Course Outline

Nurturing Self-Compassion in Children

Self-compassion is vital for well-being, mental health, and resilience. When we treat ourselves with self-compassion, it means we treat ourselves with the same kindness as we would show to a good friend. Benefits include lower levels of anxiety and depression as well as greater levels of well-being and happiness (Neff, 2003).

Many children lack self-compassion and are very critical of themselves and judge themselves very harshly, especially at times of disappointment or failure. They are also faced with increasing pressures, and our modern culture bombards them with often unattainable standards, which can often make them feel that they are not quite good enough by comparison.  This can lead to decreased levels of confidence, mental health, and self-worth.  Learning to practise self-compassion is vital from an early age as an antidote to these pressures.

This talk explores the concept of self-compassion as well as providing practical suggestions for nurturing it in children.

Most suitable for Teachers & SNAs (Primary, Post Primary)

Facilitator Bio

Fiona Forman is an author, speaker, facilitator, and trainer in the area of well-being and Positive Psychology in education and parenting. Fiona holds an M. Sc. in Applied Positive Psychology, the science of well-being, from the University of East London. Having spent many years as a primary teacher, she is passionate about placing well-being at the heart of school and family life, and she has seen first-hand the many benefits this brings to both young people and adults alike. Fiona now works closely with schools, education centres, universities, and colleges around the country, delivering talks and courses on many topics related to well-being within the education system. She is the co author of Weaving Well-Being, an SPHE programme for children which is now widely used in Ireland, as well as being the author of Welcome to Well-Being, Wired for Well-Being, and Tools to Thrive.