ACE: Adult Child Empathy – Toolkit for Parents

We recently ran a 7 week course at school, facilitated by our Pastoral Lead, Claire Busby, and supported by Ilona Keeping. We all, as parents, face challenges from time to time, and this practical course helps us foster happy, resilient relationships through play. Each week included practical tasks developing an understanding of active listening, play and some theory-based learning. We also took opportunities to reflect, share experiences and problem solve as a group. As the course progressed, both parents and facilitators valued the trust and openness the group had created; a non-judgemental space where we learned, recovered and developed strategies together and shared the wonder that our children bring.

This is the fifth time the school has offered this course to Reception, Year 1 and 2 parents. Each time parents have given strong positive feedback that they are pleased the school offered it and that it has been transformative for them and their children.

Here is some of the written feedback we received,

‘Valuing having carved out time to stop, think, reflect and learn’.

‘How open and trusting the environment has been created – felt safe to share, learn, practice, heal, mend and come to understand more about the school and how it operates’.

‘Words can’t describe how profoundly impactful this has been…I wish everyone had access to this.’

‘It has helped me to play and use it as a way to connect and listen more deeply’.

‘It has helped me reconnect with my daughter and strengthen our bond’.

‘I notice that I try to understand or interpret behaviour before reacting’.

‘It helped me be more forgiving and understanding of myself’.

‘It has exceeded my expectations – amazing advice. I’m trying not to sweat the small stuff and find humour in things!’

‘I am trying to play and use it as a way to connect and listen more deeply’.

‘I know him better, his blow ups are more manageable for him and me and laughter is more frequent’.

‘I feel very lucky to have had this opportunity’.

The course ran from January to March and feedback confirmed that this was good timing, as Reception children had settled into school and families had time to adjust and identify questions and stresses. We are keen to understand the best time of day for future courses to run (during the school day / directly after school / early evening), and although we have had a few fathers in the past, it would be great if we could make this course more accessible to dads as well as mums. If you have any input or feedback on how you feel this could be achieved, or would like information on future courses, please do not hesitate to get in touch.