Module 4: Connecting With Your Child to Help Them Feel Loved and Safe
Module 4 is aimed at promoting a positive parent-child
relationship. This involves encouraging sensitive and responsive
parenting to provide the maximum opportunity for the development of
a nurturing and loving relationship.
A secure attachment to at least one primary care giver is one of
the most important factors in ensuring positive outcomes for
children (i.e., promote prosocial behaviour, interpersonal skills,
high self-esteem, academic achievement etc). A secure attachment
develops when parents are sensitive and responsive to their
children. The module, then, aims to identify specific
techniques a parent can use to promote a positive relationship with
their child.
However, child-centered play techniques can be done somewhat
mechanically, without sincerity. Child-centred behaviours are most
powerful when a parent learns to really connect with their child,
when they are genuinely pleased, interested, or proud of their
child. Unfortunately, parents who are under a lot of stress may not
experience these positive emotions often, or feel them
inconsistently. Negative emotions (feeling frustrated, angry with
the child) may overshadow the positive emotions. While it is
unrealistic to eliminate all negative feelings, most parents accept
that the child needs to experience something positive from their
parents.
To facilitate a more genuine interaction with their children, this
module applies the use of mindfulness techniques as a means for
parents to get into a state of mind that facilitates positive
interaction with their child.