Circle of Security Parenting Programme
What is it?
The Circle of Security parenting programme is based on 60 years of attachment theory and research about how parent/child relationships can be supported and strengthened; it makes attachment theory accessible and applicable to parents. (Attachment theory provides a framework for understanding children’s fundamental relational needs and our responses to those needs as caregivers.)
It is based on the following premises:
What is it?
The Circle of Security parenting programme is based on 60 years of attachment theory and research about how parent/child relationships can be supported and strengthened; it makes attachment theory accessible and applicable to parents. (Attachment theory provides a framework for understanding children’s fundamental relational needs and our responses to those needs as caregivers.)
It is based on the following premises:
- We are all hard-wired for relationship (as soon as children are born they are looking to develop a relationship with their caregivers).
- Parents of every background have an innate wisdom and a desire for their children to be secure; all parents have positive intentions to do their best for their children
- Our children’s needs are often hidden in the everyday rush of parenting but once we know what to look for they are easy to see.
- The quality of the parent-child relationship shapes behaviour: a secure attachment has long-lasting effects on such things as confidence, friendships and close relationships, conduct, learning and competence, stress management and general happiness.
- Our own experience of being parented affects how we parent in ways that we are often unaware of. Becoming aware of our strengths and struggles as a parent can help us make choices that will support security in our relationships with our children.
Who is it suitable for?
The course is suitable for any parent and child relationship; the material is aimed at parenting younger children but the underlying principles apply to all parent-child relationships. I have run it in a variety of settings including schools, homes, with single parents, teenage mums and adoptive families. It is suitable for parents who are struggling with parenting and also for those who want to reinforce and enhance already strong relationships.
How the course is run?
The group course is run over 8 sessions of approximately 1½ hours each, using dvd footage, hand outs and discussion.
The topics covered are:
Week 1 Introducing the concept of the Circle
Week 2 Exploring our children’s needs all the way around the Circle
Week 3 “Being with” on the Circle. Helping our children to manage their emotions.
Week 4 “Being with” infants on the Circle
Week 5 The path to security
Week 6 Exploring our struggles
Week 7 Rupture and repair
Week 8 Summary
When and where?
Courses are mostly run online, but can also be run face-to-face if there are suitable premises and local attendees. Please email for dates of online courses or enquire if you would like to organize a course for a group.
Two parents' experience of doing the Circle of Security parenting course:
"We are doing really well - quite remarkable improvement - had meant to email to say thank you and how well we're doing ! She is so much happier at home and school! Thank you so much for your input it really was a very significant turning point for us both . "
“Five+ years into the incredible journey that is being a parent, we found ourselves at best deciding to stick with this or that behaviour management strategy, and at worst walking in despair. We have three children - age 5, 3 and rising 2.
Our eldest has some ongoing health issues requiring multiple surgeries in his 5 years of life. This has been tough - one aspect of which has been helping him on the journey at an emotional level and in processing the trauma. Our worst family days were very messy and if there happened to be a good day we'd be thankful but have no real understanding as to why it was so.
And so we embarked on the 8 week Circle of Security Parenting Course - and haven't looked back. The results have been radical, and we know there is more to come.
The course has literally opened our eyes to see the underbelly of our family, beneath the behaviour. It has provided the insight to understand "what is really going on" for each child, and to know what to do and how to connect in each scenario as the parent - bigger, stronger, wiser and kind. Our kids are already more secure and happy, and family life is a whole lot more fun. My ability to juggle all 3 of their needs in a short window of time has also increased.
I was expecting something of a toolkit of resources, but we've been given something much greater and yet far easier to implement in the heat of a child's meltdown - the ability to help our children manage their emotions, to know how to connect with them fully, and for them to know they are safe and very simply...be the awesome kids they are! I can also see how these insights are for the long haul - applicable whether your child is aged 2 or 22!”
For more information about The Circle of Security please see www.circleofsecurityinternational.com including the Circle of Security connection video
Please contact [email protected]
The course is suitable for any parent and child relationship; the material is aimed at parenting younger children but the underlying principles apply to all parent-child relationships. I have run it in a variety of settings including schools, homes, with single parents, teenage mums and adoptive families. It is suitable for parents who are struggling with parenting and also for those who want to reinforce and enhance already strong relationships.
How the course is run?
The group course is run over 8 sessions of approximately 1½ hours each, using dvd footage, hand outs and discussion.
The topics covered are:
Week 1 Introducing the concept of the Circle
Week 2 Exploring our children’s needs all the way around the Circle
Week 3 “Being with” on the Circle. Helping our children to manage their emotions.
Week 4 “Being with” infants on the Circle
Week 5 The path to security
Week 6 Exploring our struggles
Week 7 Rupture and repair
Week 8 Summary
When and where?
Courses are mostly run online, but can also be run face-to-face if there are suitable premises and local attendees. Please email for dates of online courses or enquire if you would like to organize a course for a group.
Two parents' experience of doing the Circle of Security parenting course:
"We are doing really well - quite remarkable improvement - had meant to email to say thank you and how well we're doing ! She is so much happier at home and school! Thank you so much for your input it really was a very significant turning point for us both . "
“Five+ years into the incredible journey that is being a parent, we found ourselves at best deciding to stick with this or that behaviour management strategy, and at worst walking in despair. We have three children - age 5, 3 and rising 2.
Our eldest has some ongoing health issues requiring multiple surgeries in his 5 years of life. This has been tough - one aspect of which has been helping him on the journey at an emotional level and in processing the trauma. Our worst family days were very messy and if there happened to be a good day we'd be thankful but have no real understanding as to why it was so.
And so we embarked on the 8 week Circle of Security Parenting Course - and haven't looked back. The results have been radical, and we know there is more to come.
The course has literally opened our eyes to see the underbelly of our family, beneath the behaviour. It has provided the insight to understand "what is really going on" for each child, and to know what to do and how to connect in each scenario as the parent - bigger, stronger, wiser and kind. Our kids are already more secure and happy, and family life is a whole lot more fun. My ability to juggle all 3 of their needs in a short window of time has also increased.
I was expecting something of a toolkit of resources, but we've been given something much greater and yet far easier to implement in the heat of a child's meltdown - the ability to help our children manage their emotions, to know how to connect with them fully, and for them to know they are safe and very simply...be the awesome kids they are! I can also see how these insights are for the long haul - applicable whether your child is aged 2 or 22!”
For more information about The Circle of Security please see www.circleofsecurityinternational.com including the Circle of Security connection video
Please contact [email protected]
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 parentsandchildren.co.uk
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tessahardingham@gmail.com