I owe my sanity to Hand in Hand parenting! Their tools fundamentally shifted how I interact with and understand my spirited kids, and our relationship is SO much better as a result.
Esta organização me tem ajudado a trabalhar com meus alunos e suas famílias, com os recursos que disponibiliza gratuitamente, isto tem sido um divisor na minha jornada profissional por impactar as famílias e os alunos positivamente.
It is rare to find an organization that truly “walks the talk.” Hand in Hand has been promoting key humane strategies to deepen our connections with each other and ourselves. As an immigrant parent of two children in the U.S., I have faced challenging times in parenting: domestic violence, divorce, parental alienation, and near bankruptcy. With Hand in Hand encouraging me to keep reaching out to my children, seek support from others, and tap into my own creativity, compassion, and critical thinking, I have navigated life’s treacherous events and arrived at a joyful, fulfilling place. Now, I can experience what I once wished for as a child growing up in Asia: connection, unconditional love, firm boundaries, play, and laughter with my now-grown children. It feels like a miracle, yet it’s not. Their tools are simple, universally applicable, and powerful.
I am writing as a professional educator in the field of early childhood education, and my experience stems from my time as a parent with Hand in Hand. The strategies and training I received from Hand in Hand translate well to my work as an educator.
Hand in Hand helped me find my way as a mother, and taught me how to show up for my children in truly profound ways. As a family we have conquered what seemed like unsurmountable challenges, and I don't think we could have done so without the tools, resources and extraordinary support that I have received from Hand in Hand. Being part of this community has also been transformative. I don't think I have ever experienced being so unconditionally received and cherished anywhere else. Every parent deserves this kind of support, and my life has been forever touched, because I received it.
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Hand in Hand taught me how to meet my daughter in her joy, in her pain, in her heart. It forever changed her life, and mine.
Hand in Hand's tools and support have been life changing for me. They have enriched every relationship in my life. The instructors are caring and devoted. I wish every parent, caregiver, teacher, grandparent, and coach could receive training through Hand in Hand.
Beautiful organisation, changing the world one mum and one dad at a time. The listening tools they have in their toolbox are truly unique and their combination a real gift for any parent or professional working with chidlren.
Hand in Hand is transformative. Their Instructors are highly trained, respectful, and incredibly helpful and supportive. The work this org does can change the world.
The Hand in Hand approach has given me not just flexible tools to feel more pleased and confident about how I show up as a parent but the resources to actually show up as that parent more of the time. All the other approaches I encountered had great ideas about what to do but not so much on the how to bring those ideas into real, messy life.
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Hand in Hand Parenting has made a tremendous impact on my family. The Tools are simple but incredibly powerful and the support is amazing and so helpful.
Hand in Hand offers a way for parents to build support around them so that they can continue to care for their children. I had no idea how to build a support network before I came across Hand in Hand and now I am able to ask, receive and offer support in a way that works for my family.
Hand in Hand has an amazing wealth of knowledge and beautiful tools to support parents and educators working to foster close relationships with children as well as steer clear of harshness and punishment. I love their connection-based approach and find the tools to be incredibly effective. I also appreciate that there is now research to support the approach.
In my eyes, Hand in Hand is an organisation that keeps its promises to support parents when parenting gets hard.
I also like Hand in Hand because it's an organisation that is constantly evolving to improve and that challenges itself when necessary.
The principle is simple: for the children to receive the quality of attention, caring and listening they need, the parents themselves need to receive support, caring and listening, the Hand in Hand instructors who support the parents themselves receive caring and supportive listening and so on in a virtuous spiral.
I found Hand in Hand when my first kid was about a year old and I was desperately looking for ways to get her to sleep that didn't involve letting her cry it out.
And Hand in Hand hasn't only helped our family get enough sleep again, it changed my whole life.
One of the things that really set Hand in Hand apart from other parenting approaches is that the organization doesn't only want to help parents with raising their kids but also wants to help parents get the support they themselves need. Parenting is undervalued, underappreciated and sometimes lonely. Parents need support in doing their important work and Hand in Hand helped me build a network of support for myself that has carried me through many tough times. It has helped me heal many old wounds, which had not only improved my relationship with my kids but also every other relationship in my life.
Hand in Hand Parenting is the operating manual we all wish our kids had been born with. Thank you, Hand in Hand!
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Hand in Hand parenting is the best tool I have added to both my professional toolbox as a therapist and my personal toolbox as a parent.
Hand In Hand was exactly what I was looking for 13 years ago and in the time since, I have not seen anything that even remotely measures up to it. The Five Connection Tools have individual benefits and they each make a perfect kind of sense, put them together and there is nothing you can't overcome. What's better is they are not prescriptive and they don't require you to be a "perfect" parent or educator or clinician. They are adaptable to every individual circumstance and the organisation as a whole understands that we are all doing the best we can and that it is hard and messy and we will fall and learn how to get back up over and over again. I just haven't seen anything else that fully understands and supports the struggle. I am forever grateful to Hand In Hand.
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They say there’s no “one-size-fits-all” in parenting but the five Hand In Hand Parenting tools are adaptable and are based on leaning in and deeply understanding individuals, so I would be as bold as to say, they would be effective in most situations. The Hand In Hand Parenting tools have brought empathy, lightness and joy to my parenting but also to how I move in the world at large and they are always there supporting me as I grow!
I'm not a parent but their insights improved my relationships with children. Thank you for the precious work that you do, you're changing the world.
Hello, By writing a review you are helping others learn about this nonprofit. The most useful reviews are detailed and candid.By writing a review you are helping others learn about this nonprofit. The most useful reviews are detailed and candid.By writing a review you are helping others learn about this nonprofit. The most useful reviews are detailed and candid.By writing a review you are helping others learn about this nonprofit. The most useful reviews are detailed and candid.By writing a review you are helping others learn about this nonprofit. The most useful reviews are detailed and candid.By writing a review you are helping others learn about this nonprofit. The most useful reviews are detailed and candid.
By writing a review you are helping others learn about this nonprofit. The most useful reviews are detailed and candid.
Fenbendazole is a frequently used medication that belongs to the benzimidazole group of drugs. This drug works by disrupting the energy production of parasites, making them unable to survive. Such parasitic infections are a tremendous health concern, affecting people and animals all over the world. Common parasites that cause these infections are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.
Parasitic infections may not cause visible symptoms right away, but prolonged exposure can lead to various difficult health issues, such as nutrient deficiency, cravings for certain foods, discomfort and swelling in the stomach, anemia, chronic exhaustion, higher body temperatures, sweat during the night, painful muscles and joints, skin issues such as rosacea, and itching in the anal and vaginal regions.
Fenbendazole has earned a reputation as a potent therapeutic remedy for intestinal parasites. Its ability to tackle many different kinds of parasites causes it to be regularly suggested as a therapy for diverse worm infections, such as strongyloidiasis, trichuriasis, and enterobiasis.
Fenbendazole has a distinct way of functioning as it is directed at a particular protein named beta-tubulin which is present in the narrow tube-like structures found in parasites. Microtubules are vital for a number of cellular processes such as cell duplication and procreation. https://www.fenbendazole.org/fenbendazole-for-human-parasites/
What an amazing organization filled with heart centered people who truly care about parents and their children.
This is the best parenting support group I've ever participated with. Their flagship book was recommended by a friend and then I found the online website and Facebook support group on my own. I cannot recommend this amazing group of parenting thought leaders AND support system more highly.
I will be honest I check from time to time to the emails sent by hand in hand parenting. I find it helpful and always give ideas how to be more creative in my parenting style. Being a teacher and mom, I find more challenging times dealing with my own kids and that's when hand to hands comes in handy! I see it as a great resource that kind of refresh and refurbish our previous knowledge. Thank you!
Hand in Hand parenting has been wonderful for our family, it is great to apply these tools and see our children flourish.
I was searching for ways to connect with my child, and I felt overwhelmed. Hand in Hand, with their 5 simple tools, gave me the information and support I needed in a manageable way. Just from reading their free articles and taking a few low-cost courses, I saw the relationships with my child transofrm. I am grateful to Hand in Hand Parenting for how their tools focus not only on the child, but also on supporting the parent. That's rare and important.
