A prism divides light into the rainbow, a symbol often used to describe the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Prismatic parents, caregivers, and educators are themselves 2SLGBTQ+ and/or have 2SLGBTQ+ children in their care. Mindful relationships with youth reduce hyperactive, depressive, and aggressive behaviors without requiring them to change at all. When caregivers practice mindfulness, research suggests that youth behavior improves, and adults get benefits such as improved communication with youth, higher relational satisfaction, less stress and anxiety, and the feeling that parenting / caregiving is less work.
Bellingham Queer Collective is thrilled to host an eight-week mindfulness series designed for prismatic parents, caregivers and educators. Participants in this course will be introduced to mindfulness in the caregiving relationship and will experience both automatic and aware parenting / caregiving. In addition, mindfulness home practices and resources to support them will be explored.
Sessions will be held at the BQC Center (310 W Champion Street in Bellingham). We will meet on Sundays from September 13 - November 15 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Our session on Sunday, October 25 will be from 9:00 - 4:00 pm.
Participants will…
Define mindfulness, mindful caretaking, minority stress, and adultism
Identify the impact of the way participants were parented on their parenting, caregiving, or educating style
Understand how adults practicing mindfulness can reduce caregiver stress and improve both the adult-youth relationship and youth behavior
Experience and practice mindful lying down, sitting, and movement
Identify mindfulness resources to support ongoing learning and practice
The course is facilitated by Jill Stansbury, a Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Facilitator certified by Brown University and a parent educator with 15 years of experience. She has been a caregiver for family members and co-parent.
To enroll in this free community offering, register at https://forms.gle/9iWbjZYGh7rNdoy2A. Space is limited, so enroll as soon as possible.