NEW EDITORIAL
BY GORDON NEUFELD, PH.D.

I'd like to share a few thoughts on taking care of children in alarming times. These are not new ideas by any means, more like reminders for those who are familiar with the attachment-based developmental approach. I'll try to keep it brief as alarm has a way of shortening our attention spans. 
 
But first, some comments on the nature of the stress we are experiencing during this crisis. It is only natural that in times of stress, we seek togetherness. This is how we are wired. But in this case, togetherness – at least in the form of  'being with'  - is what threatens us, thus creating a perfect emotional storm. No wonder we feel so rattled and unsettled. We are meant to come together in order to take care of each other and our loved ones. Now we are asked to keep our distance to keep each other safe. As imperative as it is in these times, it goes against the grain of our instincts and that of our children.  ... READ THE REST OF DR. NEUFELD'S EDITORIAL HERE
FREE WEBINAR RECORDING
THE POWER OF PLAY TO TAKE CARE OF US
PRESENTED BY DEBORAH MACNAMARA, PH.D.

How can we even think about playing during times of crisis? Isn’t play frivolous? Something to be done when everything else is taken care of? Neufeld Institute faculty member Deborah MacNamara discusses how play is a powerful force – for children and adults alike – and is critical to our survival in times of stress. Dr. MacNamara explores why it is in our nature to play, how play can heal and restore us, and why we will need to lean on play more than ever in the days and weeks to come.

Dr. MacNamara's webinar was presented live on the Neufeld Institute virtual campus on March 24, 2020 and is now available on our YouTube channel (click on the image below). Please feel free to share the recording link with your friends and family.
For those looking for online learning...
POWER TO PARENT II:
HELPING CHILDREN GROW UP
TUESDAYS, STARTING MARCH 31/20
10:00 AM TO 11:00 AM PACIFIC
RUNS FOR 6 WEEKS
OFFERED BY GABRIELLA TOTH
Join us for an 8-session course, Helping Children Grow Up. This is the second course in the Power to Parent series; the prerequisite has just been waived t o allow everyone access to this timely material so you can join us even if you haven’t taken the first course, The Vital Connection. 

We'll explore how we can support the three processes of maturation in our children, helping grow curious, independent, responsible and resilient children who are capable of self-control and social sensitivity. We'll look at our role as parents to foster growth in our children and how we have a partner in nature. Just like in gardening, if we tend to the conditions that are conducive to growth in our children, nature can do the rest!
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