Mindful

Parenting

Program

The joys of parenting are sometimes stressed by unpleasant interactions with our kids.  In the heat of the moment, we may find ourselves snapping at them or arguing with them. Upon reflection, we may find that we are actually reacting more to our own frustrations and fears, and less to the behaviour of the child.

It is possible to cultivate a way to parent mindfully – aware of our own feelings and emotions, aware of how our mental states change when our children behave in particular ways, and aware of how we react  to these feelings.  As we become more aware of these stressful mindstates, they lose their ability to control us.  We find that our responses become more appropriate to the situation and are based less on our own emotions. With mindful parenting, communication improves. We feel more connected to our children, provide them with greater space for growth, and are more at peace with ourselves.

This Mindful Parenting Program offers an introduction to a new way to parent.  The program will cover the following aspects of mindful parent:

- What is mindfulness?  What is its value?  How is it cultivated?

- How do I use mindfulness in my parenting?

- What resources are available to help me get started?

- How do I keep it going, even when things get tough?

The Mindful Parenting Program consists of 4 classes, each approximately 2 hours long.  The first of the 4 classes was offered recently in Chesterland.  It will be repeated in the near future to be accessible for more parents.

 

This program is offered by John and Laurie Cunningham.  John teaches insight meditation (mindfulness) in the Cleveland area.  Laurie has a doctorate in Social Work, and has been a child and family counsellor for several years.  We are working together to be mindful parents to our young son, and we felt that others might benefit from learning and applying the timeless principle of mindfulness to their parenting.

Please join us if you can.  Because space is limited, please let us know if you plan to join us by sending an email to jc@rovisys.com, or by calling John at 216-407-2809.