Hey guys! Thanks to those who attended our AT last Thursday. It was a really great training and we had some interesting discussions. If you didn't attend the training (and even if you did), please read through this information. It will really help you in working with your families!
Domestic Violence (DV):
Susan Capell (a current peer parent and former DCFS DV region specialist for 15 years) and Jacklyn Fellows (current DV lead worker) presented on the DCFS DV program and the effects of DV on children. It is really great information to share with all of our clients (even if they don't have reported issues with DV). This is the handout from the training on Domestic Violence and Children: click here.
Susan showed a really cool video on what children can do to feel safe and ways that we can teach them how to handle threatening situations. I don't think that video is available online, but if you would like to watch the video, let me know and I can get it for you to borrow. BUT, when I was searching for it online, I did find a video clip that is pretty powerful (WARNING: It is a little difficult to watch!). The idea is that children see (and imitate) what we do as parents. It may be worth showing your families. Let me know what your thoughts are on this (is it too much? is it powerful?):
Nurturing and Bonding:
Jennee Allen (peer parent) presented on some really great points from the skill, Nurturing and Bonding. We discussed how children form bonds in the first five years (different studies say different things) of their lives that GREATLY affect who they become as adults. Forming bonds early in childhood allows them to form appropriate bonds later in life. The opposite is more true (when appropriate bonds aren't formed, they can't form appropriate bonds later in life). Therefore, it is crucial for the parents we work with to understand this and work to form bonds with their children. They should be aware of what is developmentally appropriate for different ages (such as what they can do to bond with an infant) and what each of their children enjoy doing.
Have any other thoughts on Nurturing or Bonding or Attachment? Any helpful resources you have found? Leave a comment! I did find this website, which offers additional information on the subject: Bonding and Attachment by Dr. Bruce D. Perry
