Today's parents are constantly pressured to be perfect. But in striving to do everything right, we risk missing what children really need for lifelong emotional security. Now the simple, powerful "Circle of Security" parenting strategies that Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper, and Bert Powell have taught thousands of families are available in self-help form for the first time.
You will learn: *How to balance nurturing and protectiveness with promoting your child's independence. *What emotional needs a toddler or older child may be expressing through difficult behavior. *How your own upbringing affects your parenting style--and what you can do about it.
Filled with vivid stories and unique practical tools, this book puts the keys to healthy attachment within everyone's reach--self-understanding, flexibility, and the willingness to make and learn from mistakes. Self-assessment checklists can be downloaded and printed for ease of use.
A really amazing book. I'm not a parent or looking to become one, and read this book because I was curious about my own childhood and how one's upbringing affects adult life. I learned so much about myself, and got insight as to why my parens are who they are today, based on what I know about their childhood. The framework is useful for anyone, regardless of whether or not you are a parent. It has helped me reflect on my own childhood, and notice the behavior of the people around me, what needs they are expressing (or suppressing), and overall become a more empathetic person and communicator. Incredible book, and I'm hoping to read more about the Circle of Security framework that the book is grounded in.
Hoci mám knihu dva roky doma, prečítala som si ju až teraz, čo napokon bol možno najlepší čas. Rok chodím na terapiu a až v tejto dobe si začínam uvedomovať súvislosti, ktoré mala výchova mojich rodičov na mňa, môj charakter a napokon aj na výchovu mojich vlastných detí. Táto kniha mi výrazne pomohla utriediť si tieto veci a dáva mi pomocnú barličku pre niektoré momenty.
Je dôležité povedať, že toto nie je kniha o výchove. Výchovné štýly môžu byť rôzne, ale vzťahová väzba je kľúčový faktor, na ktorý je potrebné prihliadať pri akomkoľvek výchovnom štýle, ktorý rodičia zvolia. Ak si niekto prečíta túto knihu, môže mu pomôcť pochopiť, prečo v určitých situáciách reaguje na svoje deti tak, ako reaguje.
I liked the message of this book but feel like it could have all been said in a few chapters. It seemed very repetitive to me and I wish it had had more practical advice. The last chapter was the most helpful showing healthier ways to interact with your children at various ages.
O carte-terapeut. După ce ajungi să înțelegi Cercul Siguranței, lucrurile se așează. Îți dai seama de unde vin multe gânduri, comportamente, emoții. Începi să te înțelegi pe tine și începi să îți înțelegi copilul. Și mai ales, nevoia lui de a avea un părinte autentic și conectat, nu perfect.
O recomand tuturor părinților care își doresc să sape mai adânc și să privească spre interior. E un exercițiu bun și sănătos.
This book uses a concept called the Circle of Security to frame Attachment Theory (not necessarily Attachment Parenting) ideas. On the top of the circle, children need a secure base from which to explore. On the bottom of the circle they need a safe haven to come home to. Children move around the circle, sometimes very quickly, and it is the responsibility of their parents / caregivers to follow their need, while all the while being "bigger, stronger, wiser, and kind".
The good: The book is blissfully free of admonitions about specific parenting practices. Perhaps because of this, it's also reasonably light on gendered assumptions about who will be doing the parenting and how. Most importantly, I feel like reading this gave me a new and helpful perspective on my relationship with my child.
The bad: The book is devoid of instructions about specific parenting practices. It also assumes that all parental imperfection is due to attachment issues dating from ones own childhood. (For example, if you are frustrated that your toddler freaks out when you try to go to the bathroom alone, it's because your parents taught you that having your space invaded was dangerous - not because it's perfectly normal for an adult to want a few moments of privacy.)
The verdict: Definitely a worthwhile read. As always with parenting books, keep the salt shaker handy.
This is a book I will purchase and revisit if I decide to have children. This book doesn’t tell you how to shape your child, but rather how to accept your child. Unlike most parenting books, it doesn’t preach how to be a perfect parent, but rather how to be a good enough parent. We are all shaped by unconscious tendencies that we have learned through the way we were spoken to and treated as infants and children. Rooted in attachment theory, this book acknowledges that and shows parents how to become aware of their natural tendencies in order to not repeat the mistakes of their parents.
