how to become a mindful grand parent

About

A mindful Grand Parent Support Program is designed for adults who have become a parent/ guardian after being a grandparent aged 65+ years. The aim is to use specifically designed therapeutic tools to support grandparents who have become parents again in a non – direct counselling approach focusing on mindfulness. Each week will start off with a short mindfulness activity followed by some parenting education which includes offering tools/ tips to nurture relationships. One adult from the group will have the option to choose the topic for the week of discussion. We use a Person Centred approach (Carl Rogers) during our small group sessions which focuses on building the therapeutic relationship between each adult in a supportive environment. 

Erikson's 8 Stages of Psychosocial Development is a helpful framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities that children face at different points in their lives. By being aware of these stages, grandparents can better support their grandchildren's social and emotional developmental needs.

Value of Storytelling:  Sharing stories allows grandparents to connect with each other, learn from each  other's experiences, and develop coping strategies together.

• Mindfulness: practices can help grandparents stay calm and present in the moment, which is essential for building strong relationships with their grandchildren.
• Parenting education: Learning about parenting best practices can help grandparents feel more confident and effective in their role.
• Support group: Sharing experiences and  advice with other grandparents in a supportive environment can be invaluable.

Benefits of Program:

• Communication:  Opens effective dialogue between intergenerational family members
• Benefits of Mindfulness:  It helps grandparents remain calm and present, creating a more nurturing environment for their grandchildren.
• Addressing Challenges: Acknowledging the potential  emotional, behavioural, and learning challenges faced by both grandparents and grandchildren demonstrates a comprehensive approach to support.
• Coping Mechanisms: Focuses on helping grandparents name, understand, and cope with strong feelings and painful experiences is crucial for emotional well-being.

• Connect Storytelling to  Mindfulness:  Mindful storytelling involves fully immersing yourself in the story,  appreciating the language, and connecting with the emotions and      experiences being shared.
• Active Listening: Encourage grandparents to  practice active listening during story time, which involves paying full  attention to their grandchildren, making eye contact, and responding thoughtfully.
• Grandparent-Grandchild Bonding:  Spending quality time together can strengthen the bond between  grandparents and grandchildren, creating cherished memories and fostering      a love of learning.

 Sharing Stories with others:

• Fosters valuable social skills and creates a more inclusive environment.
• Promotes deeper engagement with the story and enhances understanding.
• Helps you identify and  express emotions, as well as develop empathy and understanding.
• Encourages creative expression by sharing your story in your own words, draw pictures, or act out scenes.
• Builds self confidence and  communication skills

By incorporating these additional tips and addressing potential concerns, you can create a more enriching and meaningful story-sharing experience for children.