra Wagner, program facilitator.

“We want to help families cope and understand each other. Every child is unique and they come with joys and challenges. There’s no manual to parenting.”

Wagner also insists there’s no perfect parent.

“It’s about building relationships with the parents and the children. Listen to them. Sometimes it’s about role modelling,” she said.

“Step back from your emotions and think about what your child is telling you.”

Participants will also learn about child development.

“The needs of an infant and the needs of an older child are the same but they look different. They still need trust, love and safety,” said Wagner.

The Ups and Downs of Parenting is open to all.

“There are parents who are doing well and want to do better and parents who are struggling,” said Jewitt.

Pre-registration is required by calling 250-547-8866, and the office can also provide information on other WCRC programs.

“It’s exciting to see parents come together and realize they’re not alone,” said Wagner.