What can we do as mothers to support our sonās mental well being?
Maintaining good mental health is essential for overall well-being. Here are seven tips for that mothers can role model to their sons to support and improve their mental health:
Open Up About Your Feelings:
Talking about your feelings isn’t a sign of weakness; itās a way to take charge of your well-being. Whether it’s with friends, family, or a therapist, sharing your thoughts and emotions can relieve stress and provide new perspectives.
2.Stay Active:
Regular physical activity boosts mood, reduces stress, and improves overall mental health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Activities like walking, running, or team sports can be particularly beneficial.
3.Maintain a Healthy Diet:
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can positively impact your mood and energy levels. Avoid excessive sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.
4.Build Strong Relationships:
Investing time in building and maintaining relationships can provide a valuable support network. Social connections are crucial for emotional support and can help combat feelings of isolation. You can join our facebook community here
5.Set Realistic Goals:
Setting achievable goals provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps and celebrate your progress along the way.
6.Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation:
Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help reduce stress and increase your ability to stay present in the moment. Even a few minutes a day can make a difference.
7.Seek Professional Help When Needed:
If youāre feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, seeking help from a mental health professional is crucial. Therapists, counselors, and support groups can provide strategies and support to navigate difficult times.
Prioritizing mental health can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life. Remember, it’s important to address mental health proactively, just as you would physical health.
Praying for your son/ son in law is a meaningful practice rooted in biblical principles and examples. Here are seven reasons why it is important:
For Wisdom and Guidance:
Example: King Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead his people, and God granted his request (1 Kings 3:9-12). Praying for your sons to receive wisdom and guidance helps them make godly decisions throughout their lives.
2-Protection:
Example: Psalm 91 is a powerful prayer for protection, where the psalmist speaks of Godās protection over those who trust in Him (Psalm 91:1-2, 9-11). Praying for your sonsā protection is essential for their physical, emotional, and spiritual safety.
3-For Strength and Courage:
Example: Joshua was encouraged by God to be strong and courageous as he led the Israelites into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:9). Praying for your sons to have strength and courage enables them to face challenges and overcome obstacles with faith.
4-For Faith and Spiritual Growth:
Example: Timothy’s faith was nurtured by his mother and grandmother, and Paul commended their influence on him (2 Timothy 1:5). Praying for your sons’ faith and spiritual growth ensures they develop a strong, personal relationship with God.
5-For Character and Integrity:
Example: Daniel maintained his integrity and faithfulness to God even in a foreign land and under pressure (Daniel 6:4-5, 10). Praying for your sonsā character and integrity helps them to be honest, trustworthy, and morally upright.
6-For God’s Favor and Success:
Example: Joseph found favor with God and man, leading to success even in difficult circumstances (Genesis 39:2-4, 21-23). Praying for Godās favor on your sons can open doors of opportunity and bless their endeavors.
7-For Their Future and Purpose:
Example: Jeremiah 29:11 speaks of God’s plans for a hopeful future. Praying for your sonsā future and purpose aligns them with Godās will and helps them fulfill their God-given destinies.
Each of these reasons highlights the importance of seeking God’s intervention and blessings in various aspects of your sons’ lives, grounding them in biblical truth and spiritual strength.
Self-acceptance is a crucial aspect of mental and emotional well-being. Here are some strategies for fostering self-acceptance, along with relevant Bible verses for spiritual encouragement:
1. Practice Self-Compassion
Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend.
Bible Verse: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
2. Focus on Your Strengths
Identify and celebrate your strengths and achievements, rather than dwelling on weaknesses or failures.
Bible Verse: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
3. Embrace Your Uniqueness
Recognize that you are unique and that your individuality is a gift.
Bible Verse: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my motherās womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:13-14
4. Forgive Yourself
Let go of past mistakes and forgive yourself, understanding that everyone makes errors.
Bible Verse: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
5. Practice Gratitude
Regularly reflect on and express gratitude for the positive aspects of your life.
Bible Verse: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is Godās will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
6. Set Realistic Goals
Set achievable goals and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.
Bible Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,ā declares the Lord, āplans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
7. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
Build a community of friends and family who uplift and encourage you. Our intentional parenting whatsapp group is a community of hardworking, committed mothers who are willing to build a village.
Bible Verse: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
8. Take Care of Your Body
Engage in activities that promote physical health, as this can enhance your mental and emotional well-being. This may we have embarked on #10kintentionalwalk challenge in aid of our mental health.
Bible Verse: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19
9. Engage in Mindfulness and Prayer
Practice mindfulness and prayer to center yourself and connect with your spirituality. Our 6am club is a cornerstone and safe space to start the day. We do prayers Monday- Friday 6am-6:30am.
