What is MIM?

Mothers in Mind^® (MIM) is a mother and child program specifically designed to meet the parenting needs of mothers who have experienced family violence, childhood abuse, neglect or sexual assault, and have children under the age of four.

The program focuses on the needs of mothers who find that these hurtful experiences are making parenting difficult. The 10-week program helps mothers learn ways to manage stress and other challenging feelings, foster healthy self-esteem and respond to their children in a sensitive, supportive and effective manner.

MIM was developed by Child Development Institute (CDI), an accredited children’s mental health agency offering early intervention, family violence and early learning programs. In addition to MIM, CDI’s Family Violence Services offer a variety of other programs for mothers and children healing from family violence.      

Who should participate in MIM?

Consider attending MIM if:

• You are a mother who has had hurtful experiences as an adult or child and have children under the age of four.
• You are wondering about whether your past hurtful experiences are affecting your parenting and your relationship with your child.
• Your child has experienced or witnessed family violence or other hurtful behaviours.

Why should I participate in MIM?

Being a mom can be hard at times. Upsetting experiences in your past or present can add unique challenges when parenting young children. We believe that when you have experienced hurtful events in your life, thinking positively about yourself as a mother is the first step to becoming the parent you want to be.

At MIM you will:

• Talk about parenting issues with other mothers who have had similar experiences.
• Spend time playing and interacting with your child.
• Discover helpful ways to cope with anger, worry and stress.
• Increase your confidence in responding to your children in a sensitive and caring manner.
• Learn how to support young children who may have been exposed to hurtful behaviours.
• Explore what helps children feel safe and secure.
• Find practical ways to take some time for yourself during this busy stage of life.

Where is MIM available?

MIM is available at Child Development Institute in Toronto, and through a number of licensed Affiliates throughout Ontario. For a list of MIM locations, please click here.

Where can I go if I need help immediately?

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN IMMINENT DANGER CALL 911

Kids Help Phone
Canada-wide anonymous counselling for kids, teens and young adults; available 24 hours a day, 365 day a year
1-888-668-6868
www.kidshelpphone.ca

Femaide
A provincial helpline for Francophone women dealing with violence.
1-877-336-2433
www.femaide.ca

Central Intake for Toronto Shelters
For families needing access to an emergency shelter in Toronto
416-338-4766

211 Toronto
Central resource for community, social and health information
www.211toronto.ca

Toronto Police Services
416-808-2222
www.torontopolice.on.ca