Not an easy read, but I loved the deep dive into what triggers us as parents, as well as all the practical examples of how to rewrite our normal scripts. I also loved the emphasis on repairing ruptures, because no parent will be perfect, and that's okay. As a Christian, I do find this system too simplistic (no concept of God and sin and how that plays in), but it is helpful and can definitely be integrated into biblical parenting.
“Parenting is not a democracy” “Self esteem is caused, not from praise, but from acceptance “ “Children who often push limits are wanting their parents to take charge”
Some quotes I saved from this book. Not a bad book. Liked the idea of checking in on my “shark music” to see where my child is triggering me because of my inhibitions. I also liked the “circle of security” graph. Kids run out to explore and then come back in for comfort. And do we as parents support them in their autonomy and then their need for comfort? Or do we have problems connecting with them on the top or the bottom of the circle. Also I liked the thought to be “bigger, stronger, kind, wise”
But it’s written from a humanistic mindset “ all humans are inherently good” which I don’t ascribe to so some of it seems too good to be true. I also don’t recommend listening to the audiobook because it’s confusing. Seeing the graph and doing the quiz would be easier in paperback .
Sharing with all of the closest people in my life, some of whom are new parents. Will also be applying these learnings when I become a parent. We are the first generations that are able to enjoy the fruits of this research. Feeling very blessed with this knowledge.
Basic premise is that the attachment developed between parent/caregiver and child is the foundation upon which all future relationships will be formed. Secure attachment for healthy relationships.
Circle of security is recognizing that your child always has a need for either exploration or comfort. They will do one until they need the other. Secure attachment means meeting them at their needs and showing that you can be consistent and reliable.
Întrebarea pe care o veți învăța din această carte s-o puneți este întrebarea pe care copilul o va ridica în mod inconștient: "Oare acest lucru se referă la nevoia ta de a fi un părinte bun sau la nevoia copilului din acest moment?"
Părinții din ziua de astăzi simt în mod constant presiunea de a fi perfecți. Copilul nostru nu are nevoie de perfecțiune. Are nevoie să poată avea încredere în devoțiunea noastră față de nevoile lui legitime.
Părintele are rolul de a fi o bază de siguranță de la care copilul poate pleca să exploreze
Fii mereu: Mai mare, Mai puternic, Înțelept și Blând De câte ori e posibil: Urmează nevoile copilului De câte ori e necesar: Preia controlul
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
There is a lot of relevant information but as a neurodivergent a lot of how my brain is wired is presented as bad or wrong. For a neurotypical it's probably a lot more useful. Autism and adhd do make things more difficult in this world but we are not the bad guy. There's a lot of times that our ways of relating and understanding, telling a similar story or repeating back what was said in our own words to make sure we get what was said is just how a neurodivergent brain works, and not a deficiency or wrong.
Today, with thousands of parenting resources available, parents are under constant pressure to be perfect. But sometimes trying to do everything right can jeopardize children's emotional safety. The book teaches how to properly assess the child's needs without being overly attached to the parent. As a result, parents create a secure attachment with the child.
The Importance of Secure Attachment:
After birth, babies are biologically programmed to bond with at least one caregiver who meets their needs. According to attachment theory, secure attachment is the most important factor influencing a child's ability to live a healthy physical and emotional life. It promotes emotional resilience and the ability to form healthy relationships later in life. When attachment is not secure, the child's needs may not be met, leading to stress. The stress hormone cortisol can slow metabolism, suppress the immune system, and even impair memory and thinking. Not having a secure attachment can even make future relationships difficult for a child. Children with secure attachment are better able to empathize and form secure relationships in adulthood.