Bible Verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
10. Accept God’s Unconditional Love
Remember that God’s love for you is unconditional and everlasting.
Bible Verse: “Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:39
By integrating these strategies and reflecting on these Bible verses, you can nurture a sense of self-acceptance that is rooted in both personal growth and spiritual understanding.
Group walking offers numerous benefits, backed by research evidence:
Social Support: Walking in a group fosters a sense of belonging and social support, which can improve mood and reduce stress. Research published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that group walking interventions led to significant improvements in social support and mental well-being among older adults.
Accountability: Group walking provides accountability, increasing the likelihood of sticking to an exercise routine. A study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that participants in a walking group were more likely to adhere to their exercise program compared to those who exercised alone.
Motivation: Group dynamics can enhance motivation levels, encouraging individuals to push themselves further. A study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine showed that group walking interventions led to greater improvements in physical activity levels and fitness compared to individual interventions.
Variety and Enjoyment: Walking with others can make the activity more enjoyable and diverse, leading to increased participation. Research published in the American Journal of Health Promotion demonstrated that group walking programs resulted in higher levels of enjoyment and satisfaction compared to exercising alone.
Improved Health Outcomes: Group walking has been associated with various health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, weight management, and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. A systematic review published in the American Journal of Health Promotion concluded that group-based walking interventions have positive effects on physical health outcomes.
Overall, group walking not only promotes physical activity but also enhances social connectedness and psychological well-being, making it a valuable strategy for improving overall health and quality of life.
Welcome to the incredible and amazing month of May. Join us here at intentionalparenting as we celebrate maternal mental health month.
We have a few programs and events lined up for you as below:
1-Walk and Meditation
In a bid to encourage better mental health, we are encouraging MIGRANT parents to participate in the 10k steps a day challenge. You can add this up through jogging, skipping etc. As parents the struggles of raising children in diaspora can impact greatly on your overall well being. For those of us who are migrants, the challenges with our mental health is even greater. The stresses of travel and living in a different culture and society cannot be under estimated. World Health Organisation advocates for good mental well being for migrants and refugees, WHO.
Walking as a form of exercise is well researched to aid good mental wellness. We have chosen walking as its low impact and we want to incorporate meditation into that walking space. More details on the benefits of walking are here
There is an opportunity to connect virtually via whatsapp group call every Monday- Friday 7-7:30pm. GMT. This is a space for encouragement, meditation and connecting with each other. During that time we will be meditating on the things we are doing well, celebrating and amplifying these. We also want to take time exploration the parenting issues we can do better. Furthermore we want to come together in a safe space to share some of our struggles and the stuff that keep us awake at night. In the last couple of years, May has been an incredible month here at Intentional Parenting UK.
If you have any questions, requests , you can send these to the whatsapp group admin and will make sure that we stand in faith with you for your request. To join the group, click here
You can join the walking challenge from anywhere. We encourage you to find times that suit you and share your step count with us for motivation and encouragement. You can also join our Facebook page if you prefer something not too intimate as a whatsapp group.
On the last Saturday of the month which is 25th, we are going to a local mountain here in Buckinghamshire to celebrate and give thanks for all that we would have accomplished in us this month and beyond! Remember faith celebrates before seeing because faith in itself is a confident assurance that God is a man of His word! Paul said this in the book of Hebrews chapter 11 :
āThis is what it means to trust God: We will be sure about the things that we hope for. We will be sure in our minds about things that we cannot even see.ā āāHebrewsā¬ ā11ā¬:ā1ā¬ āEASYā¬ā¬
2- Meditation Journal
Yes we have taken to journaling this month as well as part of mental health first aid. We are really excited to be embarking on this remarkable journey in May as we look at maternal mental health. Click here to download the 31day journal that we will be using throughout this month.
The journal is there to prompt you to take 5mins and jot down how the day went for you. Please use this as part of self care. Itās key to CREATE that 5mins to write down how your day has been.
We want to demonstrate to our children how we take care of ourselves and that we take mental wellness seriously. Identifying and naming your feelings and emotions is paramount in taking care of your mental health.
3- MEET UPS
The community and village is key to our overall well being. We have cluster meet ups to share and encourage one another. These meet ups are an opportunity to meet like minded parents and if you join the Whatsapp group this will be a great way to put a face to a name. Virtual meetings are great however in person meet ups are the best.
We are kicking off with the Buckinghamshire cluster, being the home of Intentional Parenting š
We are meeting up at this incredible gathering of wise women in Milton Keynes. Itās going to be a refreshing time of learning, empowerment and growing. You donāt want to miss this. Be sure to join our whatsapp group so we can connect and coordinate. Do invite your mom friends too.
