The Mindful Parenting Program is a research-based program developed by Susan Bögels and Kathleen Restifo and endorsed by Mark Williams, Christopher Germer and Jon and Myla Kabat-Zinn. Participants will explore themes such as parenting on “automatic pilot,” beginner’s mind parenting, responding vs. reacting to parenting stress, conflict and parenting, and love and limits. In addition, topics of self-compassion, vulnerability and wholeheartedness will be presented. Participants in the program will practice new ways of being present during joyful as well as stressful parenting moments. Mindful parenting is an approach to parenting that can allow for deeper connections with our children, creating a more peaceful, healthier and happier relationships.

Here is how I have described this class to a parent who recently inquired about it:

"This class is less about strategies than it is about the experience of parenting. Participants learn about and practice mindfulness in the context of challenging, joyful and ordinary moments in parenting. Parents often report that just having the support of other parents and knowing they are not alone in these moments, is most helpful. I do field questions from parents and provide many practical resources (books, articles, etc.) but the content I am teaching is mostly about mindfulness and how it applies to parenting -- which in the end, actually helps parents with the strategies that they are hoping to use!"

For registration information, go to the UNC Program on Integrative Medicine page here or contact me.