This has been my # 1 source of information, inspiration and support in learning to parent. With like no family support in a darn pandemic. Has helped me immeasurable! The words pale really, they can’t convey the magnitude of gratitude and love for the people sharing this info. Thank you!! Sob face :)
Hand in Hand has helped me become a more confident and capable parent. The adults in our household and outside of our home who frequently spend time with our children use consistent language when supporting our kids with managing emotions and setting limits. We are more peaceful and have less roller coaster weeks with our HiH tools!
Hand in Hand has given me truly miraculous tools for raising my son with love, compassion, and grace. Stay Listening has worked wonders for my son's self expression, not to mention given my husband and I insight into listening to each other. Special Time is just as fun for me as it is for my son and I love seeing his creativity and interests come out in our play. I wish every parent was given "Listen" to use as the owner's manual for children.
When my daughter was about 9 months old she was sleeping very badly. She was breastfeeding and every time she fell asleep and I tried to leave the room she would wake up crying and take ages to settle.
After attending a hand in hand talk that very night I implemented some changes to bedtime and she slept for 4 hours straight. I got my evenings back. Since we've used hand in hand for many other challenges and it always amazes me how effective it is.
The support and insight I have gained through Hand in Hand Parenting is amazing. Taking their Starter Class along with some of their other classes truly changed my family’s life. Thank you!
Growing up I received the standard rewards and punishments style of parenting. When I had my daughter I wanted to do things differently. As she approached preschool I found myself being very permissive then getting angry with her and myself, then big feelings of guilt when I resorted to shouting and lecturing.
Finding Hand in Hand was a breath of fresh air. Finally there were tools I could use to help my daughter and myself!
The science based information and the compassionate support really got me to rethink and understand about development, emotions and gave me the confidence to help guide my daughter through tough times and build our connection.
I dare to think where we would be now with Hand in Hand and the wonderful community I have now.
From one very grateful Mummy!!
I have always struggled with my daughter's big feelings, constant demands and clinginess. I had severe postnatal anxiety which didn't help. By 2.5 she was having such huge meltdowns after daycare that we decided I'd stay home for a year to be with her. I knew I needed additional skills to reconnect with her and stumbled across Hand in Hand. I read Patty's book, Listen, and immediately started using the skills, focusing on Special Time as a way to nurture our relationship whilst reducing screen time. Honestly, it started working straight away. It's been a big year and I'm still implementing the other skills, but they are really helping. Play listening is also paying off on the really hard days when nothing else seems to work.
Wow!
What an education. I knew I needed to do something different the day I lost it with my 2-year-old because they would not get on the train to go to school. I was stressed and overwhelmed with battling them on every little thing day after day, for months on end.
As soon as I found this approach I felt relief. These tools felt calm, and they offered more understanding about why my child was so angry, defiant and unhappy than anything else i'd found. I got ways to warm our relationship, which have increased our connection and led to communication.
Perhaps even better is that now I know what the defiance really means, and what I can do to support my child through those tough moments so that we are not constantly fighting. In fact. this has helped me set boundaries and expectations that serve us well, and helped us build a relationship founded on understanding, trust, and fun!
We actually laugh a lot now the stress and worry is left. We feel deeply connected and I can see and shine a light on my child's particular gifts.
This is night and day from how we used to be. I don't believe I could have ever achieved this without Hand in Hand Parenting. It's become a daily practice I feel warm in my heart knowing my kids will pass on this way of parenting.
I have used hand-in-hand parenting since my son was one 1.5 years old; now he is 8. ONE of ghe most useful toola utilized was "separation anxiety," when I became a divorcee.
My daughter, whom is 5 years old, needed redirecting when it came to biting, i had the confidence and tools on how to get her to stop without using punishment.
Both my children are able to communicate, before there is a melt down, that they want/need special time!!!! Which keeps our relationship strong and close.
The books, though they be but little, they are fierce.
(They hold a wealth of information and tools. Don't underestimate their size. Consequently, the information will also help you look at yourself and your inner struggles.
Since my childhood was pretty traumatic, Hand in Hand - particularly the emotional support of Listening Partnerships and the Parent Club Community - have helped me to heal and be a better parent. I am healing generational trauma.
Hello everyone!
I am a certified Hand in Hand parenting instructor. I have been involved with Hand in Hand since 2016 and have experienced how the genuine act of simply listening to a child can shift the whole dynamic of a relationship.
I am currently being trained by EFTuniverse to become an EFT practitioner and I have a university degree in business administration. My background is in the banking & insurance industry and in the field of education where good communication, problem-solving skills and the ability to handle complaints are required. As a parent though, I was feeling totally inadequate handling my son`s passionate feelings about tiny, little, mundane things throughout the whole day!
My son was two-years-old when I started using the listening tools, and I was a severely sleep-deprived mum, feeling lost parenting through his frequent night waking, unending cries, aggressive and uncooperative behavior. I had an unplanned Cesarean section following 48 hours of active labor, including many hours of pushing. My son was full of feelings of frustration, fear, powerlessness, and loss of control caused by hours of unproductive labor. He was most of the time inconsolable when he cried.
His entrance to our world wasn't smooth, his whole nervous system was alerted for days during the labor and I wasn't available emotionally throughout the entire labor. In fact, I myself was reliving the fears of my own birth experience and feeling totally overwhelmed though I had prepared myself for the whole transition! Thus our journey of healing with listening tools has taken place gradually and in the beginning, it seemed like we didn't make much progress. Having inherited family trauma made it also harder to move forward with the listening tools and thus help my son process the hurt caused by his birth experience.
As a birth traumatized baby he very often showed symptoms of stress, thus would cry a lot, having several long daily crying spells, during which he was utterly inconsolable. The listening tools have helped me to hold space in those situations and listen non-judgementally through countless times even in the middle of the night or in public places when it seemed it could not be possible. I am very much proud of myself that I could help my son break free of all emotional obstacles, inherited family patterns and thus becoming part of the solution or healing process in his life.
After many countless, ongoing, unending, messy, and loud stay listening sessions, painfully long `Setting limit` sessions turning into staylistening sessions, tons of playlistening sessions ( in form of power-reversal games, roughhousing, separation games, regression play, and so forth ) we would see him again falling into the same old behavioral patterns caught up in fear, despair, frustration, and fight-flight response as if his life was in danger..
Till recently he kept initiating games in which he was pretending to be a newborn baby and loved to be held, adored, cherished and told the doctors what to do to regain his power back. This kind of regression play has helped him to process the experience of the interruption during the important bonding time after birth. To my amazement, they have helped me too to renegotiate and transform the break in the bond that occurred after the birth. This play-based approach helped us both to regain a sense of control, reshape/rewrite our birth story, integrating it with our present.
By being present, listening attentively, and setting loving boundaries, I have helped my son sleep through the night after years of sleep deprivation.. By honoring, acknowledging, and listening to his feelings of fear and frustration, I have created a safe space for his stuck emotions to release, thus helping him also to move beyond aggression.
It took me a while to figure out that it mattered enormously to keep the balance between those heavy staylistening sessions and playlistening & special time. He seems to know intuitively how to create a therapeutic play or game for himself to conquer his fears and hurts. And it wasn`t until last year that I learned following his lead, being sensitive to his reactions to protect the delicate balance between feelings of fear and safety while playing.
I am ever grateful to Paty and everyone who has contributed along the way to HIH. I love the generous view of our approach that children are good and that they communicate through their challenging behavior to connect. This simple yet very powerful core belief of HIH alters the facts in our life thus paving the way for the healing process within families. The quality of our interactions, a simple act of listening to our child´s needs, a simple limit set lovingly, waves of laughter we follow while playing are nurturing and thus creating health in the real world every day.
This very positive intention of focusing on connection and holding the generous view of our children's behavior { though very intangible) is a powerful form of „epigenetic medicine“ for challenging and difficult behaviors, creating real tangible changes in our relationships with our significant ones.
Dawson Church , author of The Genie In Your Genes, desrcibes the loving parenting as “epigenetic therapy“ HIH parenting by Connection Approach is a epigenetic therapy, dealing with the real roots of our children's behaviors not with the behavior itself or the symptoms on the
surface.
