Engaging Parents

March 11 2014

NICKY HUTCHINSON & CHRIS CALLANDNot Just Behaviour www.notjustbehaviour.co.uk

In this session we will

Consider attachment theory and the needs of troubled children

Identify the barriers to parental engagement

Look at ways to develop an effective relationship

Focus on practical problem solving strategies and ways to engage parents and children

AttachmentAttachment is a deep and enduring emotional bond that connects one person to another across time and space (Ainsworth, 1973; Bowlby, 1969).

Secure Attachment

Insecure Attachment

Avoidant

Ambivalent

Disorganised

For a direct comparison. Normal 2-year old. 2-year orphan.

Barriers….

What needs to be in place for a good partnership with parents?

Active Listening

Core Conditions

Acceptance Genuineness Empathy

Keys to Good Listening Allow Pauses Open Posture Turn Off Your Own Words Listen for Feelings Use reflective Listening Paraphrase Open questions Be tentative

Solution focused approach

Why use it?

Simple Short term Positive They are part of the solution

Connect

Identify resources

Skills Abilities Qualities

◦ Supportive relationships

Internal

External

Possible questions

So what did it take for you to achieve that? How did you get through it? How did you deal with that experience What did you learn about yourself? What do you think it might have taught others about you?

Preferred futures.... Focus on the future What do you want to achieve? What will that look like? What will you be doing differently? The ‘miracle’ question... Keep it real

The scaling question

Focus on the positive

Find a good enough number

What if they go below 0?!

Review

Review positives

Give constructive feedback

Remind them of positive targets/actions agreed

Next steps……