Introduction to Parenting Topics
The Ultimate Aim
My hope for Mum Space is that God’s love, wisdom and truth of the Gospel will be gently revealed to non-believers, seekers, non-seekers - breaking down pre-conceived ideas. Each session will have a way of bringing in something of the Gospel, maybe a few relevant Bible verses or biblical principles, or a question to discuss or simply from the witness and conversation of Christian mums in the group.
You might besurprised that there is not more Christian input, and you are welcome to add more of your own. However, we have found that small exposure still very much works and reduces the risk of losing mums. When a new group starts the Christian content may be less, but as time goes on, as mums become used to it, less threatened by it, more can be said. Go at your pace and put more or less in as you think best for your current group of mums. At the end of each term is an evangelistic session. Depend on regular prayer for your mums.
Mum Space provides a variety of different topics that will appeal to mums with young children. The order in which it is presented can be followed or chosen according to the needs and wants of your own group of mums.
It is likely that the mums will have pre-school children however most of the material is useful for all primary/junior school age children. I hope to write some sessions specifically related to babies at some point.
Much of the material aims to provide a ‘toolbox’ of parenting techniques with the underlying thinking behind them. There is a mass of different opinions on how to parent in our world, hence the aim is to present some of these, sifted, I hope, with wisdom and experience.
There will also be topics related to the whole family, topics on varying relationships that mums have and general lifestyle sessions.
The sessions can be also used as a springboard for your own ideas. Use church members expertise and get them involved. Use free online resources eg watch a youtube parenting presentation together and then have a discussion.
There are endless resources available.Some groups will like a craft in some sessions, which, if not too complicated, they can do whilst listening. It can help to break down some awkwardness. Pinterest is helpful.
Some craft is suggested in the Christmas and Easter sessions.
Young mums are generally very tired and may have brain fog so don’t forget this! But they are also very keen to learn, share, be supported, encouraged and prayed for.
One mum was almost in tears when she shared her relief to hear that other mums felt like she did. Honesty and vulnerability breaks down barriers.
Here are some helpful resources:
The Parent and Baby Coach,
Crazy Cool Family,
Mama Bear Apologetics,
Ann Benton books,
'The Baby Book' by Rachel Waddilove
'Toddler Taming' by Dr Christopher Green
'Raising the Wholehearted Child' by Jeannie Cunnion
'Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting' by Noel-Janis Norton
Instagram: biglittlefeelings, fiveminutemum, anna. Mathur (very up to date parenting),
podcast: some of the above and: Risen Motherhood, Crazy Cool Family, Janet Lansbury