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Family and Parenting
Nobody's Perfect
NOBODY'S PERFECT is a parenting education and support program for
parents of children from birth to age five. It is designed to meet the
needs of parents who are young, single, socially or geographically isolated
or who have low income or limited formal education. Participation is voluntary
and free of charge.
The program is not intended for families in crisis.
This NOBODY'S PERFECT Program was developed by Health Canada in
partnership with the Departments of Health of the four Atlantic provinces:
New Brunswick; Newfoundland and Labrador; Nova Scotia; and Prince Edward
Island. NOBODY'S PERFECT was introduced nationally in 1987.
NOBODY'S PERFECT parent materials were extensively revised and
updated in 1997 and are published in both French and English. Alternative
formats are available on request in both official languages.
"NOBODY'S PERFECT accepted me as who I am and helped me learn
who I can be." Parent
How does NOBODY'S PERFECT work?
NOBODY'S PERFECT is actually offered as a series of six to eight
weekly group sessions. The program is built around five colourful, easy-to-read
books which are given to the parents free of charge. During the meetings,
trained facilitators support participants as they work together to discover
positive ways of parenting.
The NOBODY'S PERFECT Program is based on the principles of adult
education - it builds on what parents already know and do for themselves
and their children. It starts with the parents' personal experiences
and interests and actively involves participants in the learning process.
It builds networks among parents and encourages them to see one another
as sources of advice and support.
"I would recommend it to friends - a way to make new friends and
find mutual support." Parent
"I like the parent books because they are easy to understand and
I can keep them." Parent
Is NOBODY'S PERFECT effective?
Yes, it is. Several major evaluation and impact studies have found NOBODY'S
PERFECT to be successful at reducing isolation and increasing parenting
skills and confidence.
NOBODY'S PERFECT has proven to be an
effective program for parents who have limited access to sources of help
or information. The program is offered in a broad range of settings in
every Canadian province and territory. NOBODY'S PERFECT is liked
and used by many parents, including immigrant and Aboriginal parents.
"It was exciting to see things brought out and comments made and
to see changes parents could see happening to themselves. Instead of me
giving all the information it came from the parents - they took over."
NOBODY'S PERFECT Facilitator
Who facilitates NOBODY'S PERFECT programs?
Across Canada, over 5,000 community workers, parents and public health
nurses have been trained as NOBODY'S PERFECT facilitators. Facilitation
training provides information about delivering the NOBODY'S PERFECT
Program and develops skills for helping adults learn in group settings.
Networks in every province and territory provide on-going support for
facilitators and trainers.
"The facilitators are more into listening to us rather than telling
us what to do. It is far more helpful - it makes me feel like I can deal
with things without being judged." Parent
To obtain further information regarding the NOBODY'S PERFECT Program
or its implementation within your province, please contact your provincial
coordinator . The national contact person is:
Public Health Agency of Canada
Division of Childhood and Adolescence
Jeanne Mance Building
Tunneys Pasture
AL 1909C2
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
Telephone: (613) 952-1220
Fax: (613) 952-1556
E-mail: DCA_public_inquiries@hc-sc.gc.ca
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