Putting relationship theories into group practice with Mellow Parenting Heather Manclark Training Manager Mellow Parenting mellowparenting.org

1. Heather Manclark
Training Manager
Mellow Parenting
Putting relationship theories into
group practice with Mellow Parenting
GOING MELLOW

2. Aims of the workshop
To give an overview of the Mellow Parenting approach,
what it is and why it works
To give participants the opportunity to experience
activities from the Mellow Parenting programmes
To reflect on these experiences and consider how
they may be put into practice

3. What is Mellow Parenting?
 A collection of groupwork interventions developed to
support seldom reached parents in improving their
relationships with their children.
 A system for learning to observe and feedback
parent/child interactions using video analysis.
 Based on attachment theory and drawing from
psychodynamic theory, Adult learning theory, Strengths
focussed theory and Person centred theories.

4. The Mellow Parenting programmes
 Mellow Bumps and Dad Matters
 Mellow Babies for Mums or Dads
 Mellow toddlers for Mums or Dads
 Mellow Futures
 Mellow Ready

5. Elements of the programmes
 Personal group
 Lunch eaten together
 Shared activity
 Parenting workshop based on video of parent/child
interaction of each group member
 Have a go

6. Why it works
 Focus on developing supportive, trusting relationships
based on respect and reciprocity pre group and within the
group setting
 Removal of barriers to participation
 Single sex groups
 Parent`s are the experts on their own children
 Use of video feedback, acknowledging difficulties and
building on strengths

7. Outcomes for parents attending a
Mellow group
 Increase in number of babies born at term
 Increase in birthweight
 Improvement in parental wellbeing and reduction in
stress and depression
 Increased capacity of parents to manage daily parental
challenges
 Improvement in parent/child relationships
 Improvement in engagement with services including
health, social services and education
 Improvement in child language development

8.  Personal group workshop
 Parenting workshop
The Mellow experience
Two small groups
Keeping safe
Observer role

9. Reflections and debrief
 How was it for you?
 Any questions
 Unfinished business/cool down

10. Being
listened to
Not being
judged
What makes a difference
to parents?

11. Unit 4
Six Harmony Row
Glasgow G51 3BA
Phone/fax: 0141 445 6066
www.mellowparenting.org
info@mellowparenting.org