WOMAN
Women engage in many activities across the different roles we play, and not a few of these activities cause stress in our lives. Transitions, in particular, can evoke distress or uneasiness. Before becoming mothers, we worked, enjoyed hobbies and were part of a social circle that gave us a sense of belonging. We engaged in activities that expressed our own identity.
Mother
Becoming a Mother, Becoming Someone Else
When we became mothers, we added one dramatically consuming role to our existing roles and responsibilities. Our time is now divided between our children, our household, our work, our partner and ourselves. All too often, we leave ourselves last and feel guilty taking time for self-care activities. Our routines and schedules have changed significantly from our pre-motherhood days, and with that, our level and type of stress and our sense of fulfillment in our lives also changed.
Wife
Although the wife or partner role seems innocuous – after all, that’s a role you managed before becoming a mother – it, too, may be affected by the transition to motherhood. The addition of a child adds a multitude of choices that you and your partner need to make, and the decisions each of you makes may not always agree.
Worker
However you were employed before becoming a mother, it changed significantly afterward. You took time away from work to care for your child. Then you had to choose to go back to work or to be at home with your child.
Whichever choice you made, there were probably snags along the way that you had to problem-solve and adjust to. Continuing to work – in your home or at your workplace – requires that you be able to optimize your physical, mental and emotional health.
Woman AND Mother Series Workshops
Fee Structure for Workshops
$45.00 CDN per session
Contact Ana Flores to arrange for a workshop at your centre.
To discuss alternative packages contact Ana Flores
Upcoming workshops (see calendar)
Workshop I – Mothering: What’s at Your Core?
In this workshop we’ll discuss the joys and challenges of being a mom. We’ll use an occupational therapy framework to examine the ongoing adjustment to motherhood and apply self-care strategies to optimize this life-impacting event – becoming, and being, a mom! Drawing from the literature and our discussion of our personal experiences, we’ll discuss ways to overcome barriers and to enable you to be confident, comfortable and energized.
Workshop II – Your Body
In this workshop you will learn strategies to avert injury when caring for your children and your home by applying energy-conservation techniques, proper body mechanics, load-splitting, and work-rest patterning. For those who use a computer, we will discuss the perils of a poorly designed workstation and how to create an ergonomically correct work space that will help you avoid repetitive strain injuries and other aches and pains.
Workshop III – Your Baby’s Development
In this workshop you will learn about normal infant development from ages 0 to 3. We’ll apply developmental theory to explore equipment and toys that are safe and developmentally appropriate for your child and learn how to use them. We will walk through the life of an infant and discuss the range of milestones, the “real warning signs” and preparing for your doctor visits.
Workshop IV – Your Toddler’s Development
In this workshop you will learn about normal toddler/preschooler development from ages 3 to 6. We will walk through cognitive, physical and social development and discuss the range of milestones, the “real warning signs,” and prewriting and writing skills.
Workshop V – Your Work
In this workshop we will explore returning to work following a leave. What do you consider when you plan to return to work? How do you organize yourself to juggle the demands of both work and a toddler? We will discuss the challenges that face us when making the decision to go back to work and when preparing to return. We will address self-care, managing the roles of worker and mother and strategies to smooth this transition.
Workshop VI – Safe Work Spaces and Sound Practices
at Work for Your Mind and Body
Does your back ache after a day at work? Do you have to “duck out” to pick up your children after school? In this workshop we will discuss both physical and cognitive aspects of building positive experiences at work. We will discuss a variety of mom-friendly (and not-so-mom-friendly) work environments and learn to prevent repetitive strain, back problems and other work-related injuries. We will focus on the ergonomically correct workstation, back safety, communication skills, and organizational skills to enhance your relationships and body mechanics in the workplace.
Workshop VII – Your Self
In this workshop you will learn about harmonizing your life. Does it take more time, more money or a different lifestyle to feel at ease being a woman, mother, wife and worker? What is your vision for a less stressful life? We will explore the guilt, routine and “stress” of the juggling act. Through this interactive session, each participant will take home an individualized “pearl of wisdom” along the path to self-actualization.
Coaching
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WomanMpowered - Reconnecting Women with Themselves…
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