Warmly,
Ebru
I absolutely love this charity! Hand-in-Hand parenting has turned my family around, my relationship to my boys, the way I can understand and be with myself and other adults... It is one of the most life-supporting and life-affirming approaches I have come across. I wish many many children and parents/carers/educators to have access to the warmth, intelligence and healing simplicity of these generous teachings and warm-hearted community.
My adolescent, special needs boy has come back to me! From being raw-aggressive due to unsupported disabilities, stress in the family and school-demands, we now have regular jokes and games going on, he will come to hug me and lean on me several times a day, and share so many levels of connection. I cannot say in words how much that means to me. And when he is well-resourced, he will use the techniques, games and soothing short sentences I have met him with, with his younger brother - without me prompting. Just because they are firmly in his tool box, and HE CAN.
Truly radical, as in "from the root, - radix", in the gentlest, playfullest, most humane way. Allowing us ALL to come home. THANK YOU!
HiH has changed our lives! It’s hard work being a parent and harder yet with children with special needs (SEN, ADHD). As I’m following several different “techniques” of parenting for different needs, I keep coming back to HiH again and again as it really looks at the core of not just who the children are but also us as parents and the dynamic between us. HiH provides support, nurturing and a community of likeminded people and encourages everyone to grow and mature without the need for expensive therapies.
Hand in Hand has made a difference in the way I parent and the way I live, offering me the chance to develop positive tools for supporting my family and the chance to be part of a community of people who are listening to themselves and to other people with compassion and kindness. This is the kind of organisation that changes the world, one relationship at a time.
It is fantastic to see how the Hand in Hand tools can shift the whole mood of my family when we implement them. It looks as if, with Hand in Hand, I had finally been given the green light to be more fun and more compassionate towards myself and my children. Also, the parents' community is unique and incredibly supportive. Thanks, Hand in Hand!
A program that hands down will change you! The program will help equip you with skills to apply in any relationship you have in your life not just with your kids!
Hand in Hand Parenting changed my family’s life forever. As a parent, I apply the 5 listening tools on a daily basis, in the most difficult moments of parenting. Thanks to Hand in Hand, I am confident in my ability to connect with my child before reacting - and that’s life changing.
This charity made a huge difference in our family life. It offered us the information, support and care that we needed when we needed it the most. I wish their services were available to all families, irrespective of their financial situation.
My life has been so blessed by the wisdom of Hand in Hand Parenting. The podcast is what really drove the tools home for me. The biggest takeaway has been learning not just the tools but the delivery of them. Having the tone of voice modeled has been so helpful. This nonprofit has had the most positive influence on my ability to parent my child and has had a ripple effect on how I treat my partner and myself. They are a wonderful group of people and I will forever be grateful for the work that they do.
Hand in Hand parenting is an invaluable resource supporting parents and families across the globe. Especially now, when parents are faced with more demands and more stress than ever, the tools and supports offered through the Hand and Hand model are like lifelines for parents. The respectful, peaceful approach of Hand in Hand has helped our family immensely. My wish is for this approach to be available to everyone. When we change families, we change the world.
All roads lead to these tools. Has helped me with my children, myself and in my work in the community.
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I am a social worker and parent counsellor in India. I came across hand in hand when I was at a low point and struggling with my children. Hand in hand was like a guiding star in that turbulence. It gave me simple tools which didn't restrict my own parenting but shaped it and refined it. I have since been sharing the tools with people in my community. Advantaged families as well as disadvantaged families. I love the ease with which it adapts into peoples lives and how quickly the children take to special time and stay listening! The support hand in hand extends is invaluable and so much of it is free!
Hand in hand parenting is such an awesome organisation. I am so grateful to them for all that they have done to help me on my own journey of self discovery and inner work, as well as making such a huge difference to the life of my whole family. I have the tools to support my children snd my partner snd myself and we are all so much more connected as a result. Thank you hand in hand! X
Hands down, the best parenting support I found in my early years of learning how to do this momentous, and deeply underrated, job of parenting. The level of support they offer worldwide is extraordinary. I have gone on to be a certified instructor for Hand in Hand because I believe so deeply in the efficacy of their tools.
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OK, so ten years ago I was a totally overwhelmed new mama with two kids, lotsa love, and not so much parenting know-how. Ten years later, I am still a bit overwhelmed - bc let's face it, parenting and working is A LOT. But - I am happy, my kids are happy, we've got lotsa love and tons of skills and our family works well. No joke - this is because of Hand in Hand. They taught me SO MUCH, and helped make so many of my dreams come true. They are SO GENEROUS with their offerings and I have never known anywhere that helped so completely and kindly and generously. I believe in them so much I now even work for them, and couldn't be happier about it.
Hand in Hand Parenting offered me much needed support when parenting was hard. They gave me the skills to be the conscious, repsectful parent I wanted to be. They supported me through some dark days of parenting and I am now stronger and more competent. My children have benefited enormously having a parent who is more resourced and emotionally available to them.
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Hand in Hand has helped parents like me all over the world! I have learned so much - not only about how to be the best parent I can be, but also I have been able to support other parents with the tools I have learned. The Hand in Hand approach is unique and VERY easy for parents to apply. As a bonus, it helps lift some of the guilt and shame that parents can feel, given how society views our role. That in itself is priceless!
Hand in Hand Parenting has contributed useful information to many of my close friends, young parents and to grandparents that I know. When people are struggling with a child not sleeping, or not wanting to sit in a car seat, or being afraid of dogs, Hand in Hand Parenting has an approach for helping people figure out the core of an issues and then come up with ideas about how help with the situation. A great group of teachers offer on line classes, there are many articles on the website and a growing worldwide community of people who share this approach.
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As a Board Member for a number of years, I find myself getting more and more excited about the work Hand in Hand Parenting is doing. We continue to hear stories from our customers about the life changing effects of the Parenting by Connection approach.
Many parents of young children find that they feel more patient after learning our approach, and they can set limits without being angry or upset when their children cry and protest. They calmly hold the limit.
Our Certification classes are growing and the word seems to be spreading to more and more communities around the world.
In addition to being on the board, I also teach classes in Parenting by Connection and Building Emotional Understanding. I am currently providing support to a group of Spanish speaking grandmothers who have custody of their grandchildren, and one of the most valuable aspects of our program for these women is the listening time they receive in a focused, respectful and confidential setting. They feel like someone knows the challenges they face, and they feel more connected to each other because the structure allows each person an equal amount of time and attention.
I can't be more thankful for finding Hand in Hand parenting. I've used these parenting strategies and tools for many years and I'm so glad to have them in my and my families life. My current experience has been to use this work to support my Son with his transition to secondary school. I was so worried about his time and whether I would be able to support my Son as my schooling was a traumatic experience therefore I'm triggered by my child's very normal anxieties and was worried I'd be too overwhelmed to support him. The Hand in Hand Parenting tools gave me something to reach for. I used their tool of listening time over the summer to help myself deal with my feelings and fears for my child. I used and am continuing to use their listening and connection strategies to aid our bond and deal with the stressors of homework, his anxieties and fears about fitting in as he moves into tween and teen years. Hand in Hand parenting gives me strategies to reach for whatever is going on in my family. I now teach these tools to parents as this work feels like the missing information that can help all communities and families the world over.
Hand in Hand Parenting provides top notch support for the very hard and under noticed work of parenting. Hand in Hand parenting has provided me and my family with a level of support that I can’t imagine parenting without. They provide tools and information that have profoundly positive impacts on children and change the trajectory of a family. I am incredibly grateful for Hand in Hand parenting - I don’t know what I would do without their wisdom and support. One example is that at the beginning of the pandemic they immediately started offering free listening time (one of their vital tools) to parents all around the world.
Hand in Hand has a wonderful parent program, that really works in supporting parents to connect to their children. Hand in Hand is unique because it also supports parents and helps parents feel supported and less alone. Furthermore the tools that they teach allow parents to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma and be more present within their relationships with their children. As an organization hand in hand is supportive and warm, with high integrity . A breathe of fresh air and a shining light in a tumultuous world that it seems we live in.
