We know from research that the early years (0-6) are a critical time for the development of self-regulation, a time when responses to stress are “wired” creating patterns that can be hard to change later in life. What matters most in these early years is for children to feel safe and secure, and be able to count on their caregivers to calm them down when they are frightened, upset or distressed. When caregivers respond to children’s stress in a caring and calm way, children learn they can ‘get over’ the stress and return to feeling safe and secure again, and they trust that their feelings matter, that comfort is available and that it is worthwhile to work on managing difficult emotions.

This workshop focuses on tools that can be used to help children develop skills and strategies for self-regulation. This workshop is designed as an advanced level workshop that seeks to deepen participant understanding of Heart-Mind Well-Being (HMWB), and provide practical tools for fostering HMWB in practice. Thus it was designed with the assumption that participants have prior knowledge and experience of the HMWB framework.

This workshop will be of interest to anyone caring for children, including parents, early childhood educators, family support workers, and other service providers.

Participants will:

• Review and deepen their understanding of HMWB
• Develop strategies for creating a safe and supportive environment for children
• Explore the Secure and Calm toolkit containing practical tools for promoting HMWB
• Experience how calming strategies such as conscious breathing and mindfulness activities can be integrated into daily life
• Make personal connections to the work of promoting HMWB

Secure and Calm Toolkit

The toolkits will be available for purchase at the workshop for $55.

The Secure and Calm Resource Guide which is part of the toolkit can also be purchased seperately for $10.

Facilitated by Jennifer Westoby

Jennifer is an experienced social worker who has spent over 20 years nurturing the well–being of children, youth and families. She has held various roles with the Richmond Youth Service Agency, Family Services of Greater Vancouver and the Vancouver School Board, and is currently involved in contract work with the BC Council for Families and Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education (DLC). At the DLC, Jennifer is a workshop facilitator and coordinator of Heart-Mind in Schools and her strong belief in the importance of positive community engagement continues to be clearly evident in her work. Jennifer is also a mother of two awesome sons, who challenge her regularly in her quest for mindfulness. She is an energetic and passionate soul who loves to help people recognize and realize the hope and happiness in their lives.

Cancellation Policy

Tickets are non-refundable but can be passed on to another person.

The Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education reserves the right to cancel the workshop no later than 7 days prior to workshop date if minimum number of workshop registrants is not achieved. In this case registrant will receive a full refund.