Creating a Circle of security:
1. Be present, pay attention to cues, and respond with compassion and understanding. This creates a sense of security for the child; the child knows that the parent is present. 2. Security: Create a safe environment where the child can explore the world. This means comforting and supporting when needed. 3. Expression of feelings: Encourage the child to express his feelings and teach him to regulate emotions. 4. Draw clear boundaries: Be consistent, but kind and loving. A parent is not a child's friend; the child must realize the role of the parent. Limits help children feel safe knowing there are predictable boundaries. 5. Independence and autonomy: Allow the child to develop independence and autonomy while providing an appropriate environment. Encourage them to explore their interests and abilities and be present to celebrate their successes. Sometimes it can be difficult to know when to comfort a child or encourage independence; allowing them to learn to cope on their own. There are several factors to consider that will help the child feel safe. The first is protection, such as letting the child know you are present but letting him discover the world on his own. This can be done at first by simply tracking and celebrating small victories. Join in making discoveries without direct guidance. And finally, to help, for example, by performing some physical action or encouraging him to do something. The second is comforting, such as showing empathy when the child talks about his feelings. Third, the importance of the role of the child and the regulation of his feelings because the child does not yet understand his feelings. 6. Admitting mistakes: You have to remember that no one is perfect. Taking care of a child is stressful. Secure attachment can be broken in some cases. A parent's apology will teach the child that good things can follow bad things, and that even good relationships sometimes go wrong. In any case, the expression of feelings should be encouraged.
The authors don't just tell you what to do. They explain what's behind each principle and provide real-world examples that make the concepts understandable and applicable. The book encourages parents to reflect on their own experiences and attachment patterns to better understand how they can support their child's emotional development. Throughout the book, the authors offer practical strategies and examples to help with everyday interactions with children.
Contains very relevant, significant and important information! Information is deeply important to humanity as it clarifies the fact that we grow, develop our worldview, model how to relate and be affectionate, our personality and self-esteem, we acquire our values to thrive, the ability to solve and face the problems of life , for the rest of our lives! ... and all based on the quality of attachment experiences with our primary caregiver. The authors write this book with great clarity, sensitivity, there is much kindness in their approach and genunian guide, tested their Circle of Security approach and also built it on the newest findings of neuroscience. They provide many practical suggestions to connect more deeply with our children, but also to be kinder to us and develop a better parenting. What was most relevant to me are the tools to identify ruptures and make healing repairs. First, we inevitably learned an attachment style from our parents, but we can identify and protect our children (and grandchildren) from struggling with the same aspects of parenting. And second, there are times when we can feel overwhelmed and make mistakes with our children but we can always repair and teach them to resolve themselves emotionally. I visualize that the benefits and scope of applying this secure attachment model with our children, but also within schools and communities, would result in a greater percentage of emotionally and socially intelligent individuals, resilient, competent, empathetic, kind, who enjoy and sustain their physical and emotional health, ... this would change society! My gratitude to the Publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review the book
While I felt that the information provided on attachment parenting was excellent and well researched, I had difficulty following all of the references to "the top of the circle" and "the bottom of the circle." It might have been different if I had the hard copy of the book and could reference a diagram, but I spent quite a bit of time wondering what they were talking about as it was.
This is my first parenting book I've read. It was so incredibly kind, positive and encouraging! I appreciated this book a lot and would recommend it to all parents!
This book is very close to five stars, maybe only because of my preferences of a few things, it's less than amazing. Those things are first, the formatting of the book, which has these infoboxes and things in every chapter that makes me lose focus just so slightly from the main thread. Secondly, that they introduce a model and with it a language, and I just wish they told things plainer. I understand the need for a model, and it is great, but how does one explain these things to other people without having to at least give a quick summary of the whole model? Well, not easily, and neither am I going to remember it all by the model. Anyway, the model does exemplify a lot of issues, and explains them in a quite easy way - maybe a little bit complicated when entering into the sensitivities, but even then I managed to follow so and so. Usually, if you map out your sensitivity, you are mostly caring about that one and the secure one - what to aim for. The same goes with the book spanning a lot of ages, not always relevant to you and your child in the nearest future. A shorter, 100-page book of this, aimed solely at a one-year-old, would be much more helpful.