Hand in hand is supporting the people who are doing the toughest and most important job in the world (parents). Their approach is what kids need but what parents have not been taught to give. As a result their work is of crucial importance to the society of tomorrow. And while they could charge a fortune for what they do they decided to operate as a non-profit. Hats off to you HIH patenting!!
I love the tools HiH gives and they make so much sense!
It wasn't until I tried a Listening Partnership that I realised just how crucial and valuable that element is and it has made a massive difference to me being able to stay calm during the chaos. I still lose it sometimes but no where near as often and, overall HiH is helping me be the mum I want to be.
I feel really supported by the HiH community too, especially as I would otherwise feel alone in the way I would like to parent.
I definitely recommend doing a starter class, so supportive and nurturing.
This is an incredible organisation that gives parents practical and emotionally intelligent ways to support their parenting, their child’s emotional health and well-being and tackle difficulties. As a clinical psychologist specialising in child mental health, I became passionate about the prevention of mental health difficulties. And so I was delighted to discover Hand in Hand both as a professional and as a parent myself. The Hand in Hand tools are backed up by well-evidenced theory and research in attachment theory and neuroscience (interpersonal neurobiology) and provide both an overall map and specific practices to build connection with your child, get support for yourself as a parent and to support your child with difficult emotions and behaviour in a way that actually enhances your connection with them and builds their emotional resilience.
The Hand in Hand Parenting tools changed my life and the lives of my family. I can't imagine parenting without them.
Lifesaving. Breathtakingly kind. They completely changed my relationships with my sons and grandchildren. I learned exactly how to connect kindly, even through tantrums. To set limits as a gift, without harshness or disconnection. I share their insights & website every chance I get. Their insights apply to my relationships with other adults as well as with young ones. I shared Patty's article, "Helping Children Deal With Shocking Events" immediately after there was a murder in our neighborhood. I got it to the parents before their kids got home from school on that hard day. Their thinking and clear communication are transformative for parents and children.
Hand in hand has saved my life being sleep deprived with a screaming aggressive child and both of us going through trauma. I spoke to a consultant who thought it birth trauma. I looked up articles to help me deal with it. Managed listening partnerships and have had beautiful times learning to be led in play. It gives me a Benchmark for direction and understanding when I miss it.
When my child was two I realised a lot of the mainstream messaging didn't make sense and I was feeling quite helpless when someone set me down a Peaceful Parenting path and that clicked and learning more about parenting with connection and empathy, I kept finding the same main tools which I eventually realised came from Hand In Hand Parenting. I then dove deeply into Hand In Hand Parenting and their connection-based approach which starts by healing and supporting the parent was so transformational that I had to pay it forward by becoming an instructor myself. There is nothing like this organisation and the heart of their desire to help and support parents globally beats in every move they make!
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I had been exploring all the facets of empathetic child-rearing for a few years when someone put me on to Hand In Hand Parenting’s short course which then led to me doing the Starter Course and I knew I had to be connected to this organisation so I signed up for certification training. Even that is so beautifully based on being supported. That’s what Hand In Hand Parenting is about.
It’s based on a deep and genuine love and concern for what it takes to raise children and an understanding that what we all need is good support. I have been blown away by Hand In Hand Parenting every step of the way since I came across this organisation and I realise now that it’s the base of most of the connected parenting branches out there. There really is an answer for everything and support every step of the way!
Can’t recommend it highly enough!
I first started with Hand in Hand in the late 1980's. It was the thinking about children and parents that resonated with me 100% - and I'm astute when it comes to this topic. I wanted to learn and to reach other parents with this amazing, revolutionary and effective approach. One of the qualities I loved and value and stood it in good stead with me, was the consistency of the approach. For example, there was the insight about the importance of children feeling connected that was consistent with the tools that address off-track behaviour - there was no 'ignoring tantrums' or 'sending a child to their room to 'think about' what you've done'. While setting limits is key in the approach, the Setting Limits tool is about moving towards a child, bringing them in, and bringing ourselves to them as we set the limit. A challenge to be sure - that is addressed by teaching parents how to engage in Listening Partnerships with each other. In these Listening Partnerships (and Support Groups) they can face the emotional challenges of setting limits, of listening to a child who is releasing emotions mightily (eg when 'No' is held) and of the whole host of other issues for parents Not the least of these challenges is the lack of societal support for the work of parenting. Hand in Hand recognises this disrespect for parents right up front and recognises it as the source of parental guilt, exhaustion, isolation and confusion - for a start. As a Certified Instructor of Hand in Hand Parenting, this is the first thing I talk with parents about in a class or a talk. I extend a heartfelt, respectful 'thank you' for their hard work and recognise that they are doing the most important job in the world - one that goes largely unrecognised by the society that counts on them. There are usually tears all round because it counters the internalised blame parents carry for their - imagined - failings. But, parents' struggles are not parents' fault. Society as a whole must address this fundamental issue. This is not a platitude; it's critical to world change; to a better, more human world society.
I am happy and proud to part of the Hand in Hand movement that is here to bring some of the much-need respect and resource to parents and children that they need and deserve.
Ann Hefferan, Adelaide, South Australia
Oh. My. Gosh.
Where do I begin!!!
{I’m gonna start crying just writing this}
To say that Hand In Hand has changed my life and my families life might be the biggest understatement ever. And beyond me, all the families that I have introduced Hand In Hand to through Patty‘s book and website. There is just so much information to be learned around how to be a parent, and Hand In Hand is the one stop shop. Before I was introduced to this parenting approach I had researched pretty much everything else out there, I would take a little bit of each and try to patch them together but I had extremely low confidence in my ability to parent. Reading Patty‘s writings and learning the five tools was the first time that I ever had an integrated parenting approach that made sense on a personal and scientific level. I can’t tell you how relieved i was.
There were many other approaches that I agreed with theoretically but for the life of me I could not seem to implement. Hand In Hand was the first parenting approach that I agreed with ideologically and also pragmatically. They had tools! I am beyond thrilled to promote this organization and all the good it does.
I’m not sure how I found Hand in Hand Parenting but it has been a life changer for me and my kids. I’m so happy with the enormous quantity and extremely high quality of help offered by this organization!
This organisation changed my life. I struggled so much with my son's big feelings, and felt very alone. The Hand in Hand Parenting approach taught me that with support and resourcing it was possible to show up for my children in ways that make a huge difference.
Hand in Hand Parenting changed my parenting for the better and altered the course of my professional life. The ripples of goodness, kindness and intelligence imbedded within this approach flow out into a distressed world in support of parents and families everywhere.
Parents receive direct support for themselves and for hard work of parenting, so they can better attend to challenging moments with their children. Subsequently, children have an expanded capacity to care about how they feel, while also caring about how others feel.
This is what we want isn't it? People who are self aware and who also have compassion for others, the ability to tolerate frustration, and the capacity to listen and contribute to the growth of their community.
As a new and struggling paren 14 years ago, I new that I wanted to parent in ways that were different from my programing, but didn't know what that looked like. Someone at the time, lent me their Hand in Hand pamphlets, and when I read them, they resonated deeply.
The kind, compassionate, respectful and understanding approach and tools have been a standby ever since.
This organization is up to great and meaningful things in the world, helping parents, teachers and families to thrive.
Hand in Hand is a wonderful organization that truly makes a difference for parents. I am a better parent because of them. I truly cannot recommend them highly enough.
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Hand in Hand is simply wonderful at helping parents be better parents and there is little that is more important than that. Better parents raise emotionally healthy children into emotionally healthy adults and that helps all of us! I get frequent inspiration for dealing with my son and other children from reading their email list and their articles. All parents and children can benefit from the wisdom of Hand in Hand Parenting.
Hand in hand is an outstanding organization that has helped thousands of households have healthier and more positive family relationships, myself included. The support it offers to mothers, fathers and caregivers is both a lifeline and life-changing. They run a bare-bones operation so donations truly go to supporting the moms, dads, and families who need it the most.
I started Hand in Hand Parenting with my family 2 years ago. It has changed how I parent, look at my parenting and feel about my parenting. It has given me the insight into supporting each other as parents and has taught me how to seek support and accept support taking me to a better place to be there for the emotions of my children. My children have a safe place to fully release their emotions and move forward lighter and happier and more connected. It has been a game changer for us!
