Berkeley Parents Network: Parenting Groups

Berkeley Parents Network

Parenting Groups

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Groups, Clubs, & Teams > Parenting Groups

Mindful Parenting Group

March 2004

I have seen a listing for a mindful mothering or parenting support group through this network before, but haven't seen it posted recently. Has anyone participated in it, and if so, what was your experience and how can I reach the person facilitating it?

We took a mindful childbirth class with a woman named Nancy Bardacke (which was great) - and I wouldn't be surprised if she also did mindful parenting classes... anon

I have attended Yvonne Mansell's group ''Mindfulness and Mothering'' for the last six months. She does a wonderful job of providing warmth and wisdom in reflecting on mindfulness and parenting. I've also enjoyed reading the Kabat-Zinn's book ''Everyday Blessings'' as part of the group. The group meets monthly and Yvonne asks for a 3 month commitment. The next block starts in about a month, so it's a good time to contact her.

You can reach Yvonne by e-mail: ymansell AT earthlink.net or phone (510) 528-9551.

I have been a part of the mindful parenting (moms) group since last fall and it is based on readings from Jon and Myla Kabat-Zinn's book Everyday Blessings. We meet once a month on a Saturday from 10 -12. The woman who facilitates the group is Yvonne Mansell, she can be reached at her email ymansell@earthlink.net. I have really enjoyed the connection with the other women in the group (there are generally 5 of us there-including Yvonne). We discuss issues that come up for us in our parenting and how mindfulness can and does play a part in our learning about and understanding our children and ourselves. Participating in the group and reading the book have been very positive experiences for me. Yvonne will be able to give you more information when you contact her directly. marion

A great resource regarding parenting issues is Helen Lockwood. She is a marriage and family therapist doing individual and family counseling, is also a therapist at a school for special needs children, where she works with kids and parents; and also has a parent coaching practice. I have found her behavior- oriented approach concise and compassionate. I recommend her highly! Zoe

I participated in the Mindful Parenting group last summer and fall and found it very helpful. Yvonne Mansell (who leads the group) is very compasionate and supportive while keeping a sense of humor about it all. I enjoyed the group and felt very comfortable sharing my concerns and experiences with the other mothers. I highly recommend the group for anyone who is looking for support in parenting in a more conscious way. You can find information about the group at http://home.earthlink.net/~ymansell/resume.html or email Yvonne at ymansell AT earthlink.net Stephanie

I participated in the mindful parenting group for several sessions and I highly recommend it. Small groups meet for 2 hours at a time and use the book Everyday Blessings by Jon and Myla Kabat-Zinn as a guide. The meetings start and end with a brief meditation. The leader provides a relaxing and peaceful place to contemplate mindfulness practices in daily family life. Contact Yvonne Mansell at 528-9551 for more information. Lee

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