Tuning in to Kids is an evidence-based emotion coaching group program developed by a team at the University of Melbourne. It focuses on developing parents’ and carers’ abilities to understand and manage their and their children’s emotions. In turn this leads to healthier relationships and increased emotional intelligence in children.

The Tuning in to Kids groups run though SDN Children’s Therapies are specifically catered for parents and carers of children with a diagnosed disability or developmental delay. Whilst the content of the group is still based on that of the traditional Tuning in to Kids program, the groups allow a safe space for parents and carers to share their experiences with other families facing similar challenges. Discussion is focused on ways that content is adapted and can be more relevant to each family's individual situation.

The program is designed for parents and carers of children aged approximately 3 to 10 years. Other key people in children’s lives such as grandparents are also welcome to attend.

The program is run by SDN Children's Therapies Senior Family Resource Worker, Laura.

Laura has over ten years’ experience working in the early intervention, out-of-home care and disability sectors. She is a qualified Social Worker and a trained facilitator of Tuning in to Kids and Circle of Security Parenting courses.

She regularly collaborates with parents to help them understand and support their child’s emotional needs and promote overall family wellbeing.

Here's what one of our families had to say about Laura:

"Laura was absolutely amazing at delivering this course in such an engaging way at that made it very easy for us to learn and implement at home. She gave us plenty of opportunities for open discussion amongst the group and that made the experience a lot more intimate and enjoyable sharing our experiences and difficulties with one another. She was also a very great listener and was able to provide helpful advice on challenges we faced with our kids."

The total cost for this program is $850.44. NDIS funding can be used, under Improved Daily Living (CB Daily Activity) - other funding types can't be used.

Please note: A full 6-week commitment is required by participants to get a certificate of participation at the end of the course.

Many parents who have attended previous groups have had a child who is non-speaking or has limited verbal communication. Often there can be a concern that the content and strategies discussed in the groups won’t be suitable for their child. However, whilst there is core content it can be adapted to suit the needs of your child and family. For children who are non-speaking they are still children first, so there is still value in acknowledging and labelling their emotions, modelling communication, setting clear boundaries and supporting them through their meltdowns.

"Non-speaking doesn't mean I have no ideas or no way to communicate them. Non-speaking doesn't mean I can't learn to read or write like everyone else. But I can't if you don't teach me how. And calling me nonverbal is like saying I can't learn to read and write." - DJ Savarese

The program is designed to be run over a minimum of six weeks to ensure all core content is covered. As this is a group-based program the sessions involve a mix of information sharing, discussion, videos, role plays and other activities. Please note that this is not a counselling group so if you’re seeking further support, we’ll provide you with information on other relevant services.

Every week we'll focus on a different area of emotional intelligence. Sessions will be a mixture of information sharing, reflection and activities to do as a group and at home with your child:

• Week 1: Setting out - how to raise emotionally intelligent children
• Week 2: Naming the emotion
• Week 3: Understanding your child's emotional experience
• Week 4: Self care, proble solving and coaching fears and worries
• Week 5: Emotion coaching your child's anger
• Week 6: Emotionally intelligent parenting - now and in the future

Each participant receives a pack including:

• Booklet with all handouts and activities
• Emotion coaching visuals
• Stickers
• Certificate upon completion of the course