Oldham dads praise life-changing parenting course

Oldham dads have praised a free parenting course for transforming their approach to family life — helping them to connect more deeply with their children and create calmer, more positive home environments.

The Centre for Emotional Health Nurturing Programme, delivered by Oldham Council’s Parenting Team through the Family Hubs offer, is a 10-week course helping parents and carers develop skills to better understand emotions, manage behaviour, and build nurturing relationships with their children. 

The most recent course, held at The Link Centre on Union Street, welcomed six dads. Each of them walked away with new perspectives — and powerful, practical strategies to use at home. 

The course has helped their children to take ownership of decisions — leading to greater confidence, trust, and fewer power struggles at home. 

One dad reflected: "As a big bloke I feel that I'm expected to be the assertive parent and the strong parent and rule-setter. But I wanted my daughter to feel that she could come to me. My grandma was how I always wanted to be as a parent. 

"This course has given me the toolbox to deal with issues and has helped to keep me calm in difficult situations." 

Another dad praised: "It has shown me how to involve my son in decision making and it has changed my perspective on a lot of things. 
"I've learned how to stay calm and how staying calm gets you further, and I've got a guidebook to back me up. I'm very glad that I've done it." 

Another father said: "When I was growing up you were told 'this is what's happening' but this course gives new approaches to handling difficult situations. 

"It shows how to engage your children in decision-making and they're much more content, even when they're having to hand their electronics over, because they have also come to that decision. At the same time it boosts their confidence and trust." 

Parenting Officer Joanna Bird said: “This course has been a fantastic opportunity to create a supportive space for these dads.  

"They have shared their experiences, challenged themselves, and left with a deeper understanding of how nurturing relationships and emotional awareness can positively shape family life. It’s been a privilege to be part of their journey.” 

Parenting Officer Nicola Carnes said:  "One parent told us  they've got open communication now with their child now and they can't believe they have achieved that with a seven-year-old. 

"They have achieved that by fully engaging over the 10-week course and showing real commitment to understanding their children’s emotions and strengthening their family relationships. The transformation in confidence and perspective has been clear to see by the end of the programme." 

Pictured above: Councillor Shaid Mushtaq.

Councillor Shaid Mushtaq, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, added: “This course is making a real difference to families in Oldham. It’s inspiring to hear how dads are developing stronger, healthier relationships with their children and gaining new confidence in their parenting. 

"Support like this empowers parents to be the positive role models their children need.” 

The Nurturing Programme is part of Oldham’s wider Family Hubs offer — a network of support for families, from pregnancy through to 19, and for young people up to the age of 25 with SEND. 

For more information and to find your nearest Family Hub, visit familyhubs.oldham.gov.uk and for queries and bookings for our parenting courses email parentsupporthub@oldham.gov.uk