January Session

Development and Attachment Theory

with Dr. Vanessa Lapointe.

This month's spotlight is on Dr. Vanessa Lapointe, a clinical psychologist who practices out of her clinic "The Wishing Star" in White Rock, BC. Dr. Lapointe has authored the books Discipline without Damage and Parenting Right from the Start, as well the blog that is attached to her professional webpage (Click link to be directed to Dr. Lapointe's site) . She is proficient in the use of social media to keep connected to her audience: she regularly posts live events on her Facebook page; facilitates seasonal webinars and often hosts, cohosts and appears on podcasts related to parenting and discipline. Dr. Lapointe's work with families aims to facilitate development by building attachment between the caregiver and the child.

Dr. Lapointe has created material that is readily accessible and understandable. In her work with caregivers she models how to create the safe and compassionate climate for rigorous growth and change. Audiences may be surprised, challenged, and inspired by the transformation of their own perspectives and practice; and then further to that, the shift in relationship between the adult and child; and then in turn, they will see the change in their own child's behavior.

Please see some samples of Dr. Lapointe's work below. We have included two book reviews, an article summary with a link to one of Dr. Vanessa's webinars, and two videos. If you are interested in topics such as school and separation anxiety, general child anxiety, co - parenting and more, please explore her work further via her webpage ( see link above).

Understanding

Attachment Theory

Teachers and Caregivers that practice from attachment theory perspectives understand that learning and development happen when there is a safe and secure relationship between the adult and the child.

Discussion Question:

What ways of being, routines, rituals and traditions build attachment in your family? What are some ways of being, routine, rituals and traditions that are being used to build attachment and relationship in your child's classroom? How can you as a parent support your child's attachment to their teacher and school?

Discipline Without Damage

How to get your kids to behave without messing them up.

In this easy-to-read, science-based book, parents, caregivers, and adults of all kinds discover how discipline affects children’s development, why intervention should reinforce connection not separation, and why the disciplinary strategies that may have been used on the previous generation are not the strategies that children really need. As a practicing child and family psychologist and advisor to the British Columbia Ministry of Children and Families, Dr. Vanessa has seen it all. She has navigated hundreds of tough situations with families. Drawing on scientific research and a wealth of clinical experience, she shows caregivers how to put out the fire without dampening their child’s spirits; how to correct behavior while emphasizing connection; and how to discipline without damage.

Parenting Right from the Start

Laying a foundation in the baby and toddler years

Shefali Tsabary PHD, Author of The Awakened Family, and The Conscious Parent describes Parenting right from the start like this:

"Dr. Vanessa's book intuitively captures the power that parenting has to transform the inner world of the parent and thereby, the child. Firmly grounded in the principals of conscious parenting this book speaks to the challenges every parent faces - from sleep struggles to toileting troubles, to sibling rivalry. In this unique work, Dr Vanessa has merged consciousness with the beautiful principles of attachment to help parents practice concrete skills with thier children in real time."

Attachment and the Adolescent

"The teen brain is growing and changing in remarkable ways. During this critical time of development, parents and educators often experience their adolescent as very challenging (!). They love you… they hate you. They’re happy… they’re devastated. They’re smart and sensible… they’re making terrible decisions.

As a result of the complex processes unfolding in your teen’s growing brain, feeling heart, and developing sense of self, this time period can be experienced as very topsy turvy, and leave even the most unshakable parent or other “big person” feeling very much stirred."

Join Dr. Vanessa Lapointe in one of her online courses. She also delivers webinars.

https://drvanessalapointe.teachable.com/p/discipline-without-damage-the-online-course/

The After-School Meltdown: Why it happens and how you can handle it with style.

Discussion Questions:

What needs does your child communicate do you with their after school behavior? What are some ways you can support their transition back into the pace and safe space of being home?

Falling Behind Whom?

Challenging the idea that this year has been a loss for children.

Discussion Questions:

What has been the flavor of the dialogue about schooling during Covid in your family and social circles during the past year and a half? How can you change the framing of the dialogue to lead and create a safe and hopeful mindset for your family?

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