🫶 Circle of Security® Parenting
🌿 Building Secure Bonds That Last a Lifetime
The Circle of Security® is a relationship-based parenting model that helps caregivers understand and meet the emotional needs of children. Developed by psychologists and therapists, it’s grounded in decades of attachment research showing that when children feel safe, seen, and supported, they grow into confident, resilient, and emotionally healthy individuals.
At Mara’s Lighthouse, we use Circle of Security® to help caregivers strengthen their bond with their child — nurturing trust, emotional safety, and lasting connection.
💙 Understanding the Circle
The model is represented by a circular diagram with the child at the center, highlighting two key aspects of the parent–child relationship:
The “Safe Haven” 🏡
This is where children return when they need comfort, protection, or reassurance. The caregiver’s role is to be emotionally available, responsive, and supportive — helping the child feel safe enough to express needs and emotions freely.
The “Exploration” 🌍
Children naturally venture out to explore their world, learn, and grow. Here, caregivers provide encouragement, watch over them with interest, and remain a steady base they can return to when they need comfort again.
Together, these two parts form the “Circle of Security” — illustrating how children continually move between independence and connection, exploration and safety.
🧩 What Caregivers Learn
Through the Circle of Security® approach, caregivers gain practical tools and insights to:
Recognize their child’s emotional cues and needs.
Respond in ways that promote trust and security.
Balance their child’s needs for independence and connection.
Reflect on how their own experiences and stressors may impact their parenting responses.
This understanding helps caregivers move from frustration or uncertainty toward compassion, confidence, and emotional attunement.
⚖️ Supporting Families Through Early Childhood Court
At Mara’s Lighthouse, we also provide Circle of Security® Parenting within Early Childhood Court programs to support family reunification and long-term relational healing.
For families working toward reunification, Circle of Security® offers a framework for rebuilding attachment and trust between caregivers and children after periods of separation or stress. By focusing on emotional safety and responsive caregiving, parents learn how to reconnect and nurture their child’s sense of security — one relationship at a time.
💫 Why It Matters
Secure attachment is the foundation for healthy development. Children who feel safe and connected are more likely to explore the world with confidence, build positive relationships, and regulate their emotions effectively.
By helping caregivers see and respond to their child’s emotional needs, Circle of Security® strengthens not only the parent–child relationship but the entire family system.
💖 Parenting With Confidence, Compassion, and Connection
Parenting can be both beautiful and challenging. You don’t have to navigate it alone. The Circle of Security® program offers caregivers a roadmap for understanding, empathy, and connection — helping children and families thrive together.
Click below to learn more or join our next Circle of Security® group at Mara’s Lighthouse.