The Mint House, a restorative practice centre based in Oxford, England, dives into the topic of applying restorative approaches to parenting. The first episode explores the real experiences the guests have experienced on this journey. As the host explains: “None of us are experts in parenting (or want to add to the noise of ‘parenting advice’) but wanted to gather to discuss our own highs and lows of restorative parenting and how we can find support and learn from each other.”
Hosted by Joy Bettles (Communications and Development Officer, The Mint House), each episode features three guests who all work professionally in restorative justice and also have young children:
– Dr Justine Andreu Darling (Coordinator, Certificate in Restorative Justice Leadership & Facilitation, University of San Diego)
– Dr Crystena Parker-Shandal (Associate Professor, Renison University College, University of Waterloo)
– Dr Lindsey Pointer (Assistant Professor, Vermont Law and Graduate School and the Principal Investigator of the National Center on Restorative Justice)
They highlight ‘highs’ like seeing resilience and confidence build in their children through this approach, as well as the gift of having professional restorative justice experience to draw from. However, the guests also explore the challenges, such as societal norms around control and punishment that run counter to restorative values. There is appreciation for having a community to share the struggles with.
By opening up this dialogue, the podcast aims to share insights and experiences for anyone interested in exploring more relational, restorative ways of parenting. Future episodes cover developing emotional literacy in children, addressing sibling conflicts restoratively, and nurturing one’s own capacity for restorative responses.
Living and embodying restorative values is crucial for those of us who are practitioners and advocates for restorative approaches. There needs to be internal consistency to “walk the walk” in our own lives, not just in our professional roles. This mindset is what allows restorative approaches to become a holistic way of being, not just a set of ideas.
All episodes can be found on Apple Podcast or Spotify or https://www.minthouseoxford.co.uk/children-families
