For mum of two Nikki Owen-Smith, attending the Nurture and Thrive children’s health course from Nurture Knowledge gave her something many parents crave when their children are unwell – confidence.
With a five-year-old stepson and a seven-month-old baby, Nikki said she often found herself searching online for reassurance. She decided she wanted clearer, more reliable knowledge to help her make the right decisions for her children’s health.
“I really wanted to feel better equipped and more confident in my own knowledge and understanding for when my children are ill,” she said.
Nurture and Thrive is a GP-led course focusing on common childhood illnesses, first aid and knowing when – and where – to seek medical help. Courses run regularly across Bath and Gloucestershire, with an online option also available for parents who prefer to take part from home.
Nikki attended a session held in the tipi at Elkestone Studios, alongside around ten other parents. She said the small group size helped create a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.
She was also drawn to the group-based learning. “I’d previously done an antenatal class and really enjoyed learning alongside other parents who are in a similar boat to you. I could see that Nurture and Thrive was run in a similar way,” she said.
During the course, parents learned about common childhood illnesses including chickenpox, ear infections and croup. Nikki said it was especially helpful to understand how illnesses are caught, how they affect children’s bodies and when medical advice should be sought.
“It was really insightful to learn when to seek medical assistance and where to turn for this, including some lesser-known avenues of support,” she said.
Parents also learned practical, hands-on skills such as CPR, how to respond if a child is choking and how to use a defibrillator.
A major highlight for Nikki was the way the course was delivered by Dr Ciaran Conway, a GP and parent himself.
“Dr Conway led the course in a really friendly, approachable and humorous way,” she said. “He’s incredibly knowledgeable, and the fact the course is delivered by a GP and a parent was one of the main things that attracted me.”
She also valued the chance to talk openly with other parents. “The opportunity to discuss things with like-minded parents of children at slightly different ages made it a really warm and supportive environment,” she added.
Asked what she took away from the day, Nikki didn’t hesitate.
“The main thing I’ve taken away is confidence in my ability to make the right decisions when it comes to my little ones’ health,” she said. “Knowledge is power, and being more knowledgeable has definitely left me searching the internet for answers in the middle of the night a lot less.”
With more Nurture and Thrive courses coming up across Bath and the surrounding area, as well as online sessions, Nikki says she would recommend it to any parent looking for practical guidance and reassurance.
For parents hoping to feel calmer, more confident and better informed about their children’s health, it could be a day that makes a real difference.
For more details and to book your place on an upcoming course, go to www.nurtureknowledge.co.uk
