The YOU Framework: Mother's Wellbeing as the Foundation for Family Harmony
Discover how prioritising maternal wellbeing creates a stronger foundation for your entire family
Rethinking Family Wellbeing
At the heart of family wellbeing lies what I call the YOU framework - a perspective that recognises the vital importance of maternal wellbeing as the foundation from which everything else grows.
This framework isn't about placing mothers above others in importance. Rather, it acknowledges that your wellbeing as a mother isn't an optional extra but an essential component of your family's harmony.
The YOU Framework: An Overview
The YOU Framework consists of three interconnected elements that support family wellbeing:
Y = You: Like the letter Y you have a solid base to reach out to support yourself, your children and others
O = Others: Those you intentionally and with consideration invite into your village.
U = Underestimate: Never underestimating what you and your children can do.
Let's explore how each element contributes to your family's experience of transitions and overall wellbeing.
Y: Your Wellbeing as Foundation
The letter Y has a solid foundation to stand on - that's you. This visual reminds us that without a solid foundation, even the most beautiful structure becomes unstable.
Your wellbeing as a mother isn't separate from your child's wellbeing - it's the very ground from which their security and confidence grow. When you nurture yourself with the same care you offer your children, you create capacity for the demands of motherhood.
O: Your Carefully Chosen Village
The second element of the YOU Framework reminds us of the importance of others - the village we carefully cultivate around ourselves and our children.
In today's world, the village has often become diluted or fragmented. We need to consciously create our community, thoughtfully inviting people who share our values, offer support without judgement, and contribute to our children's world in meaningful ways.
These relationships aren't merely pleasant additions to our lives—they're essential resources that support both our wellbeing and our children's development.
U: Recognising and Celebrating Capabilities
The final element of the YOU Framework invites us to never underestimate what we and our children can do. This perspective encourages us to look for capabilities rather than limitations, possibilities rather than problems.
This doesn't mean ignoring genuine challenges. Rather, it's about approaching life with a fundamental belief in our innate capacity to learn, grow, and overcome obstacles.
Building Your Wellbeing Practice
While the YOU Framework provides a powerful foundation, implementing it effectively often requires specific techniques tailored to your unique circumstances.
Two especially powerful practices include:
1. Savouring Practice
Savouring involves deliberately extending positive moments to create wellbeing deposits. Rather than quickly moving on from joyful experiences, take time to explore them more fully by noticing:
Where you were
What you were doing
Who you were with
What made it special
2. Quality Presence
Five minutes of complete presence—with no phone, making eye contact, perhaps including touch, and being fully in the moment—is worth more than hours of distracted togetherness.
These moments of presence create profound connections that support both your wellbeing and your child's sense of security and value.
Ready to Transform Your Family Wellbeing?
This introduction to the YOU Framework highlights the essential principles for strengthening maternal wellbeing. Our Transitions Video Series provides the detailed guidance many mothers need:
In-depth exploration of YOU Framework
Practical wellbeing techniques designed specifically for busy mothers
Connection-building strategies for strengthening your village
Capability-focused parenting approaches that build confidence