Compassion Resilience Training Starts Strong

On April 27, a group of 12 local caregivers embarked on a six-week learning journey designed to bolster their well-being. Held virtually over Zoom and facilitated by Quiana Words from Malaika Early Learning and ECE Ambassador Taffie Foster Toney, the NAMI Compassion Resilience Trainings will help parents and caregivers build strength and compassion, manage daily stresses and empower their kids to do the same!

Attendees ranged from parents and grandparents to extended family members and ECE educators. The small group size allowed for heartfelt conversations about self-growth and resilience, as well as the challenges that come from taking care of children.

“I want to learn how to be more energetic. Fatigue has stopped my own growth – from being able to move forward in my own life,” expressed one participant, echoing the sentiments of many who seek to overcome exhaustion and burnout.

For some, the journey towards resilience is a personal one. "I want to connect with my real dad and I hope I can gain more strength in this training to do that," shared one participant.

Others are eager to enhance their interpersonal skills and relationships. "I want to learn how to deal with difficult family members," admitted one attendee, while another expressed a desire to "learn how to parent better" and foster a more nurturing environment for their children.

The training also holds the potential to help participants achieve their professional dreams. "I want to become a therapist and these tools will help me reach that goal!" shared Quiana, who currently serves as Malaika’s family and community engagement specialist.

During this first session, participants explored the essence of Compassion Resilience: the ability to return to empathy, strength and hope amidst the challenges of caregiving. They also explored how building resilience not only enhances their capacity to empathize with their children's struggles, but also serves as a powerful model that can help children navigate their own challenges. Moreover, participants discussed how cultivating resilience can mitigate burnout, leading to greater overall well-being.

Self-care was a focus as well, with discussions on physical health, emotional well-being, and finding support from friends and family. Participants even took a self-compassion assessment intended to track their progress and growth over the course of the series.

Looking ahead, the group is excited to learn what compassion looks like in action, discovering the small changes they can make in their own lives to be more compassionate and resilient caregivers.