Circle of Security

Circle of Security International Logo

I learned about Circle of Security as an approach to parenting and parent education the other day at a meeting, and I just had the chance to poke around and see what it is all about.  There are some great short animated videos.  Check them out!  Basic points include:

• It is important to “be there” for children, no matter what emotion they are expressing–and to work against our own fears and insecurities and discomfort with their strong emotions to recognize that it is normal and healthy to have feelings like anger, fear, sadness, and exuberant happiness.
• Providing kids with a “circle of support” allows them to explore, but also to come back for comfort, and to know that they will always have someone bigger, stronger, wiser, and kind helping them navigate and setting boundaries for them.  
• Remembering there is no such thing as “perfect parenting” and that if we do well enough most of the time, it is enough!
• Relationships and connections are where it is at!