It’s natural for caregivers to focus much of their attention on Being With children on the Bottom of the Circle—after all, helping children organize big feelings feels urgent and essential. However, Being With happens all around the Circle. What if we’ve been underestimating the importance of Being With on the Top of the Circle?

Organizing emotions is at the heart of Being With, yet decades of research reveal something equally as powerful: children thrive when caregivers are actively present as they explore. When adults delight in their discoveries, watch over them with confidence, share in their excitement, and step in with just the right amount of help, they ignite learning at its source. Curiosity deepens. Confidence grows. Persistence strengthens. Exploration becomes not just safe—but expansive.

In this 60-minute workshop, we’ll look at video from foundational research and connect it with more recent findings to make a compelling case: Being With on the Top of the Circle doesn’t just support development—it accelerates it. The dividends are remarkable, shaping competence, resilience, and lifelong learning.

Our key phrase: autonomy support—because when we support children’s independence while staying emotionally available, we empower them to thrive.

Live Events

Apr2026 Workshop