Cyngor Gwynedd is breaking new ground with Welsh-medium parenting support

A new resource has been launched that uses popular technology to dismiss the taboos surrounding some of the common challenges facing parents of babies and toddlers.

Cyngor Gwynedd is breaking new ground by producing a series of Welsh language podcasts to help families on the journey through the key childhood years.

The first episode of the podcast is designed to help parents teach children to use the toilet, dealing with the issue in a friendly, warm and fun way – all through the medium of Welsh. Plans are also underway for a further two episodes on the themes of parental mental health and language and speech issues. 

Officers from Cyngor Gwynedd's Children and Family Support Department were spurred on to create the podcast series "Mam, Dad a Magu" having seen the need for a new way of talking to parents about common issues that can have an impact on children's natural development, and for it to be available through the medium of Welsh.

Eirian Williams, Project Officer from Cyngor Gwynedd's Children and Family Support Department, said:

“Every child who goes to school in Gwynedd is expected to know how to use the toilet before starting nursery class. But unfortunately, we're seeing more and more children coming in still in their nappies.

“This has a big impact on the classroom and the ability of teachers and assistants to do their jobs, if they have to spend time changing nappies rather than doing activities with the children.

“We already give each child a kit to take home which includes things to help them learn to go to the toilet, and producing this podcast is an exciting step forward. We've thought long and hard about how people like to receive information these days and see this as a friendly way to take parents, carers or anyone else involved in raising the child by the hand and to help them navigate this part of the journey.

“If you search on-line for help, there are so many resources available through the medium of English, but hardly any in Welsh. Here in Gwynedd, it's totally natural for families to want to discuss things like this in Welsh, so this was a driving force for us to create the podcast. The response so far has been very positive and we have already decided to produce more episodes.”

The first episode of "Mam, Dad a Magu" is presented by the actress and podcaster Mari Elen – who is also the mother of small children. She is joined by a panel of experts in the field – Nia Krijnen from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board's Paediatric team; Alaw Parry, Incontinence School Nurse; and Sharon Morgan, Incontinence Nursery Nurse.

Eirian Williams, Project Officer from Cyngor Gwynedd's Children and Family Support Department, added: “We're not here to judge parents or find fault, our intention is to help families.

“People can be uncomfortable talking about issues like this, which can lead to problems in itself. If you're afraid to ask what's normal and don’t want to admit that you're having difficulties, you're at risk of missing out on the help available.

“Our hope is to break the taboos and encourage people to speak openly. The podcast is free and available on popular platforms such as YouTube, Spotify and Apple, and information is available on Cyngor Gwynedd's website.

“If there are families out there in Gwynedd who want more information or support, please contact the Teulu Gwynedd (Gwynedd Family) team on: 01286 678824.”

“I very much welcome this development, it's exciting to see this type of resource available to parents and something to commend.

“I think it's important that families can talk about these kinds of issues in an informal and natural way. I remember – when my own children were smaller – how important it was to remember that each child develops and learns in their own way, and it’s not a competition with other children to reach the milestones. I think that this sort of podcast will helps families to support the children along the way.”

The first episode of Cyngor Gwynedd's podcast "Mam, Dad a Magu" is available here on YouTube: O'r Napi I'r Poti | Mam, Dad a Magu | 1, or search on Spotify or Apple. Further episodes will be available soon.