Programme Overview
FUN FRIENDS is the latest program developed by Dr. Paula Barrett for the treatment and prevention of childhood anxiety in 4-7 year olds. It has been developed from the highly successful FRIENDS for Life programme with a focus on this younger age.
The importance of a research based resilience programme cannot be underestimated, with research showing as many as 20% of preschool children in the general population exhibit moderate to clinical levels of emotional and behavioural disturbance. Fortunately, the rapid development of preschool children allows for effective treatment aimed at both prevention and intervention. Children will have great fun and join in lots of activities promoting the development of social and emotional skills.
FUN FRIENDS teaches children essential resilience skills including:
- How to relax and self soothe
- How to regulate emotions
- How to understand emotions in yourself and other people
- How to be kind and empathic
- Social and emotional skills
- How to make friends and share
- How to be brave and try new things
- How to build a strong sense of self and self esteem
- How to deal with conflict
- Positive coping strategies
- Easy to learn strategies on how to change negative ‘red thoughts’ into positive ‘green thoughts’
These resilience skills are taught in a way that children in this age group can easily grasp and adopt. The objectives of the programme have been shown to be well-matched and complementary to educational goals and curriculum in schools for this age group.
Importantly, there is also an excellent adult to child ratio, with no more than 8 children per group.
FUN FRIENDS helps kids feel balanced, happy, and well adjusted. Research shows that children who are socially and emotionally well adjusted do better at school, have increased confidence, form good relationships, take on and persist with challenging tasks and are more able to communicate effectively. FUN FRIENDS helps your kids be all they can be!
Support for the FUN FRIENDS programme and the effectiveness of intervention programmes for young children.
James Heckman – A Novel Laureate in Economic Sciences – believes that early social and emotional experiences of very young children affect their future growth and potential. Heckman explains that the preschool years in particular, are vitally important for skill formation. According to Heckman: “Early childhood interventions of high quality have lasting effects on learning and motivation. As a society, we cannot afford to postpone investing in children until they become adults, nor can we wait until they reach school age – a time when it may be too late to intervene. Since learning is a dynamic process, it is most effective when it begins at a young age and continues into adulthood.” (Heckman, 2000)
Family Learning Adventure book / Parent Guide
The Family Learning Adventure book (accompanies the FUN FRIENDS programme) is now available. The Family Learning book may be purchased by all parents regardless of whether your child is enrolled in a FUN FRIENDS programme; however involvement in groups is encouraged.
