Centered parenting offers parents support in learning effective methods of communication in order to foster healthy development, connection and mutual respect. The concept of unconditional positive regard, accepting and supporting a person regardless of what they have said or done, is central to this practice. As parents strive to hold this unconditional positive regard for their children, they are encouraged to first and foremost develop it for themselves.
Parenting is as challenging as it is rewarding. It can be messy and all parents get derailed at times. Centered parenting reframes challenging situations as opportunities for growth. Moving away from judgmental thoughts and towards reflective observation parents are better able to support themselves and their children. As parents gain self-acceptance for their own unique paths, they can return to a centered place and offer their children unconditional positive regard. The goal is not to parent perfectly but to come back to a place of center when you realize that you have gone astray.
Centered Parenting classes are currently offered in the Southbay of Los Angeles. In the future I hope to offer online classes to support parents living in other locations.
Join the mailing list if you would like to hear when these classes are being offered and receive periodic parenting support. Contact Centered Parenting if you would like to host a class.
Centered Parenting: What? Why? How?
This six-week long series is based on the curriculum developed by Echo Parenting and Education. Michelle blends the Echo curriculum with her focus on helping parents work towards self-acceptance as they strive to parent with empathy and unconditional positive regard for their children and for themselves.
This interactive workshop includes the following material:
• Establishing long-term goals and supporting parents to focus on them rather than immediate compliance
• Exploring brain anatomy and child development to better understand why responding from a place of empathy supports healthy development
• Understanding how our own childhoods and histories inform our parenting and getting clear on how to support ourselves as parents with regards to our own personal narratives
• Exploring the theory of Non-Violent (Compassionate) Communication as developed by Marshall Rosenberg and applying the tools of NVC to the parenting relationship
• Understanding anger and tools for self regulation
• Setting limits and emotional coaching
• The importance of self care and self-acceptance
Centered Parenting: The Next Steps
The Next Steps Workshops are designed to provide further support and tools to parents practicing empathy led parenting. Roadblocks and challenges individuals face when trying to parent in a manner that may be radically different than how they were raised are explored. The topic of acceptance for the self and child is discussed in depth.
Centered Parenting: Centered Couple
The Centered Couple Workshops support couples in developing effective methods of communication. It can be difficult to maintain a satisfying connection as partners with the demands of parenting. Couples will explore ways in which they can better support themselves, their partners and their partnership. Tools and practices that foster deep listening and meaningful connection will be introduced.
Centered parenting classes are currently offered in the Southbay of Los Angeles.