Mindfulness for Parents

Cultivating Calm & Building Bonds: Empowering Family Wellbeing Through Mindfulness

Our weekly mindfulness group for parents and caregivers is a space where the community gathers, not just to navigate the challenges of parenthood, but to flourish in it. Through explorations of mindfulness meditation and Positive Psychology, we learn practices for cultivating personal inner peace, nurturing relationships, strategies for compassionate parenting, and managing daily stress.

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Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Web presence

2022

Established

70

Children

1

Countries

Target group

Parents

Updated

May 2024

Our innovation hopes to see a fundamental shift in education towards a comprehensive approach that prioritizes the wellbeing of all. By empowering families to be lifelong learners who deeply understand themselves and each other, we aim to create a supportive environment where students can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. We envision an interconnected, flourishing school community.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

We created this innovation because we understand that student well-being is deeply rooted in family wellbeing and home life. By equipping parents with tools for self-awareness, emotional regulation, relationship tools, and a better understanding of their children and their own inner lives, we can support holistic family development.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

In practice, our innovation takes the form of a weekly mindfulness group for parents and caregivers. The group meets for one hour every Thursday morning after drop-off. Led by our Wellbeing Coordinator, participants engage in learning sessions, meditation practices, and discussions aimed at enhancing their well-being and parenting skills.

How has it been spreading?

The spread of our innovation has been organic and impactful. Families have been inviting each other to join, and friends have been brought along after witnessing the positive effects it has had on participants and their families. Additionally, our initiative is promoted throughout the year and highlighted in our community news, further spreading awareness and engagement.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

If a school wants to implement our innovation, they should first designate a location and regular time for the mindfulness group meetings. It's essential to have a facilitator who is trained in or knowledgeable about mindfulness to lead the sessions effectively. Finally, invite families to join, and consider incorporating expert guided meditations to support facilitation.

Media

The sound of the bell or singing bowl is our cue to return to our breath, return to the space, and return to the present moment.

Our mindfulness room is a safe, tranquil place where students, staff, and parents can all find a moment of refuge.

Here, families explore the domains of Positive Psychology and consider where they have balance, and where they might like to place more focus.

Our sessions are full of smiles, as well as deep discussion and making space to share the difficulties.

Our first (smaller) mindfulness space in 2022. Soft, comfortable seating, a candle, and a community circle is all you need to get started!

Some parents reflect on "Recipes for a Happy Life", one of our reflection activities to consider family values and what matters to us most.

Posters and flyers are hung around campus and posted in our weekly Community Newsletter to ensure ongoing invitation to our group.

Families arrive and connect as they wait for our weekly morning session to begin.

Parents relax during a guided, group body-scan meditation.

One participant explores take-home resources to borrow about supporting meditation and mindfulness for children.

Parents practice a compassion-building meditation in pairs.

Implementation steps

Define Your Purpose

Clearly articulate the group's objectives, emphasizing benefits like stress reduction, improved parenting skills, and enhanced family relationships. Ensure alignment with the school's wellbeing goals.

Select a Knowledgeable Facilitator

Choose someone with expertise and training in mindfulness, psychology or family counseling, and a welcoming demeanor. Look for experience in leading group discussions and creating a supportive atmosphere.

Choose a Time & Location

Select a time that suits most parents, such as after morning drop-off, during after-school activities, or even evenings/weekends, and a location easily accessible to them, like a school facility or community center. It should be consistent and convenient for families.

Promote It!

Spread the word through school newsletters, social media, and word of mouth. Highlight the benefits of the group and encourage participation from all interested parents.

Prepare the Format & Curriculum

Consider a format for sessions that you will stick to. It is helpful to include time for meditation, reflection, learning, and sharing. Develop a structured overview covering mindfulness practices, parenting skills, child development insights, and stress management techniques. Ensure sessions are engaging, build on previous skills, and are relevant to parents' needs.

Facilitate Sessions

Create a warm and welcoming environment for your group. Consider that the environment should be relaxing and conducive to moments of peace. Incorporate interactive activities, guided meditations, and open discussions to encourage participation and collaboration.

Evaluate & Adapt

Regularly gather feedback from participants to assess the effectiveness of the sessions, as well as what more they would like to learn. Use this input to make adjustments to the content and facilitation approach, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of the group.

Sustain Momentum

Keep the momentum going by celebrating successes and milestones achieved by participants. Continuously promote the group to attract new members and maintain engagement among existing ones.