We have clusters all around the world primarily;
Africa:
-Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania ,
Middle East:
-Kuwait
USA
-Texas, Atlanta
Europe
-UK, Scotland, Ireland, Poland
4- Prayer Mountain
Join us on the 25th of May at the Coombe hill here in Buckinghamshire as we take our prayers and petitions to the Mountain.
Why on the mountain, you may ask:
Matthew 14:23, “And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.”
Exodus 24: 12 The Lord said to Moses, āCome up to me on the mountain. Stay there, and I will give you the stone tablets with the teachings and the commandments I have written for the peopleās instruction.ā
We are excited to be embarking on this and our cluster groups will be undertaking their activities in those respective areas.
Intentional Parenting is home to BOLD and courageous parents. Women who are awakened to the call of God in raising Kingdom children. Women who love to walk in the TRUTH. Our 6am club is a place of growing and drawing strength from the giver of all that is good is perfect. We believe in creating SAFE spaces for mothers to flourish and that takes intentionality and a willingness to WORK! We welcome women and mothers with a heart of service, open minded and who DARE to live unapologetic in their convictions and beliefs. General blessers. We are not a platform for people who want to watch/ observe or just sit, be prepared to put in the work and this means engaging with other sisters, contributing to this growing community. For majority of mothers, our facebook page or blog is the best place for you where you can engage with the content at your own pace and time.
Check out the rest of our blog on all thing intentional Parenting.
šFor 2025 it promises to be amazing. The challenge is loading and more details will be available this Friday 25th. Do express interest here
At intentional parenting we run a 6am club where we share the WORD and encourage one another to walk in its TRUTH, demonstrating the love of God to those near and dear to us. One of the ways we do this is through studying the books of the Bible. This October, November and December we are in the book of Colossians.
We are continuing reading and praying through the book of colossians. As Christian parents we are encouraged to live a life that honours God, in our conduct and actions with our children.
Below is an inventory I have drafted taken from the fruits of the spirit scripture in Galatians 5:22. These fruits demonstrate to us as Christian parents that we are in union with the Spirit.
I am inviting you to take stock/ inventory. Of these fruits which ones are you strong in? Which ones do you need to develop some stamina?
You may find that there are seasons and moments when you are able to demonstrate these. Reflect on those seasons, what is happening? Why do you think you are able to be kind, patient and loving to your children sometimes and struggle in others? Jot these down under notes section.
Below are tips/ways to develop and cultivate these qualities in your life:
Prayer and Reflection: Regularly pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in developing these virtues. Reflect on your actions and attitudes in light of the fruit of the Spirit. Have someone hold you accountable to your growth.
Study Scripture: Delve into the Bible to understand the teachings and examples that embody the fruit of the Spirit. Seek wisdom from scripture to apply these principles in your daily life. The Intentional Parenting monthly bible study through the 6am club will help you with this. You can join the whatsapp group via this link
Embrace Love: Actively practice love by showing kindness, forgiveness, and empathy toward others especially your children. Love is foundational to the other fruits of the Spirit. Demonstrate this with your children. Let the sisterhood of faith hold you accountable in walking in love. Love compels us to look out for each other in prayer, sharing of tips/ knowledge and ideas. Join our facebook community via think facebook page
Cultivate Joy: Focus on gratitude and find joy in your relationship with God. Choose to rejoice in both good and challenging circumstances, trusting in God’s plan. The gratitude jar is also a wonderful concept. Have you tried it before?
Pursue Peace: Strive to be a peacemaker in your relationships with your children. Seek resolution rather than conflict and trust God’s peace to guide your decisions. Apologise to your children when you have gotten things wrong.
Exercise Patience: Develop patience by understanding that God’s timing may differ from your own. Exercise restraint in difficult situations and trust God’s plan to unfold.
Practice Kindness and Goodness: Actively look for opportunities to be kind and do good to others. Let your actions reflect the kindness and goodness that God has shown you. Extend this to your children. Our whatsapp and networking community offers opportunity to interact and grow with other mothers, giving you a safe space to grow.
Be Faithful: Demonstrate faithfulness by staying committed to your relationship with God, your promises, and your responsibilities. Trust in God’s faithfulness as your example. I cannot over emphasise this. There is such a rise in social isolation in our generation as people develop mis-trusting relationships. As parents of faith, loving and fellowshipping with other believers is highly commended. We believe and strive to do that in our pursuit of intentionalparenting.Why donāt you join us at the next networking event. Join our Facebook page to kept up to date
Cultivate Gentleness: Approach others with gentleness and humility. Avoid harsh judgment and strive to understand different perspectives.
