SafeBase

We have just finished a parenting programme delivered by After Adoption.  The SafeBase Programme gave us a real insight into attachment theory, child development and brain development.  It started with an observation session which was videoed by the workers.  Ruth and I were given a total of four activities to do with Raina, firstly one each on our own with her and the last two the three of us together.  A week later we returned for our feedback and an analysis of our parenting approaches and Rainas attachment.

We then had 4 days training over 2 weeks where we learnt a lot including simple Theraplay activities which were 'diagnosed' as ideal for building attachment with our daughter (based on an assessment of her attachment style).


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theraplay

We came home rejuvenated and ready to start on the activities, but linked to this; a new air of calm around our daughter when she is displaying her most difficult and challening behaviours.  So much of her behaviour makes more sense to us now and that helps us approach our management of it from a calmer and with more 'mindfulness'.

We requested help from our LA, a few months back when Raina was really challenging us and we were funding things hard.  They offered this and paid for it; including our travel and Raina's child care costs.  I would thoroughly recommend the programme and that any other adoptive parents experiencing difficulties push for it to be offered and paid for by your own LA's.

http://www.afteradoption.org.uk/safebase-parenting-programme


The problems haven't gone away overnight but we know our daughter better because of it and she has been responding positively to Theraplay activities so far......so it's Paying dividends already.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theraplay