Happy Families Change The World

An 8 Week Online Course for Families, Caregivers, and Children

June 13, 2026 to August 8, 2026

Format: Online, self-paced with optional live components

We warmly invite you and your loved ones to join us for Happy Families Change the World, an 8-week online course rooted in the Plum Village tradition, created in collaboration with researchers from Dartmouth.

This course is a joyful exploration of mindfulness in family life. Together, children, parents, and caregivers are invited to cultivate presence, understanding, and connection both within the home and in community with others walking a similar path.

For many years, Plum Village monasteries have offered family retreats where children and adults practice side by side. This course continues that tradition in an accessible way, supporting families to bring mindfulness into their daily routines, wherever they are in the world.

This offering also serves as a foundation for families who may wish to continue their journey into the first cohort of the Thích Nhất Hạnh School of Interbeing, launching this fall.

What You’ll Experience

This course offers simple, practical ways to bring mindfulness into everyday family life and is delivered through recorded teachings and guided practices available on Circle, allowing you to engage at a time and pace that supports your family’s rhythm.

Guided video teachings and practices that you can return to throughout the week
Simple, family friendly daily practices that can be woven into your existing routines
Opportunities to connect with other families through Dharma sharing and community spaces
Optional live gatherings with monastics and facilitators for collective practice and connection
A supportive online community space where families can share, learn, and grow together

Course Activities

Each week, new materials will be shared through our online platform. Families are invited to explore the content at a rhythm that feels natural and sustainable.

Daily Practice
Simple practices that can be woven into meals, transitions, bedtime, and everyday family life.

Family Reflections
Prompts and activities to support children and adults in sharing, listening, and deepening understanding together.

Dharma Sharing Circles
Optional weekly gatherings where families can connect, listen, and share in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Learning Intentions

Through this course, families will be supported to

Cultivate mindfulness together in daily life
Strengthen communication and deep listening within the family
Learn to recognize and care for emotions with compassion
Build a foundation of presence, joy, and understanding at home
Experience the support of practicing within a wider community

Pricing Tiers

When registering, we are offering three contribution tiers, in the spirit of generosity and inclusivity. Your course fee is a donation, and all proceeds will directly support the founding of the Thích Nhất Hạnh School of Interbeing. We invite you to choose the level that feels supportive and sustainable for your current situation:

Reduced Rate – $197
For those who would benefit from a lower financial threshold, so that all who feel called may participate.

Base Rate – $297
A standard rate that helps nourish and sustain the offering while supporting the shared practice of the community.

Gift Rate – $397
For those with the capacity to give more, helping to support others in joining at a reduced rate and contributing to the continuation of these offerings.

Each tier is received with equal gratitude. Your presence and practice are what matter most.

If you are in need of financial support or a scholarship, please feel free to reach out to courses@deerparkmonastery.org.

Register to Join the Journey

Whether you are new to mindfulness or already practicing as a family, this course offers a supportive and nourishing space to grow together.

We look forward to practicing with you and your loved ones.