Last week, we began our second series of The Mindful Parent Hub and were truly grateful to see several familiar faces returning to join us once more.
This reunion provided a wonderful opportunity to discuss the progress and positive changes they had experienced in their day-to-day lives as a direct result of what they had learned in the previous workshops.
During the burnout introduction workshop, each parent receives a carefully designed questionnaire created by Gemma. Upon completion, this questionnaire generates a wellbeing wheel that serves as a useful tool to highlight specific areas of life where additional help or support might be needed.
One of the parents who initially joined us after realising she was experiencing burnout found the sessions extremely beneficial and valuable. So much so, she chose to return for the second series. After retaking the questionnaire, we were delighted to see her progress and her renewed commitment to change.
She has gained tools to overcome burnout, make time for herself, and manage a busy household whilst caring for her children and an elderly mother-in-law. By choosing self-preservation over constantly giving to every responsibility, she has emerged as a happier, healthier parent—calmer and more in control of her actions.
With her permission we have attached her wellbeing wheels below of before and after. Without having to explain the outcomes, they very much speak for themselves.
Why do parents return?
And you are probably wondering the same question most mums would ask reading this: Why do parents return to our workshops?
The truth is, they don’t have to—but they choose to. Parents come back because they want to hold themselves accountable for making time for self-care, to feel safe sharing openly, and to reflect on the progress they’ve made since the last session.
For anyone who has experienced CBT, the process involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviours to promote healthier coping mechanisms. Just like our workshops, it starts with a questionnaire or assessment to understand problems, followed by working collaboratively with life coaching and creative activities to identify connections between thoughts, emotions, and actions.
This leads to setting goals and practising new thinking and behavioural patterns through techniques like cognitive restructuring and behavioural experiments. We also provide optional homework between workshops, which is essentially repeating the exercises learnt within the sessions. Achieving the desired changes takes time and doesn’t happen overnight.
A personal note
When I was struggling through motherhood in the early years, alongside some childhood trauma rearing its ugly head, I felt like my mental load was acute physical pain. That pain was unbearable; it would take over my body and my thoughts. I would hold tension in my shoulders and my jaw. I knew I had to make changes.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy helped me a lot, but it took time. I had deep-rooted issues that needed professional help. It led me on to a healing journey where I am able to share and talk about my problems with others, helping them identify an area that is often overlooked and stigmatised.
If you have any questions or worries, we are more than happy to have a chat with you and discuss further to see what would best suit you.
Join us and make that change
The Mindful Parent Hub was born from two individuals possessing different skill sets but sharing the same goal and passion for positive parenting and personal wellbeing.
We run weekly workshops to support calmer, more connected parenting. Created by Gemma Dean, Parental Wellbeing Coach, and Sima Rahman-Huang, founder of Artists’ Apothecary, The Mindful Parent Hub offers weekly, in-person workshops blending reflective coaching with expressive art therapy.