New Parents' Support Groups
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New Parents' Support Groups
Jan 2009
A close friend of mine and her husband have just become
parents for their grandchildren. The grandchildren have had
to relocate to Berkeley, start new schools, develop
friendships, etc.
Does anyone know of a support group for my friend and her
husband? I know there are many grandparents who are raising
their grandchildren and are the primary caretakers.
Thanks.
Habitot Children's Museum has a number of active parent
support groups for non-traditional parents who don't feel
comfortable in standard parent groups (eg multiracial
families, LGBTQ parents, etc.) and is planning to start a
group for grandparents as caregivers. This group would be
aimed at grandparents of preschool aged children, however.
Contact Susana at parented@habitot.org if you are interested.
Gina
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
April 2002
My partner and I are looking for a parenting group that involves parents in general rather than just moms.
Does anybody know of an existing one or have an interest in starting one?
thanks
Karen and Tim
Couples groups have always been so hard to organize
Martha Harris is the first person in a long time to offer a
group for new couples: 925-284-4426 I think she may be
holding it at The Nurture Center in Contra Costa County.
Bruce Linton used to do some Couples Groups and he does see
couples with new babies for 3 sessions to look at the impact
of a baby on relationships.
His website is a wonderful resource for fathers:
http://www.fathersforum.com
If you need other resources for life with a new baby, please
visit:
http://www.supportgroupformothers.com
Sherry Reinhardt
this page was last updated: Feb 21, 2010
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