Babiesknow 1: The Foundation Weekend

"Two days with Babiesknow instead of endless contradictory information from other classes and books gave us what we need.
And it cost less than a bugaboo - the best thing we've done." Bruce

Our Foundation Course is for anyone who has ever been a baby. We introduce you to the true nature of babies - and yourself - and help you build great relationships in your family and beyond.

It’s an intimate course that’s also something of a journey for everyone who comes along. Participants discover a lot about themselves, about human nature and about the importance of relationships, right from the start of life.

We take a close look at the first 1000 days of life and the emotional and physical sensitivity of babies, and reveal that the way babies are met and cared for creates imprints with lifelong effects. We also explore how it’s possible to make repair, whatever has happened in the past.

The content of the weekend includes practical guidance, with an emphasis on parenting, balanced with psychology, neuroscience and personal reflection. We combine presentations with interactive exercises, role plays and DVDs. You’ll leave with information and skills, more confidence, and a new network of like-minded people. Topics covered include:

Emotions & Relationships
Life as a baby – how sensitive babies are, and why their experience matters
Practical issues for parents and young babies – touch, sleep, food, love, and being accepted, listened to and cared for
Practical issues for parents of older children – boundaries, discipline, communication etc.
Making Changes, Making Repair

Who’s it for? Quite simply, this weekend is for anyone who has ever been a baby. It’s wonderful for parents of young children, since the benefits will be felt from the beginning of family life, but it’s not exclusively for this stage. For adults who are considering pregnancy, or already pregnant, it's the ideal preparation for parenthood. For others with older children, including grandparents, it gives opportunities for strengthening relationships, making repair if things have been difficult, and moving forward in life with deeper bonds and greater enjoyment.

Our follow-on courses (BK2, BK3, BK4 & BK5) are designed for parents of children in specific age groups, from birth through to adolescence, so you can come and discuss common issues with people at the same stage of life as you. We also offer personal follow up and support with psychotherapists Kitty Hagenbach and Helen Biscoe Taylor.

Would you like to bring your baby?

It's a real delight to have babies with us on the course. They become actively involved in the weekend and are often the greatest teachers! Parents frequently comment at their surprise: they expected it to be tough but find their baby settles in and enjoys the weekend and adds to the experience.

We do have guidelines though: we welcome babes in arms and babies who are not yet walking.

We've found that if a baby is walking, or pulling herself up a lot, it's really hard for the parents to focus. If a baby is crawling, it's much less distracting; crawling babies tend to become part of the group and take part in the day, they happily explore the room and engage with the other babies and adults in the room. We have a selection of toys which prove very popular with babies and young children.

Place: Viveka, 27a Queen's Terrace, London, NW8 6EA

Price: £340 for couples; £195 for individuals. This covers both days, and light refreshments.

Dates for 2012

Jan 28/29
April 21/22
June 9/10
Sept 22/23
Nov 24/25

Time: We meet at 9.15 for a 9.30 start, and part at 5pm

Book or reserve a place online now.

NOTE: If the course you would like to book is full we operate a waiting list in case a place should become available again. To join the list please use the contact form to send us your details: name, contact number and course with dates.