If you are a parent you are probably familiar with the feeling that you need a break from your children during the summer months. And you probably feel like your kids need something to do besides video games, phones, and technology. It’s the same in Thailand!

We had been hearing for a while that kids in this community need things to do during their summer break. TVI’s Artisan Liaison was also listening to the community and recognized a need for mental health awareness among parents and artisans. Contemplating these needs led us to develop a new retreat model, where the mothers would engage fully in a 2 night 3 day restful retreat while their children participated in a VBS program, and while their smallest children were taken care of with a daycare program.

The childcare portion of this retreat was for children 5 years and under. Three volunteers helped take care of the little children during the day so that the moms could participate in the retreat. Daycare children spent hours coloring, dancing, walking in the garden, napping, and in the pool.

The mental health portion of this retreat was aimed at the mothers of the teenagers and little children. It focused on rest, balance, restoration, creativity, mindfulness, and connection with other mothers. Many of the participants said they had never experienced anything like this before where they could fully rest and focus on their own health and have space where others were fully caring for their children.