Question / Issue

Answer / Solution

Mellow Parenting draws from several theoretical sources.

A main influence is from Attachment Theory and the assumption that our experience of being parented is directly linked to the way we parent our children.

The early relationship we have with our parent(s) serves two important functions: to provide us with security and feelings of trust in adults and the world around us and also with a secure base from which we can learn and explore. If this early relationship is damaged it can lead to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety and can also make it harder to fit in within society.

The personal group run within the Mellow Parenting programme allows parents to explore safely aspects of their early experiences which may have led to difficulties they have in their lives in general and with their own child in particular.

Group dynamics are understood and used within the programme, in particular attention is given to building a safe and supportive group, trusting in the power of the group to help individuals with their experience of interpersonal relationships and containing feelings within the group itself.

The worksheets addressing mental health issues are based on cognitive behavioural therapy and the parenting workshop uses principles of positive behaviour management with the children.

Principles of social learning theory are also applied in modelling from the facilitators; using video feedback with the paretns to help them build on their existing skills and practicing new ways of relating to the children in the lunch and activity sessions and at home with homework.

Mellow Parenting avoids the use of an expert model of parenting, thereby encouraging parents to problem solve and come up with their own solutions, their attendance on the 14 week programme is recognised as a positive commitment and rewarded with a certificate to acknowledge their own learning.