Parent-Child Mother Goose

Each week (during school terms) three groups run in different locations across Bendigo particularly for families with children aged 0-3, although children up to age 5 are also welcome. PCMG strengthens bonding, attachment and positive interaction between parents/carers and their young children by introducing them to the pleasure and power of using rhymes, songs and stories together.

PCMG groups are free to attend.

C4C Bendigo has operated since 2015.

As part of strategic planning for 2022-2026, in 2021 the C4C Steering Committee made a strategic decision to focus on 0-3 year olds, prioritising the delivery of playgroups, as they are a key intervention that will make a difference to families in Bendigo.

Currently C4C Bendigo is funding two evidence based early intervention models:

• The C4C Bendigo Playgroups, delivered by Shine Bright. For more information click here.
• PCMG

PCMG is an evidence-based program that strengthens attachment and interaction between parents / carers and their young children by introducing them to the pleasure and power of using rhymes, songs and stories together.

Through the program, parents/carers gain skills and confidence that help them create positive family patterns during their children’s crucial early years. At the same time, children benefit from enjoyable, healthy early experiences with language and communication.

PCMG is particularly suitable for parents / carers who need extra support because of their own personal or social circumstances, or because their children have special needs, developmental delays or concerns.[i]

[i] https://www.parentchildmothergooseaustralia.org.au/

Three groups operate every week during school terms across Bendigo:

• 10am Tuesdays, Wayipunga Early Parenting Centre, Havlin St East, Kennington
• 10am and 12.30pm, Bendigo Library, Hargreaves St, Bendigo CBD (Families can attend the 12.30pm session either in person or online)

Families meet as a group with two trained facilitators once a week, learning to use songs, rhymes and stories with their children. There is emphasis on nurturing the positive interaction between parent and child using touching, stroking and cuddling.

Over time parents / carers learn a wide range of material which they are encouraged to use in their daily lives, such as rhymes, songs and lullabies to settle and soothe babies, rhymes to support daily routines of bathing, feeding, dressing and nappy change and others simply for the pleasure they bring.

The program is enjoyable and fun. Anyone can join and participants don’t need to be musical. [i]

[i] https://www.parentchildmothergooseaustralia.org.au/

Our Group Facilitators created short YouTube videos so families could access a song or story at any time. We hope you enjoy watching these short videos.

Our groups provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive place for all families.

Our groups target children aged 0-3, but children up to the age of 5 are also welcome.

We particularly welcome referrals from families who may need our playgroups the most, such as:

• Families with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families
• Young parent families
• Families with low incomes
• Jobless families
• Sole-parent families
• Families with a parent (or child) who has a disability
• Families experiencing problems with housing, domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health or child protection
• Families with children at risk of abuse or neglect

Yes, our flyer can be accessed here.

Anyone can make a referral. Families can self-refer, or professionals can refer families they are working with.

There are two ways to make a referral:

• Complete this Participation Form, or
• Contact the Program Facilitators:
  • Jess Bennett, phone 0434 817 233, email j.bennett@baptistcare.org.au, or
  • Angie Hayden, phone 0418 519 730, email a.hayden@baptistcare.org.au

Jess Bennett
Program Facilitator
p: 0434 817 233
jess.b@baptistcare.org.au

Angie Hayden
Program Facilitator
p: 0418 519 730
angie.h@baptistcare.org.au

Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS). 2023. “Communities for Children Facilitating Partners Evidence-based programme profiles: Parent-Child Mother Goose (P-CMG)” https://apps.aifs.gov.au/cfca/guidebook/programs/parent-child-mother-goose-p-cmg

Parent-Child Mother Goose Australia. https://www.parentchildmothergooseaustralia.org.au/