LISTENING MOTHERS GROUPS FOR INFANTS AND MOTHERS
Listening Mothers- Background
The Listening Mothers program draws from attachment theory, neurological studies, and knowledge about emotional development. This creates a unique program that helps establish the foundation for a long lasting bond between children and their parents. The Listening Mothers program supports infants and their moms to strengthen their relationships. During the facilitated discussions, mothers learn how to be better attuned to themselves and their babies, and how to engage and emotionally stimulate their baby. Extensive research has shown that this process helps to further a baby's cognitive, emotional, and social intelligence.
Listening Mothers- 8-week Program
Listening Mothers groups are run by professionals in the greater Seattle area trained in infant social and emotional development. Usually there are no more than 7 moms and their babies in a group so moms can get to know each other, feel supported, and get a chance to participate and share their concerns. Meets weekly for 1 ½ hours - fee for the 8-week session is $120.
Listening Mothers- Curriculum
1. Clarity - Develop your identity as a mother and discuss your feelings about this role.
2. Insight - Strengthen your emotional bond with your child as you explore your thoughts and feelings about your baby and motherhood.
3. Awareness - Look into your childhood experiences and how they impact your parenting
4. Confidence - Learn how to tune into and respond to your baby's needs. Help your baby feel calm and interested in his/her world.
5. Knowledge - Talk about how your relationship with your partner affects the baby and how your baby impacts your relationship
6. Understanding - Learn how baby's primary relationships and experience set the foundation for early learning
"At the Listening Mothers program, in the supportive environment of the group, the moms gain more confidence in their ability to mother, and are learning to trust their intuition in responding to their baby. As they grow to understand themselves and their babies better through our group discussions, they can offer a foundation for emotional security in which their baby can thrive."
—Yaffa Maritz, Co-Founder, Listening Mothers
Information and Registration
To find out more about Listening Mothers Program, and to register for the next Listening Mothers group I will facilitate please see http://www.listeningmothers.org
Each baby is a person from the start and needs to be known by someone.
D.W. Winnicott
