The Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course for parents is designed to support caregivers of children with Autism, ADHD, combining psychoeducation with mindfulness through a neurodivergent-affirming lens.

The MBSR Parent Course is an intensive 8-week course, including over 16 hours of instruction and coaching on Mindfulness and stress reduction. In addition to weekly classes, and comprehensive resources, each participant is provided access to Meditation recordings. Following the MBSR based curriculum of Susan Bogel’s Mindful Parenting, this clinically proven 8 week programme teaches skills in breath work, body relaxation, mindful eating, mindful exercise and self compassion. Focus is given to neuro-affirming practices and building understanding and learning about autism and ADHD

Term 3, 2026

Wednesday evenings 7-9pm (July 29th to Sept 16th)

OR

Friday mornings 9:30 - 11:30 am (July 31st to Sept 18th)

Location: Online

Cost: $65 / week ( 8 weeks)

Early bird: $480

Discount for 2 parents attending

For further information, please email me at: mindbodyparenting@gmail.com

Your teachers: Hannah and Eve Rudkin (www.everudkinmindfulness.co.nz) jointly run this programme. A session may be facilitated by both, or more likely by one of them, according to their availability. As far as possible, we will try to ensure that participants meet both Hannah and Eve, and that the first session/s are run by both, and that one of us is the key trainer for the 8 weeks.

Parenting a neurodivergent child can be both deeply rewarding and uniquely demanding. This 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Parents programme, developed from the clinically proven work of Susan Bögels and colleagues, is specifically designed for parents of children with additional needs such as autism, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).

Grounded in scientific research, this evidence-based programme has been shown to reduce parental stress, increase self-compassion and wellbeing, and strengthen parent-child relationships. What makes this course unique is that it is delivered through a neurodiversity-affirming lens, recognising and respecting the diverse ways children and families experience and engage with the world.

The programme integrates mindfulness practice with contemporary understandings of the nervous system, helping parents develop a deeper awareness of how stress impacts both themselves and their children. Participants will explore concepts such as interoception (our ability to notice and understand internal body signals), nervous system regulation, the window of tolerance, and key principles from polyvagal theory, providing a compassionate framework for understanding behaviour, emotional responses, and connection.

Parents will also have the opportunity to reflect on their own parenting schemas and patterns, exploring how past experiences, beliefs, and expectations can influence responses to their children. Through mindfulness and self-reflection, participants can develop greater awareness and choice in how they respond during challenging parenting moments.

An additional benefit of the programme is the opportunity to connect with other parents who share similar experiences. Optional group discussions provide a supportive space to explore the realities of parenting neurodivergent children, share insights, and reflect on how mindfulness can positively influence day-to-day family life. Particular attention is given to understanding the unique experiences of neurodivergent children, including those with PDA profiles, and how parents can support safety, autonomy, regulation, and connection within everyday family life.

Throughout the programme, parents will learn practical skills and strategies including:

• Meditation practices including breathwork

• Body Scan awareness and relaxation techniques

• Mindful eating and movement practices

• Building interoceptive awareness

• Understanding and regulating the nervous system

• Working within the window of tolerance

• Applying insights from polyvagal theory to parenting

• Understanding PDA through a neurodiversity-affirming framework

• Exploring parenting schemas and automatic patterns of response

• Developing self-compassion and emotional resilience

• Navigating relationship ruptures and practising meaningful repair

• Setting compassionate, respectful, and effective limits

• Supporting co-regulation and emotional connection

• Reducing stress and consciously simplifying family life

• Integrating mindfulness into everyday family routines

Whether you are seeking greater calm, stronger connections, a deeper understanding of your child's nervous system, or practical strategies to support both your wellbeing and theirs, this programme offers a compassionate and evidence-based pathway towards more enjoyable parenting.