Expand+This course is based on a parenting model that promotes the self-esteem of children and parents. It is based on Positive Psychology and Choice Theory, with mindfulness and flourishing at its core. There is an emphasis on self-esteem throughout the co...

Hide-This course is based on a parenting model that promotes the self-esteem of children and parents. It is based on Positive Psychology and Choice Theory, with mindfulness and flourishing at its core. There is an emphasis on self-esteem throughout the course, as well as the healthy expression of constructive anger. The course will be emotionally nurturing and intellectually stimulating. There will be time each week for open discussion. The contents of the course will be very influenced by participants’ needs. Topics will include: History of Childhood, Philosophical and Historical Influences; The family - theory, sibling rivalry, transgenerational patterns, genogram; Child Development Theories - for example, Bowlby, Erikson, Freud, Montessori, Piaget, Choice Theory, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; School - Special Needs, Intellectual/Emotional/Multiple Intelligence, Giftedness; Adolescence - Sexual Identity, Eating Disorders, Addictions, Social Media, Internet use, Idealism; Childhood Problems, including, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, Aspergers; Loss - Separation, Divorce, Bereavement, Suicide; Mindfulness; Flourishing; Nourishing “Inner Child.”

Expand+Weeks 1 & 2: The Child’s History
Philosophical, historical and cultural definitions of childhood will be explored, as they continue to influence child rearing practices. The child’s family is their personal history and many family issues will be add...

Hide-Weeks 1 & 2: The Child’s History
Philosophical, historical and cultural definitions of childhood will be explored, as they continue to influence child rearing practices. The child’s family is their personal history and many family issues will be addressed. These include: The role of the child’s gender, child’s position in family, and sibling rivalry; Family Therapy theories - participants will construct their own family genogram; the transgenerational aspect of family patterns; Various Parenting Styles; and ways to improve family functioning

Weeks 3 & 4: Child Development Theory
Several Psychological Developmental Theories will be explored to help in understanding the meaningfulness of children’s behaviour. Theories include Bowlby, Freud, Piaget, Montessori, Erikson, Social Learning Theory, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Choice Theory and the Nature versus Nurture debate.

Week 5: School
Topics include: School refusal and school phobia, Internet use, Social Media, Intellectual Intelligence (IQ), Multiple Intelligences, Emotional Intelligence, Teasing, Bullying, Cyber bullying, AD(H)D, Learning Difficulties (for example: dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia) and Giftedness. The importance of high self-esteem and the healthy expression of anger will be emphasized
Week 6: Adolescence
Topics include: Four Stages of Adolescence; Physical and Psychological changes - including body image; Sexual Development and Identity (including Homosexuality); The role played by parents and family, peers and groups; Moral values and ideals, including Idealism; Addictions - Eating Disorders (bulimia, anorexia and binge eating), alcohol and substance use, Gambling and Internet Addiction Disorder, and Self-Harm

Week 7 & 8: Childhood Problems
Topics include: Stress, Worry, Phobias, Separation Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Sleep Disorders, Disruptive Behaviour, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, Somatic Complaints, Stress-linked physical ailments, Depression, Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism

Week 9: Child Abuse & Neglect
Physical, Sexual and Emotional; Loss: Suicide, Bereavement, Separation and Divorce

Week 10: Closure
Life Cycle, Mindfulness - Theory and Practice, Honouring our own "Inner Child"