If you were to ask any parent what they want for their children in the future, we can guarantee that part of the answer would involve feeling safe and being secure. This security greatly depends on how we parent our children, and this is an idea featured heavily in the Circle of Security framework.
In this post, Anglicare Victoria outlines the key theories of the Circle of Security, explaining the program and the services available to help you better implement it at home.
What is the Circle of Security?
The Circle of Security is an early intervention program for parents and children that focuses on creating secure relationships which give children emotional support.
A key feature of the program is the Circle of Security map which helps parents and carers to follow a child’s relationship needs and understand the best ways to become more emotionally available to them while providing a base for their independence.
Circle of Security framework explained
The Circle of Security framework shows a clear connection between attachment and learning. The two main functions of the parent or carer, as outlined by the framework, are to provide both a ‘Secure Base’ and a ‘Safe Haven’ for children.
- Secure Base
When providing a secure base for children, parents are encouraged to support their child’s exploration, watch over them, help them do things by themselves, delight in them and enjoy with them. - Safe Haven
The framework then explains that, at one point or another after providing a secure base, a parent needs to act as a safe haven for their child. This involves protecting them, comforting them, delighting in them and organising their feelings. The framework highlights that these two functions are a cycle and that they tend to repeat themselves.
Why is the Circle of Security an important framework?
The Circle of Security is an effective model of attachment theory which builds a secure base for your child. It’s important for several reasons:
- It creates a stable, predictable formula for a child’s daily life
- It encourages being together with your child more often
- It gives children control and independence in many situations
- It lets them know that you’re always there
Anglicare Victoria’s ParentZone program
If you’re wanting to learn more about implementing the Circle of Security as a parent or carer, Anglicare Victoria’s ParentZone program can assist you. We help struggling Victorian families improve their dynamic, strengthening relationships and assisting parents in myriad ways.
Anglicare Victoria’s ParentZone program is a free-of-charge service, available to Victorian parents everywhere. It focusses on improving communication and relations between parents and children using therapeutic and educational strategies. With expert counsellors, we can implement long-lasting, positive change between parents and children. Get in touch with Anglicare Victoria and ask about our ParentZone program today.
