Circle Of Security Parenting (COSP)
A relationship-based early intervention program designed to enhance attachment security between parents and children.
Circle Of Security Parenting (COSP)
Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) is an evidence-based program designed to help parents and caregivers build stronger, more secure relationships with their children. Based on decades of research on attachment theory, COSP helps parents understand their child's emotional needs and respond in ways that promote secure attachment.
The program uses a simple, visual metaphor of a circle to help parents understand the relationship needs of their children. On the top half of the circle, the child moves away from the parent to explore the world, while on the bottom half, the child returns to the parent for comfort and security. Parents learn to be available to their child in both parts of this natural movement.
Through COSP, parents learn to recognize and respond to their child's needs, reflect on their own caregiving responses, and make changes that promote security and healthy development in their children. The program helps parents become more attuned to their child's emotional cues and develop greater empathy and understanding.
Key Concepts in Circle of Security
Secure Base and Safe Haven
Parents learn to be a secure base from which their child can explore the world, and a safe haven to which they can return for comfort and reassurance. This dual role helps children develop confidence and emotional security.
Being With
Parents learn the importance of "being with" their child in all emotions, including difficult ones like anger, sadness, and fear. This helps children learn that all emotions are acceptable and manageable with support.
Shark Music
COSP helps parents identify their own emotional triggers or "shark music" - feelings of discomfort that arise when their child has certain needs. By recognizing these reactions, parents can respond more effectively to their child's needs.
Limited Circles and Repair
Parents learn to recognize when they struggle to meet certain needs of their children (limited circles) and how to repair relationships when they make mistakes. This teaches children that relationships can withstand difficulties and be strengthened through repair.
Benefits of Circle of Security Parenting
- Enhances secure attachment between parents and children
- Improves parents' ability to understand and respond to children's emotional needs
- Reduces challenging behaviors in children
- Increases parental confidence and competence
- Helps parents reflect on their own childhood experiences
- Promotes emotional regulation in both parents and children
Who Can Benefit from Circle of Security?
Circle of Security Parenting is beneficial for a wide range of families, including:
- Parents of children of all ages, from infancy through adolescence
- Parents who want to strengthen their relationship with their children
- Families experiencing stress, transitions, or challenges
- Foster and adoptive parents
- Parents of children with behavioral or emotional difficulties
- Parents who want to break negative patterns from their own childhood
The program is designed to be accessible and beneficial for all parents, regardless of their background or previous parenting experience.
Explore Other Early Childhood Approaches
Strengthen Your Relationship With Your Child
Circle of Security Parenting can help you understand your child's needs and respond in ways that build security and trust.