Parental power in Linköping - when families grow together

The large room in the activity center Kulturhuset Agora in Skäggetorp is filled with laughter, music and movement. Children and parents drum together with joy and enthusiasm. When the music stops, one of the participants says:

- We needed this! The stress disappears. It's so nice to just be who you are.

After the djembe drums, the evening continues with the children relaxing with fairy tale reading and the adults gathering for a chat. Several parents describe that it feels good not to be alone.

What is Parental Power?

Parental Power is a new project within Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad, which is currently available in six locations in Sweden. Earlier this fall, Erikshjälpen received 11.3 million Swedish kronor (SEK) from the Postcode Lottery to start and run the project for four years.

The aim is to empower parents to support their children in the challenges they face at school and in life. During parent meetings, participants exchange experiences, but also learn more about how society works and how they can support their children.

- Parents are the most important people in children's lives. We want to give them the strength and courage to grow," says Chrysanthi, also known as Chrissa. "There are many parent-strengthening interventions in the municipality, but we feel that far too few take advantage of them.

Skäggetorp Family - children and adults create together

Many parents in Skäggetorp are foreign-born and have lived in Sweden for different lengths of time. Being a parent in a new country can be a big challenge - you need to learn a new language, a new culture and understand the rules of society.

- "Many people want so much but need support and safe meeting places to dare to be involved," says Chrissa.

In the Skäggetorp Family activity in Linköping, families get to create something together. At the first meeting they were asked to introduce themselves. The children took the initiative and were keen to talk, while some of the parents stood in the background.

- The children often have a better command of the Swedish language, but when we encouraged the parents to dare to participate, it became a nice moment for everyone, says Chrissa. "It's important to find a balance where both children and adults are given space.

"Here I can speak Swedish and meet other mothers"

Ruun is from Somalia and has lived in Sweden for five years. She participates in Skäggetorp Family with her children Geedi and Madhi.

- I wanted my children to make friends - and me too. Here I can meet other parents, but also speak Swedish and listen to others speak," says Ruun.

Geedi and Madhi are involved in several of Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad's activities such as homework and various leisure activities. Ruun is often with them, but always feels safe even when the children are at the Future Workshop themselves.

Towards the future

The goal of Föräldrakraft is for more parents to feel safe, engaged and involved - both at home and in society. During the project period, Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad will establish meeting places and platforms for children and parents, and the plan is for the work to become an important part of Erikshjälpen's regular activities in the future.

In Skäggetorp there is a strong will to cooperate. Many different actors are working towards the same goal - to support families and create security in the area. The community has confirmed that Föräldrakraft is really needed, and the commitment is great.

- "As parents grow, children grow too," says Chrissa. "We believe that when each family member takes responsibility for their role, there is a balance - children can be children, focus on school and grow at their own pace.