Psychosocial tools: a workshop about changing ourselves

As we all know, being an adult seems never to be easy.

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And of course, as parents, we always want the best to our children. However, “HOW” to do that is often a hard question to answer.
That might be one of the reasons why the “Adults workshop: discovering tools” was part of the Forum for Well-being program, that takes place in Grenoble from June 6th to 8th. The workshop was hosted by Nadine Cotton, vice-president and prevention psychologist at AFEPS (Association francophone d’éducation et de promotion de la santé) and aimed to develop the psychosocial skills of children, parents and educators, for a fairer, calmer and freer society.

Psychosocial tools: What’s that?

That was somehow the most asked question among the workshop’s participants. Some members of the audience confessed they came to the workshop just out of curiosity!
The psychosocial approach looks at individuals in the context of the combined influence that psychological factors and the surrounding social environment have on people’s physical and mental wellness, as well as their ability to function. Therefore, the psychosocial tools are indicators of physical and mental wellness based on psychological factors and on the social environment.

Nadine started the workshop by asking everyone’s expectations and their first thoughts on the theme, then requested them to write down the things they’re most proud of about their children. She presented the Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT), Psychosocial Compétences Tools in French, as a method that can change our mind about parenting.

One of the PAT assets Nadine highlighted is about being conscient of our own competences, knowing more about ourselves in a positive way. Another asset is positive communication. She showed how to express our feelings positively, even in difficult situations. “We also need to avoid saying negative things to our children, not only because it doesn’t work, but because it leaves ever-lasting scars“. Although giving useful tips, Nadine says there’s no magical recipe for good parenting, so both parents and children have the right to be angry and to make mistakes.

The workshop was lead in a funny, interesting way, with plenty of practical examples. Surprisingly, there were not only parents attending, but also young people interested in education and psychosociology. “I came here to know more about the education methods from a psychosociology perspective. And it didn’t disappoint me at all.” said Mariane, from Aix-les-Bains.

“To be honest, I came here just because my dougther told me about this event, but the workshop really surprised me. I have learned some nice methods that I can try with my students”, said Caroline Benistand-Hector.