An intensive 16-hour, eight-week program is helping parents better form connections with their children.
Lescha Lawson has just completed the Circle of Security program which pulls together decades of research on strengthening relationships and attachment between parents and their child.
The mother of two boys, Peter, 3, and Thomas, 10-months, said the program had been invaluable.“It has been brilliant in helping me better understand how I can build better, stronger and healthier connections with my children,” Lescha said.
“One of the biggest things has been helping me identify and understand the emotional needs of the kids and how best as a parents’ to respond to those needs.”
The key elements of the program are to help parents understand their child’s emotional needs, support their child’s ability to successfully manage their emotions, enhance the development of their child’s self-esteem and recognise parents desire for their children to be secure.
Early intervention parenting clinician and clinical psychologist Ash Nolan said the program was internationally acclaimed as being the gold standard in securing the parent-child relationship.
“It is not about being the perfect parent. There is no such thing as a parent not making a mistake and this program really helps teach parents what to do when they do make a mistake to keep the relationship with their child strong and healthy,” she said.
“We do these four times a year and people go through with a small group of six to eight other people which allows for a lot of really important discussions around how other parents approach parenting and forming those relationships.”
“What we are hoping to establish is getting our participants to the place of parenting where they want to be and feel most comfortable.
”Access to the program is by referral but mothers are encouraged to ask about their suitability for the course at Child Youth and Family Health on 4433 9000 or with their GP.
A comprehensive overview of the Circle of Security program can be found at this link.
