POSITIVE INTERACTION CYCLE FOR CHILDREN

Training is a catalyst to change.  Each time we step up to the training platform, we are reminded of how important information, knowledge and skill transfer is to those attending.  In addition, we process over and over again the meaning of the learning and ask ourselves critical questions.   What if I had know this 20 years ago?  How might I have used this to help my children and taught them how loved they really are?  Oh they hear this from us and have for years.  Yet we look back and see how even this one little intervention is so awesome and could have even strengthened our own relationships with our children.  This intervention is simple, yet very powerful!

The Positive Interaction Cycle was developed by Vera Fahlberg in 1991 is a great tool for all parents.  The parent pours affirmations into the child:  "Great to have you home early today.", "You are are really showing respect."  "I see you have all your homework done, great job!"

When the parents gives the child affirmations, the child is receiving messages that they are precious to the parent.  When the interaction takes place, the child experiences positives from mother and father and the parents are expecting nothing from the child in return.  The parent smiles, coos, and in general provides both verbal and non-verbal signals to the child that they are loved and cared for.

According to an article in Working With Bereaved Children: A Guide (www.essex.ac.uk), this style of psychological and social interaction is thought to contribute more to attachment than responses to the child's physical needs.  The more social interactions an adult has with a child, the more likely it is that an attachment will form, and the more loveable the child feels.  This is important to the building of a child's self-esteem - the important factor in resilience.

AND JUST THINK WHAT THIS MIGHT DO IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD THAT HAS EXPERIENCED TRAUMA!

Just a few thought from LAMb for the day.