At the heart of it, the MCP programme aims to support parents to relax and to reflect in a positive way with their parenting. Pressured by high expectations, packed days and a genuine “wishing to do one’s best” often patterns of stress and exhaustion enter family life through the back door.
MCP puts an emphasis on self-care, stress management and self-regulation as well as becoming aware rather than on how to do-it-right. Most parents having taken part in the MCP programme have expressed that they are more attentive to what is nourishing rather than what is necessary – for themselves as well as for the relationship with their children.
The program has a scientific base in mindfulness (Following the MBSR approach of Jon Kabat-Zinn), mindful self-compassion (Approach of Chris Germer and Kristin Neff), positive neuroplasticity (Rick Hanson) and the biological systems of regulation of motivation and emotions (after Paul Gilbert).
The MCP program is currently undergoing research with the German universities of Heidelberg and Kassel that is aimed at measuring the impact of the program, specifically its focus on Compassion.