The ‘Parents as Partners’ programme will now be offered on a national level following the successful completion of its pilot phase which began in 2023. This programme, which has already made a positive impact, is designed to help couples with young children strengthen their relationship both as parents and as partners.
The programme recognises that the quality of the couple’s relationship has a direct impact on a child’s development. Therefore, any couple with babies or children under the age of three can apply for this free 16-week programme, delivered by professionals in the field.
This was announced by the Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, Michael Falzon, during a press conference. He stated that the programme is now open to couples with children under the age of three. “As a Government, we are continuing to improve the balance between work and quality family time. At the same time, we are launching programmes like this that provide a safe space for couples to strengthen their relationship,” said Minister Falzon.
This programme helps enhance communication, encourages couples to listen to each other more effectively, and above all, promotes an environment of stability, love, and peace of mind for their children. Children are at the heart of it all—because when parents receive support, children thrive.
On her part, Ruth Sciberras, Chief Executive of the Social Care Standards Authority (SCSA), explained that a free babysitting service will be offered when parents attend these sessions. Anyone interested can send a message through the Positive Parenting Facebook page. The training sessions are held once a week, with two-hour online sessions, alongside other sessions held in person.
In the meantime, last January, the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights provided training to a number of therapists, delivered by the Department of Child and Family Studies within the Faculty of Social Wellbeing at the University of Malta.
