March 12th Early-Bird Reminder for 2021 Conference

NEW EDITORIAL

THE TWO ESSENTIAL INVITATIONS

BY LISA WEINER

Dr. Neufeld says that we need to offer our children two invitations. The first is the unconditional invitation to exist in our presence and the second is the invitation to become fully who they are. This same sentiment is sometimes represented imagistically: we are helping them grow both roots and wings.

Some parents find it natural to extend the invitation for deep, dependent relationship: “Your problems are my problems,” “there is nothing you bring here that is too much for me,” and “let me help you find a way,” capture the essence of this invitation. Others naturally invite a child to become who they are: “Let’s see what you create!”, “Oh, that is an interesting way to look at that - tell me more,” and “I can see why you don’t like that” are phrases that welcome individuation. For most of us, one of these sets of phrases comes more naturally than the other. It is part of our growth as parents to find both invitations inside ourselves so that we can extend them to our children.

As they grow, children shift between these two drives – to attach and to individuate – day-to-day and, sometimes even, moment-to-moment. We can see these polarities most strikingly in our toddlers and our teenagers as both are times in life when integrative functioning capacity – the ability to hold two opposing feelings at the same time – is low. ...TO READ THE REST OF LISA'S EDITORIAL CLICK HERE →

Maria LeRose, Gordon's favourite interviewer of all-time, recently spoke with Gordon about our upcoming conference. Have a listen of this 20-minute conversation and get the inside scoop!

Neufeld Institute Conference 2021: Interview

View Schedule & Session Descriptions HERE

What's included with a course registration?

In addition to a weekly live class with a Neufeld faculty member, you receive a 4-month study pass to our Virtual Campus featuring Dr. Neufeld's video material, discussion forums, study guides, supplementary resources, and much more.

Class recordings

Not able to attend the live class due to a scheduling conflict? No problem! Classes are recorded so you can catch up later in the week when it works best for you.