Families have the most important role and influence on their children’s well-being and learning. How our families influenced us plays a big part in the image of children and childhood we develop. Through an exploration of the Bowen Family Systems theory, a leading theory in family therapy, we can gain a new perspective on the complex functioning of families and their influence. Our professional development can also become more individually meaningful, creating more personal impact while highlighting the holistic nature of our personal and professional development. Participants will be introduced to some patterns families can fall into to manage emotions, stress, anxiety and tension along with how they can affect family systems. All concepts in the BFS theory apply to non-family groups such as work and social groups. This workshop will provide opportunities for both self-reflection and active engagement. The intention of this workshop is to introduce a new perspective on the complex emotional systems of families and how our experiences may show up in our work environments.

Note: Although this workshop introduces a therapeutic theory, it is meant for awareness only and is not meant to replace therapy.

Living Inquiries:

Well-being and belonging.
Identities, Social Responsibility and Diversity

Pathways:

Diversity and difference.
Safety and respect.
Interests and inquiries.
Family origins, cultural background, place of origin, allegiance and affiliation, citizenship, and other identities.
Individual differences.
Interrelationship of humans and their common worlds.

Suitable for ECE students, parents, intermediate and experienced early care and learning professionals working with children of all ages, from infants/toddlers to school age children, including children with extra support needs.

Facilitator(s): Michelle Milne

Over her 20 years as an ECE Michelle has come to highly value knowledge acquired through lived experience, in combination with knowledge gained through education. She’s trained in Bowen Family Systems Theory and The Principles of Collective Trauma Healing along with facilitator training for Roots of Empathy, MAPS & PATHS and Non-violent Crisis Intervention. She looks forward to learning from participants’ lived experiences.