October 16, 2017
A parenting program aimed at forming secure relationships between parents and children will start in Murgon this week.
The Circle of Security – Parenting program will be run by clinical psychologist Arvind Ponnapalli, from Cherbourg Community Health, and Graham House family support worker Dot Sempf.
Mr Ponnapalli said the program involved eight weekly sessions of about 90 minutes.
They will run from 9:30am each Thursday from this week (October 19) at Graham House.
“The Circle of Security – Parenting is an attachment-focused parenting program which emphasises for parents the importance of being bigger, stronger, wiser and kind,” Mr Ponnapalli said.
Ms Sempf said it was an early intervention group program for parents which focused on the relationship between parent and child.
“Central to the program is the Circle of Security map, which helps parents and other care givers to follow children’s needs for exploration and need for protection and comfort,” she said.
“A secure parent – child relationship is emerging as the target of early intervention in child health.
“Fifty years of research is showing that children who have a secure attachment with their primary caregivers get along with others, feel less anger at their parents, turn to their parents for help when in trouble, are able to solve problems, are self-confident, have a healthy self-esteem and are able to manage emotions well.”
Mr Ponnapalli said rather than using punitive measures, the Circle of Security program aimed to address the reasons behind children’s challenging behaviours and sought to implement a more constructive approach.
“Parenting is the most wonderful and challenging job on the planet. The wonderful aspect of being a parent is to be with children, nurture them, help them grow to become resilient and well-adjusted individuals in the world,” he said.
“There are several parenting programs available in South Burnett, many of which are based on management of children’s behaviour.
“If parents are wishing to engage in relationship-based parenting, wanting to adequately identify their child’s needs from moment to moment, and wanting to take charge as bigger, stronger, wiser and kind” parents, then this program is worthy of consideration.”
The program is free and bookings can be made by either contacting Graham House on (07) 4169-8410 or Cherbourg Community Health on (07) 4169-8900.
Parents who were not able to attend the first session this week have been invited to get in touch to join the program as catch-up arrangements can be made.
