PARENTING CLASSES

NEW SERIES OF MINDFUL PARENTING CLASSES AT JILLIAN’S DRAWERS IN APRIL ON MONDAYS, NOON TO ONE. This month we’ll be looking at “Mindful Parenting As a Way of Life” on 4/9, “Mindful Parenting and Brain Development”on 4/16, “Mindful Games for Toddlers and Preschoolers”on 4/23, and “Starting a Family Mindfulness Practice” on 4/30.    We’ll meet at noon (bring lunch or a snack if you wish) and share info and ideas for an hour or so.  Questions and consultation until 1:30.

ANOTHER SPECIAL FREE STRESS REDUCTION SESSIONS FOR PARENTS, CARETAKERS (especially those of exuberant, impulsive, chronically ill or special needs children)

Monday evening, MAY 21    7:00 PM  Jillian’s Drawers
Come and enjoy seventy five glorious minutes of calm, meditation exercises, progressive relaxation, chi gong, and some tips for de-stressing your life and parenting your special child with mindfulness
(Registration Appreciated – 607-539-6783 – just leave a message please)

ABOUT MINDFUL PARENTING CLASSES

The first few years of a child’s life is the most crucial period of neurological growth.  During this time, the basic feeling tone (positive or negative) is laid down, along with the roots of relationships, curiosity, social engagement, empathy and trust in the world.  This is the period when mindful parenting makes so much difference.  Mindful parenting is based on 1) a mindfulness-based model of family relationships and communication, 2)  positive psychology and related work in emotional and social learning, and 3) the important understanding of the developing brain that has come out of contemplative neurology.

Mindful parenting classes offer you the latest and most interesting information emerging from the recent research in human development and neurological growth in babies and children.  We offer workshops on topics such as — this is just a partial list! — attachment parenting, parent-child brain “collaboration”, emotional attunement, contingent communication, developing memory as a cognitive skill, discipline without saying no, and the importance of self-regulation.  The first half of each workshop presents the information, and then there’s lots of time for questions, explanations, sharing and support.

Classes are provided on a “donation-please” basis.  This information belongs to everyone, and therefore everyone, regardless of ability to pay, is invited.  If you have the means, the suggested donation is $15.

Parents are encouraged to start a family mindfulness practice at home, and many suggestions are provided.  Research strongly indicates that parents who have a mindfulness practice and children who are helped to be mindful and reflective exhibit greater empathy, open-mindedness, flexibility, emotional regulation, compassion, contentment, and improved immunity and bodily functioning.  The classes will provide simple explanations, handouts, practical exercises and strategies for putting mindful parenting to work in your life.