Parenting for wellbeing

We are pleased to announce that we have recieved funding to create a four week in person parenting for wellbeing group by the Leathersellers’ and Merchant Taylors’ foundation Early Years Fund.

We are working in partnership with St Mark’s Church in Downham and their stay and play sessions for children aged 0-5 living in Lewisham or attending Little Lanterns or Busy Bees the parish free early years sessions.

Recognising that parenting today is really tough and we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to have everything run perfectly, when also dealing with many other competing challenges. These groups will offer a safe, non-judgemental space to take care of ourselves as parents and explore the following topics:

• Good enough parenting and self care

• Emotions, yours and your children's

• Understanding behaviour

• Family Routines

The groups will run alongside a stay and play sessions during term time at Little Lanterns at St Mark’s Church on a Tuesday morning 10:00 -11:30am or Busy Bee’s at St Luke’s church on a Thursday morning 10:00-11:30am and your little ones can stay with the play staff if they are happy and settled in the space. Occasionally we offer evening groups to. For more information and latest group dates and locations or to sign up to take part in the Parenting for Wellbeing group .

“I learnt that I do not need to be a perfect mum, in fact there is no such thing. That I’m doing a really good job and doing good enough is enough. I learnt that I need to take care of myself in order to have capacity to give to my family.

I Found it really interesting about identifying whose problem something is, rather than taking it all on myself. Learnt more about the types of parenting and how I’m a mixture of a few types. Finally, learnt how important connection is with my children, and understanding how emotions impact them and are likely behind meltdowns”.