Have you heard the term 'Circle of Security' before and been curious about what it means?
The Circle of Security is a way of thinking about emotions and behaviours that allows parents/carers to identify the way children signal their need for greater connection and emotional support, and how those needs can most effectively be met.
A popular early intervention parenting program called Circle of Security Parenting (COSP), based on decades of attachment research, has been guiding parents in this area for 17 years. The course provides a non-judgemental space to learn how to reflect on your relationship with your children and gain skills in emotionally supporting your children through big feelings.
Modern parenting has placed a lot of expectations on parents to be gentle, but also firm, and there's great debate around time outs versus time ins. Parents can tie themselves in knots trying to be the perfect parent. Circle of Security parenting believes in the concept of 'good enough' parenting, which focuses on building a secure attachment with your child. The reason for this is that securely attached children are happy and confident, they are able to talk about their feelings, and express emotions without worry or panic. Securely attached children have more stable mental health and higher self-esteem, long lasting friendships, and they know how to be kind to others. Conversely children who have an insecure attachment are more likely to have behavioural and relationship issues, and a higher chance of mental health problems as they develop.
There is so much to gain from doing this course, whether you are a new or experienced parent or carer. The course facilitators, Tonelle Lewis from Barnardos and Laura Lamerton from First Steps Pregnancy Support, are here to guide you through this eight week reflective program.
The course will run on Tuesdays from 11-12:30pm, from the 15th of October until the 3rd of December. The course is free of charge, and all morning tea and materials are provided.
