I’m Kathleen and I’m a CalmFamily trained Parenting Consultant.
This isn’t what I’ve always done but for the first time ever, I wholeheartedly love what I do!
My journey here started in my childhood, I remember thinking very early on that I wanted to raise my children differently.
Instead of a tense atmosphere with shouting, hitting, shaming and name calling with intense feelings of hurt and lots of uncertainty, I wanted to create a calm, loving and nurturing home. Somewhere my children would feel safe and be unconditionally loved.
When I was pregnant with my daughter (now 7), I read everything I could get my hands on about parenting! I devoured books and scoured the internet, I also spent time reflecting on my own upbringing and what I could do better.
I gradually discovered an approach to parenting that resonated deeply with me and just felt right.
I don’t like to label it. I think labels can be restrictive and sometimes misleading. So whatever guise it may come under, positive, attachment, gentle, responsive, mindful, for me it all boils down to two simple things…
Parenting with respect and empathy.
For their feelings.
For their needs.
For their body.
For their capabilities.
For their natural development.
For their personality and their future selves.
This enables me to truly see my children as the individual, wonderful human beings that they are!
It’s not easy.
I mess up – a lot!
I’ve acted on bad advice from others – sometimes against my own instincts. It’s hard not to feel you ‘should’ be doing something, especially when the advice is being given by family or a health care professional. It can be so confusing when you’re bombarded left, right and centre with everyone’s opinions! I’ve been there, it’s tough.
I’m not a perfect parent, there’s no such thing! I just know a lot of stuff and try to apply it daily.
Over the last few years I’ve learnt a great deal, including an incredible amount from my children. I’ve learnt to be more patient, to slow down, to manage my emotions better and to chill out when the Play-Doh colours are mixed!
I’ve also learnt from reading stacks of books and copious articles online in my free time. I also carried out masses of self-study and days of face to face training during our adoption application, something I think would actually benefit all parents! And finally, over the last year I’ve carried out the extensive and amazing training with CalmFamily.
When I saw the advert to train with CalmFamily, my heart started pounding and a little voice in my head shouted “yes!” So I listened to the voice (listening to voices in your head can be a good idea!) and haven’t looked back!
I love CalmFamily’s ethos and the realsense of community I have from working with them (it’s not just a cliché). Conversations with the leadership team and other consultants are just so inspirational and fuel my passion even more.
Which brings me on to what I actually do – a Parenting Consultant.
I inform, support and empower families.
I challenge much of the mainstream parenting advice and methods that are out there and that most of us have grown up with. Especially when talking to parents about solutions for issues with sleep and behaviour.
The material I share in classes is all evidence based, it’s what research has shown us to optimise your child’s development in all areas. It’s not just the latest fad or a so called parenting ‘expert’ telling you how to parent your children.
This is important.
I’m not the expert. Parents are.
Parents are in the unique position of knowing their children best and what will or won’t work for their family and their little one.
I provide the information and tools that empower parents to trust their instincts.
So who would my classes be helpful for?
Anyone!
You can be co-sleeping, cot sleeping, bottle feeding, breastfeeding, sling wearing or love your buggy, expecting a baby or on to your third, it really doesn’t matter.
Anyone can benefit from coming along to a class. It’s practical, no-nonsense knowledge that will give you completely new insights to your little one’s world. To understand them better or help find solutions for challenges you’re facing.
My classes will help encourage a respectful, trusting and positive relationship with your children – from day one. A relationship that will last through the teen years and into adulthood.
The focus is on supporting children to become resilient, self-assured, independent, kind and compassionate human beings (whilst also being kind to you, parenting is hard work!)
Investing in the future of our children can change the world. I’m aiming to do that one family at a time!
If you’d like to know more, I run a variety of classes on different topics designed for expectant parents and parents of babies and toddlers, up to pre-schoolers.
As well as the scheduled BabyCalm and ToddlerCalm group workshops and courses, I also offer private 1:1’s and private group sessions tailored to your needs and timescales.
I can be found hanging out on Facebook and Instagram under CalmFamily Dorset.
Or contact me directly on kathleenpearson@calmfamily.orgor 07427 620994.
