The training programmes created by the French organisation l’Atelier des Parents combine the new developments in neurosciences, emotional intelligence and nonviolent communication. By learning about the different stages of the development of the child [small children (0-6), children (6-12) teens (12-18)] their  brain, the parents can better understand their child’s behaviour. The approach taken from the nonviolent communication and positive psychology puts the emphasis on cooperation, on mutual respect and communication techniques that promote understanding. You can learn how to listen to your children so they feel genuinely understood and how to express your needs and concerns.

The main topics of the programmes adapted to the age of the child:

• developmental characteristics
• functioning of the brain
• emotions
• rule setting
• empathy, consequences instead of punishment
• adapted reinforcement
• problem solving
• building self-discipline and self-esteem
• guiding towards autonomy

Looking into the different development stages we can understand what can we expect from a child and what is not possible for them in that given stage. Learning techniques how to express our feelings, how to encourage them to talk about their problems help us better cope with difficult situations. When a child feels understood and feels involved in decisions inside the family, he or she will more easily cooperate.

My experiences and the testimonials of parents using this approach show that conflicts are easier to solve, the bonds inside the family become stronger and a new level of trust and understanding is settled. While conflicts and problems won’t disappear forever, parents will be able to manage them more easily thanks to these methods.

When we fight less and cooperate more we can concentrate more on our everyday tasks and we can affront problems and conflicts with a more calm and confident attitude.

During the courses we use a workbook published by l’Atelier des parents. The book contains 7 chapters (in case of the course „Jealousy between siblings” 4 chapters), each of them articulating around a main subject.

In each chapter there is a theoretical part which we explore through exercices, role plays, demonstrations by the trainer.

Even the difficult concepts of neurosciences are presented in an easily understandable and playful way. The interactive and playful exercises help to consolidate the different techniques. The role plays help the parents better understand their child’s perspective.

The language of the training is French.

The interactive program created by the French organisation l’Atelier des Parents is based on the new developments in neurosciences, emotional intelligence and nonviolent communication.