If parents or caregivers are having ongoing difficulties with their child, the relationship is where we need to focus first. Children do not enjoy being “difficult.” Their first choice is always to act in a way that connects to their parent/caregiver. Often what we do as parents is learned from when we were parented. For many First Nation and Inuit families that have been impacted by intergenerational trauma knowing how to break the cycle is a barrier to secure attachment relationships with their children. Learn with us as we take you on a journey with a traditional teaching. Let us show you what is “hidden in plain sight” in the everyday of parenting. Discover how “being with” children in their emotions helps them regulate their behaviour. Hear from one of our parents who will share her lived experience and close with us with a traditional song.
Learning Objectives
- Gain knowledge on how the Seven Grandfather teachings walk hand in hand with an evidenced-based parenting program – Circle of Security Parenting.
- Learn the 16-year-old test: “Everything you need to know about attachment in one diagram.”
- Gain an understanding of what parents/caregivers do is often learned from when they were parented and how intergenerational trauma creates a barrier to secure attachment.
- Reflect on how parent/caregivers’ triggers impact parenting and how knowing these triggers helps parents and caregivers move forward to support healthier relationships.
Presenters:
Holly Kennedy (New Path Youth and Family Services)
Hello my name is Holly Kennedy I am a supervisor at New Path Youth and Family Services in Simcoe County. I supervise the Quick Access Clinic, Brief Services (including MyDAWN pathway), and Early Years programs. I have an Honours Bachelor of Social Work degree from Lakehead University, and I am a registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. I value the opportunity to collaborate with various community partners to support and enhance Infant and Early Mental Health initiatives within Simcoe County.
Peggy McGee (Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services)
Taanishi, my name is Peggy McGee, I am a Metis woman from Georgian Bay. I am the Family Support Supervisor for Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services and Project Lead for Circle of Security Parenting. I have an Honours B.A. in English and Sociology, and my Primary & Elementary Teaching Certificate form Toronto Montessori Institute. I have worked in Child Welfare for eighteen years in various roles as a Front-Line Protection, Adoption, and School Based Worker. I am passionate about interventions that support better outcomes for First Nation Metis and Inuit families.
Alicia Mendes (Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services)
Shé:kon sewakwé:kon! My name is Alicia Mendes, and I am a Mohawk woman from Wahta Mohawks First Nation. I am a Cultural Resource Advisor with Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services where I provide cultural teachings and support to our families we walk alongside. My education comes from a BA (Hons) in Psychology and a Post Graduate Certificate with Honours in Behaviour Science. I walk with humility in sharing my teachings that come from my matrilineal line, Elder Knowledge Keeper Mary Anne Spencer, and teachings passed down from Elder Jake Thomas.
Lisa Smith (Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services)
Aanii, my name is Lisa Smith my Spirit Name is Wabgone Kwe (Blossoms Woman). I am a registered Massage Therapist and operate a home-based practice. My husband and I self referred for services with Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojjiyag Child and Family Services as we were looking for a parenting program that would give us some practical tools while honouring our family’s Indigenous heritage. I look forward to sharing my lived experience with you.
