Connect Program for Parents/Carers of Teenage Children: 10 Week Course

Unlike OTHER parent management programmes, the focus is not on teaching specific parenting techniques for managing problem teen behaviour. Instead, parents LEARN about attachment as it relates to adolescent development, using role-plays and reflection exercises to practice temporarily “stepping back” from their emotional reactions to their teen’s behaviour and “stepping into” their teen’s state of mind and emotional experience.

As a small group of parents/carers it also provides an opportunity to build a network of connection together.

At the end of the Connect Programme:

· 97% of parents feel better equipped to understand their child.

· 95% of parents feel better equipped to understand themselves as a parent.

· 86% of parents see positive changes in the relationship with their child as a result of applying what they learned.

Here's a weekly overview of the programme

Week 1 - Welcome
Week 2 - Principle 1 - All behaviour has meaning
*Attachment is a basic human need that shapes behaviour
Week 3 - Principle 2 - Attachment is for life
*The need for attachment continues from cradle to grave, but how it is expressed changes with development
Week 4 - Principle 3 - Conflict is part of attachment
*When expressed and responded to constructively, conflict offers new
opportunities for growth
Week 5 - Principle 4 - Autonomy Includes Connection
*Secure attachment balances connection and independence
Week 6 - Principle 5 - Empathy- The Heartbeat of Attachment
*Empathy supports growth and strengthens our relationships
Week 7 - Principle 6 - Balancing our Needs with the Needs of Others
*Relationships thrive when we have empathy and balance our needs with the needs of others
Week 8 - Principle 7 - Growth and Change are Part of Relationships
*Growth and change involve moving forward while understanding the past
Week 9 - Principle 8 - Celebrating Attachment
*Attachment brings joy and pain
Week 10 - Principle 9 - Two Steps Forward, One Step Back: Staying on Course
*Trust relationships in turbulent times. Adversity is an opportunity for growth.

This is an attachment based and trauma informed approach.

SESSION DATES: 13th, 20th, 27th May; 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th June; 1st, 8th, 15th July

PLEASE NOTE THAT MAY 27TH (BANK HOLIDAY) IS AN ONLINE SESSION

This is the first time we are delivering this course in Cardiff and are offering it at a discounted rate. A bursary place is available, please contact us if you are intrested in applying, at: [email protected].

Once you have signed up for the course, our facilitators will be in touch with you to go through the program.

Host or Publisher Georgina Saralis