Exercise Self-Control: Practice self-discipline in your thoughts, actions, and emotions. Seek the Holy Spirit’s help to overcome temptations and cultivate self-control.
Remember that developing the fruit of the Spirit is a lifelong process. Continually seek God’s guidance and rely on His strength to grow in these virtues, knowing that it’s through a relationship with Him that these qualities can flourish in your life.
When you’re feeling like you’re not enough, it’s important to practice self-compassion and employ strategies that help build your self-worth. Here are some strategies you can try:
Practice self-care: Take time for activities that make you feel good, whether it’s exercise, meditation, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy.
Focus on your strengths: Remind yourself of your accomplishments and the unique qualities that make you who you are.
Set realistic goals: Break down big tasks into smaller, achievable steps, and celebrate each milestone you reach along the way.
Surround yourself with supportive people: Spend time with those who appreciate and value you for who you are, and who encourage your personal growth. We have an intentional parenting whatsapp group or facebook you can join here
Challenge negative thoughts: Replace self-doubt with positive affirmations and remind yourself that everyone has moments of self-doubt.
Help others: Volunteering or supporting others in need can help shift your focus away from self-doubt and boost your sense of purpose.
Seek professional help if needed: Consider speaking with a therapist, parenting coach or counselor who can provide guidance and support for improving your self-esteem and self-worth.
Remember, building self-worth is a gradual process, so be patient and kind to yourself as you work through these strategies.
If you want to discuss some of this further with Fadzai, do contact via this link
Every month of November we are taking the positive affirmation challenge.
Research on affirmations suggests that they can have a positive impact on the brain, influencing areas related to self-worth, self-integrity, and cognitive processing. Studies indicate that practicing affirmations may help in reducing stress, enhancing resilience, and improving overall well-being. They can also contribute to a more positive mindset, increased self-esteem, and a stronger sense of control over one’s life.
We are encouraging parents to speak positively in the lives of your children. Most of you may already be doing this. What we are emphasising is the power of spoken words into the hearts and minds of your children.
š”Tip
You may also want to draw out traits that you need to see more in your child. For instance you may have a child who has either of these traits; fearful , indecisive, anxious, unkind, disorganised, confused, hanging with wrong crowds, lazy, indifferent, distracted, etc.
Speak into those traits eg where there is laziness, speak diligence, commitment etc. Talk about it with your child in a sensitive and respectful manner:
āI see you struggle to get things done. How can I help you?ā
Listen to their suggestions and be willing to work with them. Put practical strategies to support with what needs to happen. If you identify something that you nee help with, do get in touch with Fadzai via this link
Talk about the challenge and how you are keen to support and make a difference as a parent.
If your child is old enough, ask if there is anything that they need you to focus/ support or pray into?
The idea of the challenge is to make it your own and meaningful as much as possible.
We understand the power of the SPOKEN word especially when said in faith!
Goal
These are some potential goals for this challenge focused on intentional parenting:
Encouraging parents to prioritize quality time and meaningful interactions with their children in order to foster strong emotional bonds and promote positive child development.
Empowering parents to practice mindful, conscious parenting techniques that prioritize understanding, empathy, and effective communication, fostering a supportive and nurturing family environment.
Promoting the importance of setting clear boundaries and consistent discipline strategies to help children develop self-discipline, responsibility, and healthy decision-making skills, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and character development.
Highlighting the significance of promoting emotional intelligence and resilience in children through intentional conversations, positive reinforcement, and modeling healthy emotional expression, thus equipping them with essential life skills for managing and navigating their emotions effectively.
What you need for this challenge is to speak these AFFIRMING words into your child. If you are christian we encourage you to do it prayerfully.
I encourage you to be creative, wild and think outside the box on how you want to do this.
Below are examples of what you can do:
Bedroom door.
Affirmation JAR
Choose a consistent time that works for you and your household. For example, a working from home parent may choose a time when the child/ ren are at school to surprise them when they come home each day with an affirmative word.
Another parent may choose to share the word with child, pray together into that Affirmative word and may ask the child to stick it on the door.
šDo what works well for you and your child.
Encourage the teens and young adults living at home to participate. Let them know you are taking the challenge. With this cohort of children, they may not be overly interested, do not lose heart. They need these WORDS more than than you can imagine. For Christian parents, you may want to pray into their rooms on your own each day using that AFFIRMATIVE word and then stick it on their bedroom door.