To the point though, I did learn a lot and get a lot of pointers from the book in understanding how attachment work, and how to work toward a healthy style of parenting. It is much more detailed and makes things close to the science as well as real situations, and that is very valuable. It is not "just one person" who has an idea about how to parent the best and wants to share it with his/her experience without touching the scientific material on the broader issues. I would recommend this book as a good book on parenting, one of the better so far.
Attachment theory is one of the more popular psychological frameworks, and one that I've got mixed feelings about. I've been inside the anxious-avoidant relationship collapse (it sucks), but the theory doesn't offer much to do, aside from recognizing that you're falling into maladaptive attachment patterns and break them.
Raising a Secure Child has a slightly different set of terminology. The premise of the book is that children have a natural circle of security, moving from "support my exploration" to "enjoy with me" to "welcome my return" to "protect and comfort me" and "organize my feelings". As a parent, your own upbringing has generated 'shark music' (ba-dum, ba-dum ba-dum-dum-dum-dum-DUM) around some aspect of life, one or more of the core safety triggers of Esteem, Safety, and Separation. Your job is to work through your own history and daily exhaustion and find a way to give your child what they need in the moment.
The good news is that kids are pretty resilient, and even if you fall off the circle it's easy to get back on. The hard part is balancing reasonable parenting demands (don't run into traffic, no hitting, at least try to put your shoes on, etc) with your child's temperament, and there the book offers little help.
I’m due in just two weeks with a baby girl and flooded with both simultaneous nerves and excitement.
This is one of the few books I decided to try to read throughout pregnancy. I wanted to learn more about attachment styles, the way childhood trauma seeps through our own parenting methods, and various trigger warnings we can mitigate before they become too dismantling for our kids.
Besides the fact that I think it reiterated the same point over and over and could’ve been at least half of its length, I learned exactly what I needed to, and also felt validated around certain opinions I naturally believed.
It’s healthy that we as soon-to-be parents remind ourselves that, although perfection is not attainable, we still have the opportunity to take control of our shark-music warnings. When we lead with a more comprehensive understanding of *why* we act the way we do, we can proceed with confidence. That’s what it’s all about.
Two stars because this book was sooo hard to read and I almost abandoned it. I had been looking forward to learning about this evidence based approach to childhood attachment, but it could have been written to be so much shorter and easier to read. Also, the section on miscues read a little contradictory to their premise that parents/caregivers that meet their children's needs most of the time will foster a healthy attachment. Really wishing I could have the evidence based information from this book in a better format.
A really solid information dense book. It took me a bit to get through it because there is SO much information.. and I honestly will probably have to reread it to get more from it! With that being said, such a good book. I have been navigating my own childhood trauma to have a secure relationship with my kids and this book really made me think about how to apply who I am into my parenting. Super solid… just super long!! However, definitely a good resource for every parent breaking cycles!
Considering I usually hold self-help books in low regard, this was not so terrible. I actually found a lot of it useful, and it made me see the prospect of parenting as less daunting. In particular, I appreciated a framework for looking back on my own childhood, and reflecting on how it has shaped the way I engage in relationships as an adult. All in all, reading this book was fairly educational.
The attachment theory in this book is super interesting - particularly how your own upbringing & attachment style can impact what you find challenging as a parent.
But I really struggled with the way it was presented. The content jumps all over the show and is very repetitive, with no clear structure to the chapters whatsoever. Unfortunately that made this a real slog!
Perhaps better as an audiobook? Or better yet just ask ChatGPT for the TLDR…
An easy to follow comprehensive explanation of circle of security parenting. It was a helpful read to refresh my understanding as am a trained CSOP facilitator. Also good overview of attachment theory.
loved this so much, even when you don’t want kids (or not any time soon), this is helpful for any relationships and helps you understand your own upbringing/ childhood ❤️ I see myself reading this multiple times & would love to learn more about Circle of Security Parenting
M-a pus pe ganduri cu siguranta si mi-a deschis ochii legat de cum am fost eu crescuta si cum parintii mi-au influentat evolutia. Recommd execritiile si a 2a parte care este mult mai practica, cu exemple concrete. Nu se aplica numai in relatia parinte-copil, ci si in relatiile dintre adulti.