What is Tuning in to Kids®?
The Tuning in to Kids® (TIK) program is an evidence-based emotion-focused group parenting program, that teaches parents/carers how to aid the development of emotional intelligence in their children.
This program teaches skills in emotion coaching: a way of responding to emotions that aids children in understanding, regulating and working through their emotions to enable them to manage their behaviour and respond in a socially appropriate way.
TIK will teach you to notice, accept, validate and empathise with your child’s emotions, and help you to reflect upon and work through the emotions your child is experiencing. When parents and carers respond to children’s emotions in this way, while also guiding them to respond appropriately, children learn important skills in emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence facilitates resilience and prevents mental health problems, and learning these skills are extremely important for all aspects of your child’s life.
TIK will also teach you to be aware of the way you express your own emotions when parenting. Parenting can be an emotionally challenging experience at times, and many parents benefit from reflecting on the ways they manage their emotions. Additionally, children watch and mimic how the people who raise them express emotions. By learning how to use emotion coaching skills, many parents/carers find that their children talk to them more, desire greater contact with them, and share more of their emotional experiences with them.