A set of workshops designed to help strengthen the family unit are being offered free to the Bermuda public.

Former social worker Martha Kirkland is to teach the classes, using theories based on the bestselling motivational book 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families'.

The book is one of four written by Stephen Covey, dubbed one of the 25 most influential people in America by Time magazine in 1996. He also runs a US consulting and training company, FranklinCovey, that was set up to help people maximise their performance.

Ms Kirkland, an international associate of FranklinCovey, will teach four classes based on Dr. Covey's book as part of a Community Education Programme offered in St. George's. It is designed to give practical tools on how to strengthen the family unit including effective communication, time management and goal setting.

"These are challenging times for families," she said. "Economic and social factors in the community are placing extraordinary strain on families today. Youth issues dominate in the news, and the question is where do you begin? We need to start early, recognising family as foundational."

Ms Kirkland said greater awareness of your communication style was key in the '7 Habits' programme.

"One of the biggest issues is the importance of listening in relationships," she said. "Who needs to listen first? You, as the parent.

"Also, so many of the minor challenges in a home, for example chores, can be resolved more easily and creatively if you build a spirit of cooperation in the home."

Ms Kirkland said 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families' programme would arm participants with practical tools to make their family life better.

"The course includes discussion and role play so parents will get practice in applying the skills," she said.

And teaching one person the skills is usually adequate for change to take place, according to Ms Kirkland. She said that while the course is for families, it is not necessary for the whole family to attend.

"Any mothers, fathers or even grandparents too, who wish to see their family life grow in important and positive ways are invited to register through the St. George's Community Education office, telephone 297-0007," she said.

Child and Family Services' Bill Trott, said his department was familiar with the '7 Habits' programme and provided training in it for some families. But while acknowledging that it can help strengthen relationships, he said it was not a cure-all and that there was a need for a number of programmes that would nurture parents.

As a social worker in the field he said the breakdown of the traditional family has created a flood of new hardships for people and he cited the difficulty of single parenting as a major problem.

"We see single parents having difficulty balancing their home and family life," he said. "And where we used to see extended family used as a support in the past, we now see that everyone is out there trying to make it. A lot of the help they [the single parents] are looking for has costs attached that they cannot afford.

"As a community we are beginning to get back to how we are going to support one another. A lot of people don't know where to go. We see a lot more looking for support even for parenting. They try to do some things but they need someone to go to, to reenergise."

For many parents the plight seems never-ending, he said. "There's always another issue they need to address. And even without financial challenges just being a parent has its joys, pleasures and stresses.

"When things are not in balance the stresses become a major issue leaving parents feeling as though their problems will never end. This can go on to many issues depression, a sense of hopelessness and not knowing."

Classes will run Saturday mornings in October from 9 a.m. until noon at Clearwater Middle School. Admission, $80, includes a workbook.

For more information contact Martha Kirkland, franklincoveybda@logic.bm.