Hand in Hand has changed our lives! with love and non-judgemental open arms, clear teachings, support and community.
I am confident now in my parenting. I am guiding my daughter by her side through life while allowing her a voice, her power and therefore I allow her self esteem to bloom.
I am preparing her for life instead of trying to manage life for her.
I volunteer with love, money and time :) No regrets and much respect.
An excellent evidence-based service that also talks from the heart, helping parents to understand their children’s behaviours, and connect and support them in fun and meaningful ways.
Hand in Hand parenting have offered invaluable advice and guidance that has helped me to understand my children better, empathise with them and respond to them in a more loving and effective way. Their resources are widely available and easy to understand and their passion for building a more loving, just and equitable society by equipping parents who are raising the next generation is admirable.
I have followed this page for a long time . The helpful articles and quotes are reassuring to my parenting style . I recently attended a workshop which was brilliant . Thank you.
I refer to HiH parenting articles again and again when dealing with all kinds of challenges with my own children, as well as the little ones I used to nanny. It was amazing to see positive results emerge right before my eyes when I applied the HiH techniques! I am so grateful for the resources they provide to parents and caregivers for low prices or free of charge, being accessible for all who need help. Such a valuable organization!
Hand in Hand is incredibly valuable to parents from around the world. Their 5 listening tools can be used to effectively support the emotional needs of children, improve all family relationships and to gain support for parents in a global community of peer support. Incredible and unique.
Hand in Hand Parenting has been with me through every step of my parenting journey. From the daily challenges of parenting like tantrums, picky eating, and night waking to the challenges of coping with trauma and divorce, Hand in Hand Parenting has given me the tools to help my family thrive.
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I can't imagine my life without the Hand in Hand Parenting listening tools! My oldest is almost a teenager now and the tools I learned when she was a toddler are still applicable today. Hand in Hand has shown me how to turn the hard moments of parenting into relationship-strengthening moments that build trust and gain cooperation. They have taught me how to appreciate my work as a parent, and how to build more support for myself and my family. Thank you Hand in Hand!
I live in a remote island at the north of Scotland. We have three children and discovered Hand in Hand parenting after reading numerous parenting books and exploring online parenting courses. Options for support with parenting are limited if you are geographically isolated and I am so grateful I discovered Hand in Hand Parenting.
The organisation provides an enormous resource of materials and practical support. I am a registered therapist in the UK and took part in the "Professional's Intensive" course in 2018 which has had a hugely beneficial impact on my work with families. I have since joined the instructor certification course and hope to become certified later this year. The sheer depth of the work that Hand in Hand Parenting does is hard to put into words. I have yet to find a set of resources and support network which rivals Hand in Hand in terms of being trauma informed, aligned with research (but presented in an accessible way) and which truly empowers parents in a practical, non judgemental and transformative way.
Hand in Hand has the most transformative and effective tools out there (I explored a LOT of approaches) to help with an incredibly wide range of parenting challenges- from outright trauma, to consistently not getting out of the door on time in the mornings without fights, to name-calling and "talking back". I've dealt with all these issues and many more with the five tools- they're simple but profound and nuanced depending on the situation. The instructors are very warm and caring and embody the premise of this organisation: that kids and parents are good, even when behavior is off-track. I have found this to be healing and life-changing! I highly recommend this organisation to every parent I meet.
The depth of integrity of this organization is amazing and I can honestly say I wouldn’t be half the connected, loving, confident parent I have become without the tools, literature and programming they provide.
So beneficial in helping my family to grow together, connect and to embrace our emotions together rather than push them away.
Hand in Hand Parenting provided tools and support to help my family heal from a huge loss we experienced. Their passion for encouraging parents and acknowledging the emotional side of our experience is invaluable! I’ve found so much more joy in my experience as a parent with these good tools. We play more, we connect better, and we bounce back faster from the sticky parts of life!
Hand in Hand has been a complete game changer for us. The tools they teach are simple and yet so so effective. I love how this approach deeply respects parents as the experts in their families but provides the info and support they need to thrive and bring so much more fun into family life.
Hand in hand is by far my number one “go to” for parenting advice/support. If every parent had to take a course through hand in hand, our world would be completely transformed.
Since I started following Hand in Hand, I am way more aware of my children's needs and mine too. Being aware of them is the first step. This helps you with being compassionate towards yourself and others. HiH has helped me in many ways, it's helping me to be a better parent and a better human being. The best thing is there's no punishment for the child or the parent and no judgement towards them either; there's only love and understanding.
Hand in Hand parenting is a vital resource for parents. It’s totally reshaped my view of behavior (and misbehavior).
I am so grateful for the work Hand in Hand parenting does. Parenting is hard work and imortant work and Hand in Hand has given me tools and support to be the postive parent I want to be. They are strengthening and guiding parents which in turn will bless generations. Thank you Hand in Hand for all you do!
I was a struggling adoptive mum when I first came across Hand in Hand Parenting. I was aiming to be a therapeutic parent and falling short, triggered by my daughter’s big emotions. Hand in Hand not only provided me with practical tools that made sense for a child with separation trauma, they gave me support like no other parenting program had and they’ve been there for me ever since. I don’t know where I’d be on my parenting journey without a Hand in Hand. I am also in private practice as a therapist and parent coach where I share the tools daily with my clients and hear how they too are seeing the difference Listening and Connection makes.
I found parenthood full of many joyful moments. Also there are many overwhelmingly dark times. Hand in hand has had a dramatic effect on my family life. It had helped me find support and I've developed a sense of compassion I never had before, especially for myself.
The daily challenges of parenting feel less daunting now I'm armed with the wealth of information and tools that hand in hand offer.
I feel a deeper connection with my daughter and I'm hopeful for our future relationship.
I found Hand in Hand when I was a desperate, isolated new mum. It provided me with support while teaching me to build my own support systems and tools which enabled me to bond with my baby and then adapt to each new stage he has reached. I have used those tools every day over the last two years and it has made our family connected and thriving. Others around me commented on the transformation and many of them started to seek support from Hand in Hand and have seen similar benefits in their own lives. I am so grateful to all those involved in developing these ideas and providing this invaluable support to families.
I don't know where I'd be without Hand in Hand Parenting - they've given me and my family so much, we were so stuck with really challenging behaviours in our family before we found Hand in Hand, we knew the theory about how we wanted to be with our kids but we just couldn't seem to put it into practice! Hand in Hand offers workable practical tools, and awesome support for all parents, no matter where they're at on their journey - I'm just so grateful to have Hand in Hand in our lives now.
It is no exaggeration to say that Hand in Hand Parenting has changed my life both personally and professionally. As a therapist who often works with parents, and children, I knew a lot about how to deal with challenging situations in families. Except sometimes when it came to my own! I came across Hand in Hand about five years ago, and it really provided the resources and support that I needed to get through some tough spots in my own parenting, and in turn, deepened my clinical work. And I'm now a Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor Candidate myself (and my husband is in the instructor training program!). The people at Hand in Hand have been easy and a joy to work with, whether in training, consulting, or regarding logistics/administrative details. They have truly built something special.
I cannot adequately express the profound impact Hand in Hand has had on me, my parenting, and my son. I felt lost and lonely, and like I was losing control of myself, then I found HiH. They showed me I was not alone; they gave me tools to parent in a way that feels good in my heart; they encouraged me to keep striving and to forgive my mistakes; and they helped me find joy in parenting again, and a much deeper connection with my son. Hand in Hand are invaluable to parents, schools, and communities, and daily I am so grateful for the incredible work they do to support us.
Hand in Hand has Hands Down change my life (no pun intended)!! They help families and anyone who works with children in real applicable and effective ways. Amazing place run by amazing people!!
The instructors and the founder are the most amazing kindhearted people. I had postpartum depression and was worried I couldn’t parent my kids the way I wanted to but the support I received turned it all around. I dread to think what it could have been like without these wonderful people helping me.
