We all have multiple roles in life. You may be a professional, a manager, a colleague, a partner, a friend. But you are also a parent. And it is precisely that role that we take with us everywhere we go, even when we are in the middle of meetings or quickly dealing with an email.

Do you recognize that feeling of always being on??
Running between work and school, trying to meet deadlines while also wanting to be there for dinner or putting your child to bed? And all the while trying to be a good partner or friend?

Many parents experience stress in their lives. Perhaps not all the time, but in phases when things happen to be busy in several areas at once, for example in family and work life. Yet little is said about it. As if it is not professional to say, “I just find it hard sometimes.” Especially if you work in healthcare, education, or another profession where you are in daily contact with children or parents, it can feel as if you should actually “know better.” This idea sometimes makes parents feel alone with their concerns, perhaps even ashamed, and only seek help when they have reached their limit.

Why mindful parenting?

Mindful Parenting is a way of not ignoring that busyness and stress, but dealing with it differently. It's not about perfect parenting, because that doesn't exist, but about awareness. Becoming aware of your moments of stress, your automatic reactions, and learning that you can also choose differently.

This training is not a parenting course, but you will practice with, for example:

• Reflecting on yourself: making space to feel how you really are doing.
• Recognizing patterns: noticing when you switch to autopilot.
• Being kind to yourself and your children: responding in a friendly manner instead of being strict or rushed.
• Making choices: how do you want to deal with difficult moments?

The great thing is that recognition often arises during training sessions: “Oh, so I'm not the only one who feels this way.” That relief is almost as meaningful as the exercises themselves.

Scientific basis, practical skills

The mindful parenting training I offer in Leiden and Haarlem is based on Susan Bögels' program (who also trained me to give this training), which is scientifically proven and demonstrably helpful. Research shows that it reduces stress, strengthens the relationship between parent and child, and increases well-being throughout the family.

Whether you are in the midst of a busy career or simply want to be more mindful and relaxed in your parenting, mindful parenting helps you experience more space and connection—with yourself and with your child.

You are welcome

As a parent, you may find that you are often hard on yourself, or that you have difficulty relaxing because there is always so much to do. You don't have to do it alone. Mindful parenting can teach you to be gentler, more aware, and more resilient in your parenting.

Are you curious? You are welcome to participate in a training course alone or together with your co-parent. There are also options to participate individually or together, rather than in a group training course.

Would you like to know more about the upcoming training courses in Leiden and Haarlem? Feel free to send me a message or take a look at the Natuurlijk Harmonieus Leven website, where you can also register.