For those of you with a children who share a bedroom, use different coloured post notes for each child so you can differentiate.
If you do not have post it notes, use plain paper and coloured pen/ markers/ highlighters/ eg black pen, green, red or blue.
Some of you may prefer to use digital notes. Use what is easier and best for you. This may work well with children who are not living at home may be in boarding schools, college, uni or left the nest altogether.
Be as creative and wild as you want with this.
As a parent remember to speak positively to yourself as well:
I am a loving parent
I am doing a great job
I am raising the future
I am the best parent for my child
I am learning
I am enough
I am growing
I am impactful
I am open minded
I am qualified to parent.
I love what I do.
The Challenge
āPositive Parenting Affirmation Challenge” “šāØ Join our #IntentionalParentingAffirmationChallenge #IPAC and share your daily affirmations for a happier, more fulfilling parenting journey! Let’s uplift our children and spread the joy of positive parenting one affirmation at a time.
š Tag us and inspire others to embrace the power of positivity! Use these hashtags #ParentingPositivity #Affirmations #IntentionalParenting #IPAC
Follow Intentional parenting socials via links below for updates and inspiration.
Do share with your friends, families and colleagues.
The key to learning about brain development is to knowing and understanding that our childrenās brains are not fully developed before they are 25 yearsš¤š¬. Long time, I hear you sayā¦ it is indeed, so brace yourself for the journey!
Hands up to those who became parents with under developed brains ā¦. šš¾āāļø
This isnāt to shame anyone but to create a place to reflect and think :
So what does that mean to my parenting journey? How did my experience shape the relationship I have with my child/ren?
Who else was/ is helping me in my transitioning and journey?
How am I thriving in this space?
What do I do with what I know now?
In many non western cultures of the global majority, a village/ community is there to help raise a child hence some of the challenges of having children young were mitigated. The turbulent teen years were dealt with by a community so the nuclear family did not feel it that much. For those of us who grew up in Zimbabwe in the 90s and beyond we know how the christian values and beliefs shaped us even for those whose parents didnāt actively practice christianity. Gospel songs were everywhere and pretty much what we listened to especially in public places eg in commuter buses, shops and malls. So imagine the impact that had on our minds and well being!
Fast forward to now, where families are dispersed and all overā¦ what does that mean to be a PARENT in this fast paced world?
How are you minding your childās brain?
What sort of things can you do as a parent to support positive brain development? How can you look after yourself during what is sometimes termed āturbulent teen yearsā?
Join us for an epic summer as we look to have fun with our families. The activities we have chosen are either FREE or cheap to do over the 6 weeks break.
These are some of the activities we are encouraging you to do with your families. What do you think?
More easy to do activities as well. Share with your children. Let them identify the things they would like to do.
Our challenge to ALL our families this summer 2023, is for you to visit your local MUSEUM and WOODLAND. Our research shows that black families rarely visit these places. That may be different for you and your family and that is good. For the rest, during this 6week school break, letās visit our local museum, parks, woodlands, walking trails etc. Most of them are free and may have subsidied activities for children of different age groups.
When you have visited the Museum, or Park, tag us in your photos with #intentionalparenting #IPsummer23
We also would like you to visit your local woodland. Did you know that only 1% of visitors to UK national parks are from Black, Asian or ethnic minority backgrounds according to the research here.
For a bonus week, how about a visit to a farm? Check Odd farm here. You can check your local area for farms where you can visit.
Or even better this AMAZING and super packed FREE activities in Milton Keynes!
Most of the activities at the Milton Keynes Festival you need to book tickets, so use think link here
OPERA!
Have you been to see an opera with your child/ ren? Again this is another activity where black families are usually under represented. Yes operaās and theatre can be expensive sometimes. Below is a very good offer that families can takeā¦ Let us know if you will be going to theatre/ Opera this summer.
And we have gone further afield with incredible deals and affordable day outs. Check out these places. First is this amazing paradise with everything to cater for every child hobbledown heath. If you are near Northamptonshire, a visit to stanwick lakes especially on a hot summers day (when the weather decides to play ball) will be great fun. Check them out as well!
How about an EPIC summer camping? Check this event here . This is packed with amazing activities for all ages and itās in Kent! Let us know if you will be attending.
This šš¾programme is a GAME CHANGER for all 16-18year olds! Look out for their summer program next year and be sure to involve your teen. Click here for more details
To participate in this SIX weeks summer challenge, join our whatsapp group running from 24th of July to 4th of September. This will be a place to encourage, inspire one another and also share further ideas. Letās kill the āI am bored mantraā by being prepared and organised parents. Here is to Summer 2023!!
Intentional parenting 