MyTime – A place to unwind and connect. A world away from appointments and therapy

What is MyTime?

MyTime groups are peer support groups for parents and carers of children aged under 18 years who need a higher level of care than other children. Children do not need a formal diagnosis for families to attend.

It’s a FREE service, and a place where you can socialise and share ideas with others who understand the rewards and intensity of caring for a child with additional needs in a relaxed setting. Play helpers keep your children busy and active. Siblings are also welcome. Bring your child and come meet the staff.

MyTime groups are being delivered through a combination of face-to-face and online.

MyTime Facilitators and Play helpers

MyTime Facilitators work with group members, helping them get to know each other and learn more about the services and supports in their area. Members choose what they would like to discuss in their groups, with help from the facilitator. Depending on what the group wants to do, the facilitator might guide group activities or provide resources.

Facilitators are parents and workers from local organisations. They have qualifications and experience in disability, parenting, or family support and bring to the MyTime group a good understanding of local resources and support services.

Play helpers keep children, including under-school-aged siblings, busy and active in activities such as singing, drawing, playing with toys, blocks or sand so members can spend time catching up with one another. Play helpers have skills in leading children’s play activities. However, they may not be qualified child care workers.

Please contact MyTime Coordinator Kim Mace for more information on (03) 9689 1577  or contact her by email.

Times and Locations – Term 2 from 1st May 2023

Times & Dates

Download the MyTime Locations 2023 flyer

The MyTime groups provide a relaxed environment to make friends and to explore and discuss helpful resources over a cup of tea or coffee while your child plays with the support of a play helper.

Discussion topics cover everything from behaviour management and strategies around dealing with the challenges of public displays of frustration, to schooling options and the enrollment criteria, success in toilet timing, eating new foods, and when a child uses PECS to communicate.

We invite families to drop in for a chat and meet the MyTime team in your area. If you’d like the support and understanding of others facing the same challenges and to know more about MyTime call the MyTime Coordinator Kim Mace on 9689 1577 or contact her by email.

Resources

Here are some links to MyTime Partners’ resources, Tweddle Resources, Raising Children Resources and Association for Children with a Disability resources.

Association for Children with a Disability. 

Raising Children Network – Disability

Raising Children Network – Videos

Tweddle Parent Info Hub

Thrivary is a free App that connects parents, carers, early childhood and parenting practitioners to real time guidance, information & learning on all thing’s early childhood development, disability and early intervention (0-8yrs).  You can track milestones, enter notes and communicate with health professionals. 

MyTime – Topic Information Sheets

RECENTLY REVIEWED 

• Staying connected
• Eating & drinking
• Relaxation
• Stress
• Behaviour: Making change
• Behaviour: Should I be concerned
• Coping following diagnosis
• Getting help for stress
• Grief & sorrow
• MyTime and Readiness

UNDER REVIEW

MYSELF

• Advocating for myself and my child
• Eating and drinking
• Estate planning: What is it?
• Estate planning: Why and how?
• Exercise and your health
• My relationship
• Relaxation skills
• Staying connected
• When stress escalates
• Working as a team

MY CHILD

• Brothers and sisters
• Developing routines
• Fussy eating
• Managing puberty in girls
• My child’s friends
• Myths about parenting
• Puberty
• Sexual development
• Social-emotional development

MY COMMUNITY

• Benifits and discounts
• Child care
• Family outings
• Reactions from others
• School choice
• Supports and services
• Transition: Preparing your child
• Transition: Preparing yourself
• Transition: Preschool
• Transition: The school comm

MyTime – A time for You.

My Time is a service providing an opportunity to unwind and connect for mums, dads, grandparents, and anyone caring for a child from birth to any school-age with a disability, developmental delay or chronic medical condition.  Parents can socialise and share ideas with others who understand the rewards and intensity of the caring role.

The peer group brings together parents and carers with similar circumstances, making time for themselves, having fun, and sharing their personal experiences. Find out about available community support, gain knowledge and information on parenting skills, while children play, supported by a play helper.  Have a hot cup of tea or coffee and take some time out for yourself.

Sessions are reassuring for parents/ carers, who often express sincere relief. Uplifted discussion and interest extends beyond time with an eagerness to meet again in the future.

MyTime@ Tweddle groups are held in six western locations. Helpful resources are also available from the MyTime website www.mytime.net.au