This organization shaped the amazing relationship I have with my eldest daughter, who is now well into adulthood! I had the support of the amazing resources Hand in Hand put into my hands starting when she was an infant, and I am forever grateful. I am now parenting young twins, and I am once again feeling so lucky to have the tools and relationships that I've discovered through Hand in Hand. Since the birth of my twins, my family has been through several traumatic events and we are working folks on a really low budget, yet we find invaluable information in free podcasts and articles, and amazing support through the Parent CLub, which includes very regular support from their instructors through facebook live Q and As, live weekly calls, and daily access to instructors through facebook. I would highly recommend checking out their online video classes which have hours of rich material for a relatively affordable price. (Sibling Rivalry has over 4 hours of video content and is currently $39- though it is sometimes sale priced at $5!!! As a mom of twins where it is all sibling all the time, I cannot recommend this course highly enough!) If you struggle with an issues as a parent, or love being a parent, this organization offers a chance to resolve challenges and amplify your joys. If you want to change the lives of families for real and have a good impact in the world, contribute to Hand in Hand!
It has turned around the life of my family and made an incomparable difference for my children, the next generation. Very grateful to Hand in Hand Parenting.
They have useful and science-based information to raise kids in a positive manner. It has really shaped my parenting style as a first time mom!
This program gave me the tools to meet my children's emotional needs & challenges, helped me heal & grow in so many ways and showed me how to build up my own support system so I wasn't trying to figure out everything alone. Every parent needs this type of guidance & support.
Hand in Hand parenting stretches across the world to Australia and has permanently improved conditions in family life for many hundreds of families here. It’s a lifesaver - for my family, grandchildren and also through my workplace.
Hand in hand was introduced to me by my mum. I swear by the techniques from hand and hand has helped me build a stronger connection with my twin girls.
I found Hand in Hand Parenting when my son was born, and my daughter was two years old. I was struggling to be the parent I'd hoped to be, and was getting triggered and losing it with sleep deprivation, lack of family support and unrealistic expectations on myself. I didn't like the parent or person I was becoming and it was a shock. I met a mom in a local playground who told me about Hand in Hand Parenting. I was too stressed at the time to make the regular Support group she was a part of, but I did become a regular 'Listening Partner' with this Mom and it turned my life around for the better, and continues to. I went on to learn all 5 of the Hand in Hand Listening tools, starting using them daily in my family, and went on to do their year-long parent training programme, it transformed the hardest times and made them times of hope, laughter, love and connection. The tools I have learnt at Hand in Hand have made an intergenerational intervention in family patterns that needed some changing. You can't ask for more than that from an organisation! Changing the future and as they say, 'changing the world, one parent at a time'. They deserve the highest accolades for the work they do on a shoe-string budget.
It has been instrumental in helping me find meaningful ways to connect with my very intense children.
Hand in Hand has really supported me during my son's preTeen and Teen years. I found Hand in Hand when my son was 5 - 10 years ago. My consultation with Patty Wipfler, the founder, changed our bedtime, my relationship with my son and our lives. Puberty hit my son hard and he really started to struggle. Hand in Hand's support helped me to continue to see my son as good and to keep reaching for him during some hard times. Our relationship is stronger today than it ever was because of Hand in Hand.
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I was trying my best to be a 'compassionate' parent when my son was little, but I felt like I didn't know what to do in the moment. Then I discovered Hand in Hand Parenting and the 5 Listening Tools, which changed my relationship with my adopted son and our lives. Here was an approach that taught me how to get support for myself so that I could support my son and deepen our connection. I have since become a Certified Instructor and am continually amazed by the amount of resources Hand in Hand offers to parents for FREE and the commitment Hand in Hand has to reach under served communities all around the globe. It may seem idealistic, but I truly believe that if every parent had access to the kind of support that Hand in Hand provides, we could raise a world full of peacemakers.
This parenting method has changed my life! My baby is growing up beautifully and is able to express himself in a healthy way. I have learned to really listen to him (and everyone else) and not feel like I have to fix everything.
Accessed primarily via its Facebook presence, I’ve found the posts and podcasts invaluable support & reassurance in what can be a really difficult role as an adoptive mum. Sharing them is also a great way to raise awareness of connection based approaches parenting or working with kids. Great work!
I am forever grateful for the support I found when I discovered Hand in Hand Parenting 10 or so years ago. I recommend this resource to every parent I meet! My family has stayed connected through great as well as troubling times because we have the listening tools gained through Hand in Hand. Our foundation is solid, from our practice of listening, even when life is too stressful to structure our connection plan into our lives. When the dust settles we return to it again and again. I have had a trusted group of Moms that created our own "Parent 911" which has served us through the years. We have held space for each other in celebration, grief, searching and confusion all while marveling at each of our own abilities to discover our own healing, solutions and resilience. Thank you Hand in Hand Parenting for validating my trust in The Process and trust in the people!!! With. So. Much. Love.
-Momster Poopins ;)
This is a wonderful resource for families and has provided so many tools that have made a positive impact in our family already. Highly recommend!
So very helpful and insightful about children rearing. So much love and inspiration. They do so much good for mothers, children and families.
A wonderful support for parents & children. Really compassionate people that want to make a good change in the world. Really changed my approach to parenting & myself as a parent
Hand In Hand Parenting has literally changed my life and saved my parenting.
Thanks to these amazing practical and brilliant tools I get to be the Mum I want to be,
I get the support to let go of tension and stress so that I can connect and be playful and loving with my daughter as well as help her with any challenges she has in order for her to be free and happy and enjoy her life.
I can't rate them highly enough.
They have huge integrity, kindness and compassion to help families all over the world no matter what their circumstances are.
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Hand and hand parenting has changed my life. Not only has it helped me be the parent I want to be, it has helped me find my passion to make a difference to all children and families everywhere through this listening and connecting approach. It is by far the most powerful, practical and effective approach to parenting I have found.
I've been following hih parenting for about 9 months and the tools and support have changed my life.
I'm a different parent - much calmer, more playful and more loving. I'm more self aware and able to recognise and address my triggers too.
The support from the instructors as well as other parents is invaluable and I can't imagine being without it all now.
This has helped me immensely to be less aggressive and harmful in my parenting practices. So valuable it’s priceless.
This non-profit does amazing work supporting parents. I have learned so much from their programs and I’m sharing that info with all of my friends. Parenting is not easy. The information they share has changed my family for the better. I highly recommend working with this organization.
I was lost raising my kids until I found Hand in Hand Parenting! I "knew" what parent I wanted to be, and I just couldn't get there. Hand in Hand's empathetic approach was the missing link because it isn't just quick tips and hacks, rather it is an immersive approach that felt as caring and as helpful for my needs as a parent, as it is for my children. It made me see how I was parented affects the way I parent (and how to learn new ways if I want to), and how to understand children's emotions and what they go through in their toughest moments, that allowed me to respond in a nurturing way. I learned that I could listen to my child's feelings while setting limits. That I felt less manipulated and more in control. And that I felt supported every step of the way.
And then I discovered that the non-profit works with families from all walks of life, that its approach is effective and nurturing with families living in tough and extreme conditions. That is funds programs in Indian Slums and American jails. That instructors teaching the approach are not just parents, but counselors, doctors, and therapists working with kids after trauma. The work that Hand in Hand's founder, Patty Wipfler, has evolved over the last few decades is so inspirational.
With one child waking every two hours... at over 18 months old, and another on the way, I HAD to change something. Hand In Hand parenting taught me the value of listening to my child through all of her experiences: crying, tantrums, laughter and joy...
HiH brought laughter into my parenting when rage had been all too normal. The HiH instructors have "stood beside" me, inspired me, cheered me on and lifted me up. They are changing my parenting perspective, helping me heal my own hurts, and become the parent I want to be: firm and aproachable.
Excellent source of free parenting guides and articles. I reference their work frequently to learn more about child development and how better to raise happy and healthy children. They've put together a great online collection of knowledge and experience for parents everywhere.
Hand in hand parenting changed my life. I felt a shift within me, in my son, in my husband- our whole family dynamic. We laugh more. We play more. I finally love being a mom. I have a support system, a tribe from all over the world. I found more than a book, a podcast, and articles on the internet...I found myself as a mother. I am parenting children who will change the world. I couldn’t be happier. Whether I’m over the moon with joy, sobbing, or fuming about common issues in parenthood, the Hand in Hand community is there for me 100%. It gives me such great hope for the future.
