Circle of Security^® Parenting

Circle of Security Parenting is an internationally recognised, evidence-informed program based on decades of research into attachment and child development.

The program helps parents recognise that children move between two important needs:

• The need to explore, learn, play and become more independent
• The need to return to a trusted caregiver for comfort, reassurance and connection

By learning to recognise these needs, parents can better understand what their child may be communicating and respond in ways that help them feel safe, secure and supported.

Circle of Security is not about becoming a “perfect parent”. Instead, it encourages parents to reflect on their relationship with their child, recognise what may be happening beneath challenging moments and develop greater confidence in meeting their child’s emotional needs.

Throughout the course, parents and caregivers will be supported to:

• Better understand their child’s emotional and attachment needs
• Recognise what their child may be communicating through their behaviour
• Support their child’s confidence to explore and try new things
• Respond to their child’s need for comfort, reassurance and connection
• Understand why some parenting situations feel particularly challenging
• Reflect on their own responses with curiosity and compassion
• Navigate difficult moments while maintaining a sense of connection
• Build confidence in repairing relationships after things do not go as planned

The course combines video examples, practical information and guided reflection to help families apply the concepts to everyday parenting situations.

All parents experience moments when they feel unsure, overwhelmed or disconnected from their child. Circle of Security Parenting provides a space to reflect on these moments without judgement and develop a clearer understanding of what both you and your child may need.

The goal is not perfect parenting. It is building a relationship in which children can feel safe to explore, return for connection and trust that relationships can be repaired when things become difficult.

At Play & Thrive, Circle of Security Parenting is delivered through a compassionate, strengths-based and neuroaffirming lens.

We recognise that every child has their own temperament, nervous system, communication style and way of experiencing the world. For neurodivergent children, behaviours may also reflect sensory needs, anxiety, differences in communication, overwhelm or a need for autonomy.

Our approach is not focused on blame, judgement or forcing children to comply. We support parents to look beneath behaviour, understand what may be making a situation difficult and respond in ways that protect connection while recognising the needs of both the child and caregiver.

Circle of Security Parenting may be helpful for parents and caregivers who would like to:

• Strengthen their relationship with their child
• Better understand their child’s behaviour and emotions
• Feel more confident responding during difficult moments
• Support a child experiencing anxiety, separation difficulties or big emotions
• Understand recurring patterns within their family
• Learn a relationship-focused approach to parenting
• Connect with other parents in a supportive environment

The course can be valuable for families of children with a wide range of personalities, developmental needs and neurotypes. Your child does not need to have a diagnosis to participate.

Play & Thrive offers Circle of Security Parenting courses for parents and caregivers in a supportive small-group setting both in person and online. Each term we run the course at different times of the day including evenings to ensure access for all types families.

Courses are generally delivered across eight sessions, allowing time to explore each part of the Circle of Security framework and consider how it relates to your own family.

Please contact us to discuss upcoming course dates, availability and whether the program may be suitable for your family.