Pebbles Parenting Programme

A different way to look at behaviour

The Pebbles Parenting Programme is a supportive group programme for parents and caregivers of children and young people aged 3 to 18, bringing together neuroscience of emotions, mindfulness, emotional regulation and practical parenting approaches.

From the early years through to the teenage years, the programme gives you space to better understand your child’s emotions, behaviour and needs, while also exploring your own responses, experiences and the choices you make as a parent.

There is no one-size-fits-all way to parent. You know your child best. The Pebbles Parenting Programme brings knowledge, reflection and practical tools alongside that expertise, helping you explore what feels right for you, your child and your family.

Learn more
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Looking beyond the behaviour

Behaviour is often what we notice first, but much more can be happening beneath the surface.

Pebbles Parenting Programme encourages you to become curious about what may be happening for your child, including their emotions, developing brain, body and nervous system, while also exploring your own emotions, responses and experiences as a parent.

Through accessible learning, group discussion, mindfulness, personal reflection, and practical tools, the programme offers opportunities to slow down, see everyday parenting moments differently, and explore approaches that feel meaningful for your family.

Topics include emotional regulation, the brain and nervous system, stress and overwhelm, boundaries, behaviour, and parent-child connection.

What We’ll Explore Together

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The Brains & Nervous System

Explore how the developing brain and nervous system can influence emotions, behaviour and responses.

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Emotions & Regulation

Explore slowing down, noticing what is happening in the moment and responding with greater awareness.

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Mindful Parenting

Understand emotions and explore regulation for both your child and yourself.

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Behaviour, Boundaries & Connection

Look beyond behaviour to consider what may be happening underneath, while exploring connection, communication and healthy boundaries.

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Your Parenting Story

Explore the experiences, beliefs and expectations that may shape how you parent, including why you respond in certain ways and make the parenting choices you do.

Pebbles Parenting Programme in Practice

Parenting Pebbles has already been delivered across two programme cycles at Newbridge Family Resource Centre, with funding through the Late Late Toy Show Appeal.

The programmes brought parents and caregivers together in a supportive group environment to learn, reflect, share experiences and explore practical approaches to everyday parenting.

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100%

Relevant to their family

Every feedback respondent said the topics explored were relevant to their family’s needs.

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100%

Positive overall experience

All respondents rated their overall experience at the highest level,

5 out of 5.

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90.5%

Reported a definite change

90.5% of feedback respondents reported a definite change in their parenting approach, with the remaining 9.5% reporting some impact.

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100%

Would Recommend

Every feedback respondent said they would recommend the programme to others.

Previously delivered across two programme cycles with 29 parents, with 41 children identified as benefiting indirectly through parent support.

Results are based on feedback from 21 of the 29 participants across the two programme cycles.

What Parents Have Said

  • “I honestly never thought I could become a gentle parent. I have learned so many tools to help with daily tantrums. Thinking more about the need than the tantrum definitely changed my mindset.”

    -Parent Participant-

  • “The weekly sessions helped me slow down, reflect, and build real mindfulness tools I could use every day. I found myself feeling calmer and more connected at home.”

    -Parent Participant-

  • “After participating in this programme, I felt more confident in my relationships with my two sons.”

    -Parent Participant-

  • “Aoife created a space where everyone felt heard and understood. I’m truly grateful for the positive impact it’s had on my life.”

    -Parent Participant-

  • “This programme was something really needed. It has brought a lot of awareness to some stuff I didn’t even realise until now.”

    -Parent Participant-

  • “I really enjoyed the programme and feel it’s helped me become a calmer, more mindful parent.”

    -Parent Participant-

  • “I would highly recommend the Pebbles Programme to any parent.”

    -Parent Participant-

What Previous Parents Experienced

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A Better Understanding of Their Child

Parents valued learning about children’s developing brains, emotions and behaviour, helping them look at what might be happening beneath the behaviour.

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More Awareness of Their Own Responses

Participants described becoming more aware of their own emotions, reactions and regulation, with some reporting that they were pausing and slowing down before responding.

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Greater Confidence

Parents reported feeling more confident in their parenting, alongside greater self-awareness and understanding of their children’s emotional development.

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Practical Tools for Everyday Parenting

Parents valued having clear, practical strategies they could use at home, particularly around emotional regulation, communication and challenging moments.

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More Mindful Parenting

Participants spoke about becoming more thoughtful and mindful in their responses, rather than simply reacting in the moment.

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Connection Through Play

Parents valued learning about child-led play, presence and engagement as ways of supporting connection with their children.

Small Steps can change how we see things

You don’t need another list of rules telling you how to parent.

Parenting Pebbles offers space to understand more, reflect on what shapes your responses, and explore practical approaches you can bring into your relationship with your child and everyday family life.

You know your child best. Parenting Pebbles simply helps you look at things through a different lens.

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