Families and Children
The Families and Children program allows parents and children to gather and reverie in mindfulness, Buddhism, and the Shambhala teachings. The group gathers quarterly. A pre-application process is required to attend.
Adults share their parenting challenges and triumphs in a safe space designed through meditation and other exercises to support them in embracing the complexity and uncertainties that are an ongoing part of the parenting role while exploring alternative strategies for addressing them. Children are encouraged through play and age-appropriate activity to better understand themselves and what they can offer to others.
When does it happen?
The group gathers quarterly. The 2024 schedule will be announced later in spring.
Location of Gatherings
Shambhala Los Angeles in Burbank
4200 West Burbank Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505
What happens?
Separate sessions at the same time for parents/guardians and children. Children groups teachers will lead age-appropriate activity and healthy snacks will be served. A veteran school psychologist will facilitate the parents group, which will focus on a wide range of parenting issues from early childhood through the teen years. Parents are encouraged to touch in with their true nature and wisdom and embrace the complexity and uncertainties that are an ongoing part of the parenting role.
Who can attend?
Children ages 3 to 12 and parents/guardians. Adults may attend with or without their children; children must come with an enrolled parent or guardian in order to attend. Infants may be with their parent(s)/guardian(s).
How to apply ?
(Pre-registration for 2024 Quarterly Gatherings)
Applications will open in April, 2024. They will be considered on a first come first served basis.
Have questions? Contact us at [email protected].
Families and Children Facilitators
Todj and Natasha, Facilitators of Families and Children Group. Natasha Mitchnick leads the Present Parenting Group
Natasha Mitchnick is a mother of three, ranging in age from 16 to 40. She is a founding member and, since 2010, facilitator of Shambhala Meditation Center Los Angeles Families and Children Present Parenting. She has been a student and member of Shambhala for over 20 years.
Natasha has a Master’s in marriage family therapy and school psychology. She has been a practicing school psychologist for 18 years, working with young humans of all developmental ages from pre-school through high school. Her former private practice included work with children, couples, and single adults as well as pro bono counseling to clients of the Center for Non-Violent Education and Parenting, where she also received a parent educator credential.
Natasha’s intention is to create and hold safe, confidential space for parents along the parenting path as well as to support each other in the most vulnerable task of raising children, along with the breadth of emotions that come with it.