Just listened to a talk from them, it changed my relationship and feelings with my childs on just a week completly. Thanks to hand in hand parenting.
I have been learning from Hand in Hand for many years. I use their ideas and materials regularly as a school social worker.
Hand in Hand has helped me so much with my parenting and all my relationships. Such an amazing and caring organization. So many free and inexpensive resources for anyone who wants help to improve their relationship with their child.
Doing amazing work supporting parents to raise the next generation with better emotional health and making for a better world
I moved to a new town with a toddler and a newborn, and my parenting took a nosedive. I first learned about Hand in Hand Parenting from their free online articles about sibling rivalry and sleep, which was very helpful. Then, as the sibling rivalry increased, I signed up for a class, and it honestly made me feel like there was light at the end of the tunnel. I wasn't doomed to fail as a parent, and my kids were not irredeemably aggressive-- I was just lacking some concrete tools. Instead of "don't do this, don't do that" it was "try this out and see what happens!" and "I see how hard you're working." My family life has its ups and downs, but I feel equipped now to handle the downs, and I make sure to enjoy the good times.
I can’t say enough good things about Hand in Hand Parenting. The tools I have learned through Hand in Hand have drastically strengthened my connection with my children and have given me so much of the support I need to treat my children with kindness and love, even during challenging times. I am forever grateful for Hand in Hand.
Hand in Hand parenting has been a life changer in the parenting game. Not only for me but to the many people who I've shared its resources with. It's a vital part of my support system as a parent.
Hand in Hand has literally changed my family’s life! My kids are happier, they are doing amazingly well in school and activities, we laugh so much more, we have tons of fun and I get way less frustrated (and yell way less) than I did a year ago. Learning and using the tools is an ongoing process and the help that the book “Listen,” the courses, the parent club and the starter class (that I recently just started) have offered have been invaluable. Parenting is hard, isolating and lonely in this world and HiH is a community that is helping parents raise their kids using tools of connection and love. Before I found HiH, I remember wanting something exactly like this so badly - a way to become a better parent; the parent I wanted to be (calm, understanding, loving, connected, full of grace), rather than the parent I was, which was too often angry, frustrated and at the end of my wits. HiH not only gives tools to help parent, but it also helps parents deal with their own triggers and past hurts through Listening Time and THAT is changing lives: both the parents and the children. It is a lifeline! The world will be a better place for every family HiH reaches. I know that Is true for our family and I am so incredibly grateful that we have found HiH!
Hand in Hand Parenting is different than any other parenting organization I’ve been exposed to. They provide warm, nonjudgmental, actually practical advice and support that applies to any situation, and clearly are interested in reaching all parents.
Hand in Hand has connected me to a community, which has been what has truly helped me not feel alone and actually become closer to the parent I want to be.
Hand in Hand Parenting has saved me in parenting in so many ways. From understanding the science of what is happening in my little kiddo's growing brain and body, to permission to be on his side at all times, and real tools to help him and me with all of his emotions (and my emotions too!). I've had a 'velcro baby', who has had a lot of separation fear, and we have been working through it, steadily and with compassion, and making huge progress! It is an absolute joy to see him freeing from those deep fears, and to develop our bond through the process.
My heart was lost and looking; looking for a way to treat children kindly and respectfully, but nowhere around me did I see what I was searching for, until I found Hand in Hand. Hand in Hand offers tools to be there for the little ones of the world, no matter what they do or feel or how they behave. It is truly unconditional love.
And as such, I have also learned about the goodness and potential of grown ups, from whom I lived in avoidance and fear.
And not least, it has helped me to love myself more fully, get in touch with my heart and my sensibility.
Hand in Hand changes the world one family at a time; it changed me, and now I go out into the world to do my part.
Hand in Hand is a light in our way, but more than that, it allows us to see the light in us and in others; that is why it is changing the world.
Thank you.
Hand in Hand has given me the support I need to be a better parent and person. Through Listening Partnerships, I am able to be heard and work through tough issues. Before LPs, I was constantly disappointed with the people in my life because I was not quite getting what I needed and I was feeling resentful. My LPs and the group's support fill that need for me. I am very thankful for this group!
I am grateful for getting to know you,it's life-changing . For the first time in my life I feel very close to my family (both husband and daughter) and it's all thanks to you!
I joined Hand in Hand when my middle child was about 1 yo and crying every night for ours. I was exhausted and felt lost because I didn't know the reason this was happening. My response was harsh and unloving and I didn't like that about myself. I was set up to be a great mom, but I just lost my way. Hand in Hand helped me rediscover the goodness in me and my children, offered me spot on tools to deal with everyday challenges both with children and adults, and made me feel like part of a tribe that always has my back. Thank you for making your knowledge known to the world!
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The simple yet effective parenting tools I've learned from Hand in Hand have improved my life and my relationship with my children. The support I receive daily makes all the difference in the way I deal with daily challenges. I benefited from a Scholarship from Hand in Hand to learn their parenting approach and for that I am most gratefull.
I joined the Hand in Hand Parenting Membership and Support page about one year ago at a time when I was feeling so stressed and overwhelmed as a parent and was not happy with the way this was affecting my responses to my kiddos. It has been life-changing and absolutely the very best decision I have made as a parent! The methods they teach feel so right and don't feel like more things to do and work on, but rather offer me so much support and encouragement. Their instructors are so incredibly on-point and generous with their time and expertise, and this is an organization that is making a huge difference in the world for good!! Thank you, Hand in Hand!
I'm a Clinical Psychologist in private practice and the set of tools offered by Hand in Hand has helped so many of my clients who are parenting children with adverse early experiences or developmental challenges, and it has been especially helpful for families struggling with sleep issues.
Hand in Hand has changed my relationship to my child but also to ALL people and myself. I absolutely love this organization. It is a great blessing in my life.
Hand In Hand Parenting truly changes and heals families. This organization was a godsend to our family five years ago. I don't know in what state our relationships would be if we hadn't been introduced to its approach and tools. But today, we (my husband, two daughters and I) have a connected, happy and relaxed relationship. I credit it to all the wonderful resources of the organization. We took the in-person 6 week Parenting Starter Class, we pored over our copies of the pamphlets and referred to them in times of particular need, I am an active member of the online Yahoo! Groups discussion board, and regularly search the article archives on their excellent HandinHandParenting.org website for answers to online situations. Now that Patty has published, "Listen", I can keep this treasure of a book handy at all times, too!
Hand in Hand transformed our whole family! I knew I wanted to be a gentle parent but I had no idea how to set limits and I had the confused idea that I was failing as a mom if my child cried. I was straying into permissive parenting and bedtime was stretching on to what seemed like unending torment. I was desperate. I reached out to HiH and the response was like a lifeline. Now we use the tools daily and the whole family is so much happier.
Hand in Hand has positively impacted my experience as a mother and my parenting of my son. I deeply believe in their philosophy and methods, and would love to see every child receive the level of care and respect that Hand in Hand promotes.
Thank you Patty and everyone involved for all that you do - we are making this a better world by treating our children differently and changing unconscious and unsupportive parenting patterns!
Hand in Hand has deeply changed my understanding of my role as a mother. It has taught me how healthy relationships and emotions look like. It has increased my ability to heal myself and become a healing presence for other people. I really cherish this organisation and I'm most grateful for its existence. I'm honoured to be part of it.
I found out about Hand in Hand Parenting when my daughter was a baby. I was confused about why she wasn't sleeping, and hadn't found a solution that made sense to me. Then I discovered Hand in Hand, and their approach of listening to the emotions behind our children's behaviour. Within a few weeks my daughter was sleeping well, and we were feeling more deeply connected than ever before.
I was amazed by the Hand in Hand Parenting approach and how simply by learning to listen deeply and connect with our children they can be their natural, co-operative selves, no punishment or reward needed! I really appreciated the wealth of information that is given away for free in articles and podcasts so that money doesn't need to be a barrier to getting this important information about how our emotions work. And when I did want to start training with them and doing courses they were so fairly priced that I was able to.
Hand in Hand Parenting has been a wonderfully supportive resource for our family. I can't thank them enough for the change this way of parenting has brought to our family.
