Two new workshops within Always Mum

Always Mum is offering two new workshops under its umbrella. The play workshop aims to teach mums the power of play time. Many parents can find immersing themselves with their children in play a challenging experience. Mums are taught effective strategies such as child-guided play and hands on play activities. Mums are also taught P.R.I.D.E. communication skills: praise, reflect, imitate, describe and enthusiasm. Together, these skills assist mums in promoting positive behaviours and relationships with their children. Ten mums attended our recent workshop, and it was great to see them come together to learn in a collaborative and therapeutic space. Their feedback was positive, with all mums expressing how much they enjoyed tuning in to their inner child and having fun.   

The self-care workshop teaches mums critical skills for true self-care. Mothers with children in out of home care devote a lot of time to completing programmes, attending children’s court and meetings with the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). Combined with ensuring meaningful, positive contact with their kids, finding time for self-care can be difficult. The workshop explored the importance of self-care in stressful situations. Mums discussed difficult acts of self-care, including eating well, getting adequate sleep and exercise, and attending counselling sessions. They then brainstormed different self-care activities such as: connecting with a community, meditation and mindfulness practices, and progressive muscle relaxation, all of which are easily accessible and low cost. 14 mums attended this workshop. Again, it was met with positive feedback and requests to run similar workshops on a more regular basis. It was encouraging to see the mums provide one another with support and encouragement, and to validate each other’s experiences.