In the early years of parenting, mothers and fathers witness rapid change in their children. First they’re babies, then toddlers and then they seem to zoom on to preschool and kindergarten. Parents’ skills and capacities must develop along with the needs and challengesofeachstageoftheirchild’sdevelopment.Certain qualities in parents will be invaluable all along theway:•the ability to pay attention and be present with a childinboththeeasyandhardmoments•being a lifelong learner, both curious and open minded•flexibility in responses, able to let go of reactive patterns•the ability to reflect on one’s own experience and ontheexperienceofone’schild•thecapacityforplayfulandjoyfullivingThrough education and support parents can deepen thesequalitiesandadditionallylearnabout:•the value of secure parent / child relationships andhowtheydevelop•developmental stages and the needs, tasks and behaviorsforeach•how to parent with the unique temperament of thechildinmind•valuing the opportunity that “misbehavior” and conflictprovideforchildren’slearning•respectful communication in relationships and familylife
Learning in groups enables parents to discuss common experiences, build shared knowledge, become aware of the variations in children and gain confidence to form one’sownphilosophywhilebeingopentoothers.