Circle of Security
Following my recent article on 'Teaching children about emotions', a contact recommended I take a look at Circle of Security, an early intervention programme for parents and children.
This programme is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened. Facilitators need to be trained but then they can with parents and care-givers to help them to:
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Understand their child’s emotional world by learning to read emotional needs
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Support their child’s ability to successfully manage emotions
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Enhance the development of their child's self esteem
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Honour the innate wisdom and desire for their child to be secure
Circle of Security is run by organisations all over the world including churches. One church running the programme here is St Mary's London. They describe the course as follows:
Research shows that children are far happier, more social and have higher self esteem if they have a secure attachment with their parents. Circle of Security is a highly regarded and well established parenting model that helps parents better understand how to create a secure attachment with their children.
As parents, we are the centre of our young child’s world. How we respond to them has an enduring impact. When they are little we can spend so much time trying to meet our children’s physical needs that we don’t have space to think about what they need from us emotionally. Circle of Security Parenting Groups are designed to give parents ‘a map’ for understanding and responding to their children’s emotional needs. Research shows that parents who are able do this in a loving and consistent way give their children an amazing start in life.
Here’s what some parents have said about the groups:
“Circle of Security was an absolute eye opener. You have to see it for yourself and then you’ll understand.”
“Circle of security was such a huge help to us and our son. It really encouraged my husband and I to understand our son a bit better (particularly during the stressful terrible two stage)! It was such a positive thing to do and we are so glad to have participated! Highly recommended. Much better alternative to Supernanny any day!”
Here is a 4 minute video about the concept:
Facilitator training takes place in many countries frequently. The next UK one is in June 2017 at St Mary's. Or maybe a facilitator can run a course at your church?
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Geoff Knott, 21/03/2017