Written by Jo Jacobson and Jamie Mohay (School Psychology Team)

Picture your child stepping onto the playground at the park, eager to explore and play. They venture out, climbing, running, and making new friends—secure in the knowledge that you are there if they need you. Now, imagine them facing a challenge—perhaps a squabble with a friend or a moment of frustration—and instead of shutting down or lashing out, they turn to you for comfort, knowing you will guide them through it.

At Moriah, we know that these everyday moments shape a child’s emotional foundation. To further support the social and emotional development of our youngest learners, Jo and Jamie from our Psychology Team have begun teaching emotional skills across our Early Learning Centres. These lessons help children develop essential skills such as self-awareness, emotional regulation, and empathy.

As part of our commitment to partnering with families, we are also offering the Circle of Security parenting course this term—providing practical tools to deepen the emotional connection between parents and their children.

What is the Circle of Security?

Parenting is both a rewarding and challenging journey, and amidst the joy of raising children, there are moments of uncertainty about meeting our child’s needs. At times, we may struggle to regulate our own emotions, making it difficult to guide our little ones through theirs.

The Circle of Security Parenting program is an evidence-based framework designed to help parents understand and respond to their child’s emotional needs. Rooted in decades of attachment research, it offers invaluable insights and strategies to strengthen secure relationships.

This program empowers parents to:

• Recognise and respond to emotional needs with confidence.
• Support their child’s emotional regulation and self-esteem.
• Foster a secure base for exploration while providing a safe haven in moments of distress.

A key principle of the course is the reassuring message: “There is no such thing as a perfect parent.” Instead, the focus is on being Bigger, Stronger, Wiser, and Kind—offering both guidance and comfort as children learn and grow.

Bringing the Circle of Security into the Classroom

Just as parents play a vital role in emotional development, so do our educators. The Circle of Security framework helps our teachers create warm, supportive environments where children feel safe to explore, take risks, and express their emotions.

Our teachers in the ELC embody this approach by:

• Being present and available – creating a nurturing, welcoming space.
• Providing a secure base for exploration – fostering curiosity and independence.
• Offering comfort when needed – reassuring children during challenges.
• Validating emotions – helping children recognise and express feelings in a healthy way.
• Modelling healthy relationships – demonstrating empathy and emotional regulation.

When children feel emotionally secure, they develop resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging—critical elements for success in both school and life.

Supporting Emotional Security at Home

Parents can reinforce emotional security by:

• Maintaining predictable routines to create a sense of stability.
• Setting clear yet empathetic boundaries to provide structure.
• Encouraging open conversations about emotions to build self-awareness.
• Supporting independence by allowing children to make age-appropriate decisions.
• Practising co-regulation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises.

Parenting and teaching are deeply relational roles, and the Circle of Security provides a powerful framework for strengthening these connections. By working together—at home and in the classroom—we can equip our children with the emotional tools they need to navigate the world with confidence.

Let’s continue to create environments where emotional security is at the heart of learning and growth!