VSEC conducts session on Mindful Parenting

Vidya Social Empowerment Center (VSEC) – an initiative under the Vidya International Charitable Trust – is dedicated to streamlining and implementing impactful social empowerment programs. As part of its mission, VSEC conducts sessions designed to equip parents with effective strategies to nurture emotional connection, empathy, and resilience in their children.

Through its Moulding Wing, VSEC regularly organizes online awareness sessions focused on strengthening parent-child relationships and promoting mindful, compassionate parenting practices.A session on Mindful Parenting was conducted on 14 May 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The programme commenced with a short prayer by Ms.Ann Rose Rajan (S6,  AIML Dept) to invoke a positive and thoughtful atmosphere. Following the prayer, the programme coordinator, Ms. Leeshma O. V (Asst. Prof, CSE Dept), gave a brief welcome, setting a warm and professional tone for the session. The student coordinator,  Anjali V (S8, ECE Dept)  invited  Ranjith M (S8, ME Dept) to deliver the welcome speech. He extended a warm welcome to the speaker and all participants, and also provided an introduction to the Vidya Social Empowerment Center (VSEC) and its initiatives. Anjali subsequently introduced the esteemed resource person, Ms. Smisha Mohandas E, (Psychologist and Learning Disability Specialist) setting the tone for an insightful and enriching session.

The core of the session was the expert talk delivered by Ms. Smisha , a highly experienced Psychologist and Learning Disability Specialist. She began by explaining the concept of Mindful Parenting, emphasising the importance of being emotionally present and responsive rather than reactive in parenting. The session highlighted how mindfulness can positively influence the parent-child relationship by promoting understanding, patience, and empathy.

Ms.Smisha elaborated on practical strategies to incorporate mindfulness into daily parenting routines, such as active listening, conscious communication, and stress management techniques. She stressed the significance of self-awareness in parents, explaining how their own emotional regulation greatly impacts the behaviour and development of their children

A dedicated time was allotted for parents to ask questions and seek personalised advice from the expert, which helped clarify doubts and offer practical solutions. Participants were encouraged to share their own experiences and challenges in parenting. This interactive segment fostered a sense of community and helped contextualize the strategies discussed.

Impact on Participants:

The Mindful Parenting session had a profound and positive impact on the participants. Many parents expressed that the session helped them gain a new perspective on their parenting approach, encouraging them to be more present, patient, and empathetic in their daily interactions with their children. Participants appreciated the practical strategies and relatable examples shared by the resource person, which made the concept of mindful parenting easier to understand and apply.

The interactive nature of the session fostered a sense of community, allowing parents to realise they are not alone in their challenges. Several attendees shared that they felt more confident and emotionally equipped to handle parenting situations with greater awareness and calmness. The session also reminded parents to take care of their own mental and emotional well-being, recognising that mindful parenting begins with self-care.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Mohammed Hashim (S8, ME Dept) expressing gratitude to the speaker, organisers, and participants for their valuable contributions and presence.

The Mindful Parenting online session organised by VSEC proved to be a valuable and impactful initiative for parents seeking to enhance their parenting approach through mindfulness and emotional intelligence.The insights shared by Ms. Smisha  helped participants understand the importance of being present, patient, and empathetic in their interactions with children.The positive response and active participation reflected the relevance and need for such sessions. Overall, the programme successfully fostered awareness and encouraged a thoughtful shift towards more mindful parenting practices.

Ms. Leeshma O. V (Asst. Prof, CSE Dept) coordinated the session with the support of Ms. Surabhi M. S (Asst. Librarian) and  Anjali V (S8, ECE Dept)  under the leadership of Dr. Siju K. C (Head, VSEC and Asso. Prof, AS Dept), with additional support from VSEC volunteers.