Program Connects Child, Mother/Caregiver
CIRCLE OF SECURITY PROGRAM STRENGTHENS
BOND BETWEEN MOTHER/CAREGIVER, CHILD
COVINGTON – Ten mothers and caregivers recently graduated from St. Tammany Parish Hospital’s Circle of Security, a 10-week internationally recognized program to enhance the relationship between parents and their children.
The focus of Circle of Security, held at STPH’s Community Wellness Center, is to help parents read their child’s behaviors and meet their needs by providing the tools for parents to help their child grow into a well-adjusted, emotionally balanced individual.
The goal is to help the parent establish a strong and positive relationship with their child and be able to answer questions such as “Why does my child behave that way?” What does he/she need?” and “How can I best help him/her grow up?”
In addition to learning from program materials, participants share their own personal parenting struggles through group conversations and other activities.
“One participant told us that Circle of Security impacted the relationship she has with her child and that by using the tools provided in the classes, she and her child were more connected,” said Danielle Mistretta, licensed professional counselor with the center. “Another said the most important information she gained was learning how to deal with her child’s emotions and how to help them learn to handle them.”
The program is open to women who are mothers or caregivers with at least one child younger than six. The class is limited to 12 participants, and child care is not provided. All sessions are free, refreshments are provided and gas cards are raffled at each session. For more information or to participate in the next Circle of Security program, contact Mistretta at 985-871-6072 or dmistretta@stph.org.
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A full-service acute care facility committed to providing world-class healthcare and the latest technology, St. Tammany Parish Hospital delivers today’s life-improving procedures with the utmost care to area residents with emphasis on wellness, preventive care and disease management close to home. STPH is a self-supporting not-for-profit community hospital; it receives no tax funding. STPH.org
PHOTO IDENTIFICATION: Seated, from left: Sara Luce (Elise Luce), Ivy-Lyn McGowen (Harley M. King), Nichole Fielding (Savannah Boone) and Heather Moore (Lillian Boxwell). Standing, from left: Amy Tilton (Allayna Tilton), Tonya Dubroc (Chelsey Dubroc and Emily Jenkins), Stacy Ward (Lillie Eberle), Adrienne Brumfield (Kendall Brumfield), Kim Gonzales and Kelli Broome (Levi Broome).