As we lived through the early months of the pandemic in 2020 as child therapists and mental health professionals we saw first hand the impact of lockdowns and isolation on the mental health of expectant and new parents and as we observed the social and emotional effect on the development of infants and young children.
Taking in to account our knowlege and experience and background in child development; safety; risk assessment; strict hygiene procedures; Government advice and by adhering to the guidelines of our registration bodies and insurers, we set up the first of our WEE MINDS groups for babies age 0-3yrs and their parents. With a focus on the parent/ child relationship and enhancement of attachment relationships we journeyed through some difficult days of the pandemic at the side of our parents and babies, providing a consistent reliable secure base where they explored, enjoyed, learned from each other and from where we observed such growth. Some of our babies are approaching 3yrs now and it has been a pleasure and a privilege to see how parents and children have made friends, built strong little families, and are raising resilient healthy and happy little people.
With play as the central activity and medium in which they communicate- they have the best start for good mental health and wellbeing in the early years that will help shape a more positive future for the adults they will become
It is a joy indeed to see and hear these little ones come through our door at Ladyburn every week.
Grateful thanks to the Cattanach Trust for funding over the past 3yrs that has allowed us provide free-no cost to parents- infant groups/ classes and therapy to Inverclyde families.
(Photos of WEE MINDS groups - permission previously granted by parents)
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