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Running since 2017, we invite parents and caregivers of children who attend the Child Development Centre the chance to participant in this amazing group. If you are interested in a relationship-based parenting approach for a child aged 3-9 years please read on.
To start with let me tell you what this group is NOT…
It is NOT a parenting group which tells you how to parent a child.
It is NOT a behaviour modification approach.
It is NOT a permissive approach.
We get that parenting is hard. At times all parents feel lost or confused about what our child might need from us. The Circle of Security® Parenting™ program is based on decades of research about how secure caregiver-child relationships can be supported and strengthened. If you are still unsure don’t just take our word for it, go to the bottom of the page and have a look at what parents like you have said about their experience.
The Circle of security is a program for any caregiver, as it focuses on the relationships that give children emotional support. The Circle of Security is a way of thinking about children that enables us to look beyond the children’s immediate behaviour and think about how to meet their relationship needs. It teaches us how to be Bigger Stronger, Wiser and Kind, whenever possible follow our child’s need, but wherever necessary to take charge.
By the end of the group you will be able to:
Understand your child’s emotional world more by learning to read their emotional needs
Support your child’s ability to successfully manage emotions
Enhance the development of your child's self esteem
Have support from other caregivers who understand how tough parenting can be
The group is suitable for any caregiver who wants to come; the material is aimed at parenting younger children but the underlying principles apply to all caregiver-child relationships. This particular group is aimed at caregivers of children aged around 3-9 years old. Although we do take some younger or older children after discussion. It is suitable for caregivers who are struggling with aspects of parenting but also for those who want to reinforce and enhance already strong relationships.
The course is run over eight sessions, of no more than 2 hours each, using video footage, hand-outs and discussion. Being able to attend all sessions is essential to get the most out of the group. I am afraid it is not possible for you to bring any children to the group, so you will need to arrange childcare.
We try and run groups throughout the year, during term time. Groups vary across different days but we find starting these at 10.00am tend to work best. The groups are run at the Child Development Centre but we have also run at other venues in Plymouth. We also run an online group for those who prefer to meet in that way.
Dr George (Georgina) Davis is our registered Circle of Security Facilitator’s and will lead the group. Alongside George there is usually one more person who will be another professional and possibly a student psychologist.
Our groups size depends on the space we are in but ranges between 4-8 caregivers. Your child does not have to have a diagnosis for you to attend this group, although some children will have neurodivergent diagnoses such as Autism or ADHD. Although the Circle content is not aimed specifically for children with neurodivergence, the principles benefit all child-caregiver relationships. The group is a closed group, so it will be the same people every week.
Yes! We have found that having both caregivers of a child in the group is really helpful, just let us know when booking as spaces are limited. Do not worry if this is not possible and only you or your partner can attend.
We know that not everyone likes being in groups and we try to be very thoughtful about this. George will meet with you on your own before the group starts to address any worries you may have and think about how to support you in the group. The real strength of the group is being with other caregivers facing similar struggles and sharing your own.
If your child is attending the Child Development Centre and aged between 3-9 years, this group is open to you. There are two ways to register:
By email: plh-tr.wellbeing@nhs.net
Make sure you let us know:
You/Your Child’s Name
Your preference for an online OR face to face group
Your preference for days (we can’t always provide)
How many people are intending to come (max 2 caregivers)
The best contact number to reach you on
By phone: Contact Emily Miller on 01752 439433 (Monday to Thursday)
We may have to add you to a waiting list, as the group is popular and places are first come, first serve.
Here is what parents have said about coming to our groups:
" Before taking this course, I wasn't sure that a parenting course would be that helpful, especially given my child's unique and complex needs. I was sceptical about what I would learn from the course - the concepts of the course were similar to approaches I had come across before - but what really sets it apart is how it helps with practical application. The course has taught me that even these small changes can have a huge impact. Group discussions allow time to understand children's unique needs and family contexts. It helped me and my husband develop a shared language and approach, which has reduced conflicts in the home. We are kinder, more boundaried, and more confident in handling difficult moments. We don't always get it right, we now know how to handle situations better, and this has really transformed our family dynamics and we have a happier home as a result. Thank you George and Hannah for taking the time to get to know us and supporting us through the parenting journey"
"Being able to see where I am struggling has helped me to see where my son is struggling. I feel I am more in tune with my son now, and confident to be able to support him and his emotions"
"Overall a lovely experience for me meeting other parents going through similar experiences. Group facilitators were kind and thoughtful making the learning and being part of the group an enjoyable and safe experience"
"Fantastic group. Very supportive leaders & other parents. I feel like I have got a lot out of the group"
"I really struggled with my child’s behaviour before this group, now I can step back, evaluate the situation and know my child’s needs. I feel calmer and in control"
"We felt at rock bottom but you've given us hope and the strength to put what we've learnt into practice. Thank you so much for opening our eyes to what our son is trying to communicate through his behaviour. We all feel in a much happier place, you're amazing! "
" Having worked with children and parents previously, I was unsure how much I would benefit from a 'parenting course'. However, this is a very different approach focused on emotional literacy which fits very well with my approach to parenting. It is relatively simple but very effective and I wish I’d known about it a long time ago! It also allowed me space to reflect on my own experiences of being parented and how these impact on my 'shark music'. I feel my relationship with both my younger children has strengthened and my confidence in myself as a parent has significantly improved "
