A WORKSHOP about how to support anxious youngsters is one of nine events in Lake Macquarie City Council's free You're Kidding Me program, which aims to connect families with services that support children's learning and development.
The council's community planner children and families Erin Peterson said the council considered its work with families an important part of its service, launching her role around 20 years ago, its Child and Family Strategy about 15 years ago and the You're Kidding Me Expo around 10 years ago.
"[Council's role] is very much an advocacy role and a networking role, connecting services to families and children within the community," Ms Peterson said, adding that it wanted to help services reach as widely as possible, particularly to vulnerable cohorts.
"There are so many positive outcomes that come from it, starting with children and their participation in early education and care and then in their local schools and building networks in their neighbourhood and community... the longevity of the community being strong and healthy and happy, loving the city they live in and feeling they belong there and it's a really supportive positive place to live is the greatest outcome for sure."
The program starts on April 27 with a music workshop at Charlestown Library and includes both online and in-person events that span matters from fussy eaters to managing family stress and relationships.
It culminates in an expo on May 20 at The Place Community Centre, Charlestown.
Ms Peterson said the council designed the program to respond to what families with children aged zero to five were experiencing and the current climate.
"We wanted to target those families and let them know all these issues they're dealing with are a completely normal part of raising children and here are the resources and the information to support you through those times and network you with other families, as well as giving you the information to support your parenting... we do like to ensure there's specificity with our specialists and that we're honing in on issues that we know are current within the community."
She said the council gauged need through feedback to the Child and Family Strategy, surveys and speaking to service providers.
