Parenting Resources
Strengthening attachment with a child is an important and rewarding journey. Here are some excellent resources for parents to work on their attachment with their children:
​Books
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"The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson explains how to nurture a secure attachment by understanding a child’s brain development and behavior .Offers practical strategies for connection and communication.
"Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers" by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Maté emphasizes the importance of parental attachment and how to maintain a close bond even as children grow older.
"Raising a Secure Child" by Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper, and Bert Powell introduces the Circle of Security model, a practical guide to understanding and meeting a child’s emotional needs.
"How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk" by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish offers communication techniques to strengthen trust and understanding between parents and children.
"Parenting from the Inside Out" by Daniel J. Siegel and Mary Hartzell helps parents reflect on their own childhood experiences to build healthier relationships with their children.
Workshops and Online Courses
Circle of Security Parenting Program teaches parents how to identify and respond to their child’s emotional needs effectively. Visit: Circle of Security International
The Gottman Institute - Emotion Coaching for Parents provides tools to help parents connect emotionally with their children and build a secure attachment. Visit: The Gottman Institute
Hand in Hand Parenting focuses on techniques like "Special Time" and "Listening Time" to build connection and address challenging behaviors. Visit: Hand in Hand Parenting
Podcasts
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"The Secure Child Podcast" focuses on attachment-based parenting strategies and understanding a child’s emotional needs.
"Unruffled" by Janet LansburyOffers gentle parenting advice based on respect and connection.
"Raising Good Humans" with Dr. Aliza Pressman explores ways to foster healthy attachment and parenting practices.
Practical Activities for Attachment
Special Time: Set aside uninterrupted time where your daughter chooses the activity and leads the interaction.
Emotion Coaching: Acknowledge and validate her feelings, helping her name and process emotions.
Rituals and Routines: Create consistent bonding activities like bedtime stories, weekly outings, or shared hobbies.
Physical Connection: Hugs, holding hands, or playful wrestling (if she enjoys it) can foster warmth and trust.
Positive Parenting Program
Stepping Stones Triple P Project is a five-year project funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council to examine the effectiveness of Stepping Stones in reducing behavioural and emotional problems in children with a disability across a population. The Stepping Stones Triple P Project gives families tips and strategies to manage the big and small problems of family life. It helps encourage desirable behaviour, cope with stress and teach your child new skills.
Child Behaviour Research Clinic
Child Behaviour Research Clinic The Child Behaviour Research Clinic works with children who present a range of behavioural, emotional and social development concerns. Based on research and new treatments, the clinic works alongside parents to deliver the most effective outcomes for families. It includes treatment of child behaviour and emotional problems; parenting program and self-directed online parenting program
Support children’s mental health and wellbeing
Emerging Minds has been dedicated to advancing the mental health and emotional wellbeing of Australian infants, children, adolescents and their families. Emerging Minds develops mental health policy, interventions, in-person and online training, programs and resources in response to the needs of professionals, children and their families.
The Australian Parenting Website
Raising Children is a free, reliable, up-to-date and independent information source funded by the Australian Government, reviewed by experts and non-commercial. They have articles, videos and interactive resources for different ages and stages, from nurturing a newborn to raising a teen – and helping you to look after yourself as a parent too.
Compassionate discipline
The Institute of Child Psychology have a number of free resources, including a podcast and a page with great compassionate discipline to assist parents supporting their child's emotional development.