I am grateful every day to have found this approach. It has transformed my family. The work they do in the world, in disadvantaged communities and with families in need is invaluable.
Hand in Hand Parenting has been my life line as a parent and has dramatically changed my family for the better. I really don't know where I'd be with out their support. I use and think about what I learned from the classes EVERYDAY. I truly think that what they teach has the power to transform not just families but the world. Our world needs kindness and connection and our brining more of both to our own families is the best place to start. I can't thank Hand in Hand enough.
I can't say enough good things about Hand in Hand Parenting. I have had an incredible experience as a parent served by this organization and am so impressed by the integrity and respect of every person I have encountered at Hand in Hand. And I can honestly say that the tools this organization offers have changed my life as a parent.
As a Social Worker, MSW, in an outpatient mental health clinic, I find this one of the better models of attachment therapy. Although no parenting approach will works 100% all the time, I find these strategies work with a child/teens emotions and connection to the parent,not just behaviour, and therefore; change can require more of a time investment, but will be long lasting.
Its founder (and those working for the organization), have done a tremendous job (over 40 years) making this approach accessible to all. Many of the free articles, videos and online support make this available to everyone. It's interesting to see many people from different places (UK, Romania, Canada) find value in the HIH approach.
This organization has helped many thousands of families create the kind of connection that we all long for. It does this with practical tools and tons of parenting support in our crazy world where the vital work of parenting is relegated to the role of "hobby." This is the parenting resource I recommend to all who are interested in developing their parenting skills and navigating the difficult terrain that all parents face.
I am a Clinical Psychologist and I work with families of young children (birth to 6 years) and Hand in Hand is my go-to resource for parenting support. The resources are accessible and affordable, and the tools are concrete, efficient and effective. The support I got for myself completely transformed my experience of being a parent!
This approach is brilliant and heartful. Hand-in-Hand, also known as "Parenting in Connection," teaches clear skills and tools, yet it is grounded in neuroscience, child development and relational theory. I know it has helped me so much, and I hear the same from other parents consistently.
Hand and hand is an invaluable parenting support. I use the tools regularly and love the community and resources.
The parenting tools offered by Hand in Hand are indispensable. They have changed my life for the better. I recommend this non-profit to every parent I know!
My go-to site when referrring clients seeking parenting advice. Thoughtful, respectful, compassionate, effective, and eminently sensible ideas and people.
These wonderful people have supported us in parenting a very challenging child who came to us from foster care.
Wonderful resource of information and courses on how to connect with your child in a respectful and loving way. Great active community - the yahoo group has been a wonderful source of support for me. The world is a better place with it!
It's been one of my most reliable resources when my family has had our most trying times. Hand in hand is an invaluable resource to child caretakers
This information was the missing link for me that I didn't even realise was missing!! I've worked with children & families FOREVER & thought when I became a parent that my experience would be similair to my professional experiences.
Boy was I wrong !!!!!
It was so much more complex and emotional. Hand in hand gave me insight into the WHY this was happening and then tools to help me move forward!!!
And so importantly the ongoing support
Life changing! A fresh approach towards building connection between adult and child, far extending the dynamics of parenting. My family has greatly benefited of the valuable tools learned, and my confidence as a parent increased exponentially. Professionally, I have been able to serve families and supported them as they rekindle their true nature with their children. Just amazing!
Hand in Hand has provided consistent, loving guidance to our family for the past few years. Both the behaviorist and never-let-your-child-cry models are inconsistent with our parenting values. Finding an approach that honored our children's need to express their feelings with a loving adult to listen deeply in a variety of ways was just what we needed. We have taken online courses, had in person and Skype consultations, use the parents forum, read numerous articles, listened to podcasts, found listening partners, and have otherwise utilized many of the resources HandinHand offers. We wish all educators and families had access to this wonderful approach to supporting our children!
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Hand in Hand parenting has saved my life! It has changed everything in my life; my personal relationships with my family, friends and child, and myself. Every day I am thankful that I've had the luck to find Patty Wipfler's work, and the wonderful people who work for Hand in Hand parenting.
I encountered Hand in Hand in a moment when I didn't know any more what to do in the relationship with my son. I took a class and my life started changing. I could understand my boys needs and emotional moments. I am deeply grateful for the loving way and support they provide for parents and their children.
WOW! I am not even sure where to start in expressing my gratitude and love of Hand in Hand Parenting. Before I became a parent I read all the books, took countless classes, even went into a field that would allow me to get loads of training on how children grow and learn. I thought I was all set. And then I became a parent... there was so much I didn't/ couldn't plan for. So many things that were outside of the box of what I thought parenting was going to look and feel like. Hand in Hand not only took my child and his individual self into consideration, but me, as well. All the feelings becoming a parent brought up had no where to go until I found Hand in Hand. We would NOT be the connected and loving family that we are without HiH. I am also a parent educator. Some of the clients I work with have had long histories of abuse and drug addiction. Many have lost custody of their children because they couldn't figure out another way to parent other than the ways that had been passed down in their families for generations. THIS approach works for them in ways that no other has been able to. They feel heard, cared about. These tools allow them to HEAL themselves and that trickles down to their children, literally breaking the cycle before my eyes. It is nothing short of awe inspiring. Truly revolutionary!
I'm a mama to 3 boys. I was raised in a harsh authoritarian way and I don't want to replicate this. Hand in hand parenting gives invaluable advice and support to folk like me who don't have the knowledge to parent lovingly and gently, as it wasn't our experience. It gives reminders to be attached and loving even when we feel like screaming - or worse - at children, reminding us gently and firmly that its often our own stuff thats getting in the way of attachment. lots of great articles and posts on facebook too.
I was first introduced to Hand in Hand though my mother who is a board member. She had been touting their great work for years, but like every kid who wants to be the complete opposite of her mother, I ignored her praises. Finally, a flip switched and I hopped on board, and am I glad I did!
The Hand in Hand office is full of love, compassion and joy. Everyone here works as a wonderful and complimentary (and complementary) team, and is quick to help one another out. I think we're lucky that our specialty is communication, because it allows the team to communicate in a really seamless way. Which makes working here such a joy!
Hand in Hand has helped me build a stronger, healthier, closer relationship with my children. Through good times and bad, I have the tools to connect and support my children and other parents. They teach the only parenting method I've run across that helps really connect with children as the unique individuals they are rather than being sidetracked with classifying their behavior or using carrot/stick approaches that don't really work and just sublimate issues and problems.
Hand In Hand Parenting offers a wonderful set of parenting tools that break away from the traditional methods in which I was raised (blame, shame, guilt, non-connection). Instead, it offers parents a way in which to connect whole-heartedly with their children through a child's best and not-so-best times. Hand in Hand Parenting helps parents to truly understand that when children act out/misbehave/don't listen/etc. it's because of a loss of connection....a need of the child that is not being met. It is our duty as a parent to maintain, re-establish and foster those connections. Hand in Hand Parenting has made me a better parent that sees my children for who they are.
My family is so much happier and more relaxed because of Hand in Hand. The tools they offer to help build close connections between parents and children really work. I am so grateful for their work and can't imagine how I'd be coping as a mum without them!
Hand In Hand supports parents and children. They offer information and support that make you feel connected. My relationship with my children is amazing and partially because of what I have learned through Hand In Hand. I am thankful for finding them.
I discovered Hand in Hand Parenting about 20 years ago when my youngest child was 6. My children date my parenting by pre and post contact with this organization! I learned how to set limits while being kind. and i learned the importance of allowing my children emotional release.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in child and family mental health and I am also a mom of two young girls (4&7). I was introduced to Hand in Hand (HiH) by another professional and friend two years ago and I can easily say it has been a hugely important part of my parenting and clinical work since then. HiH and the Parenting by Connection (PBC) philosphy speaks to the kind of parent I strive to be: loving, patient, playful, emotionally connected and regulated! I started out reading the wonderful articles on the website and the great newletter and was able to begin putting the PBC tools into practice. Next I attended a 6 week Building Emotional Understanding course and was totally hooked. Subsequently, I joined their HiH Instructor Certification program and spent the last year learning in depth about PBC and HiH. I want everyone to know about and be able to use Parenting by Connection because I believe it works, it is in line with current brain research, and it supports the family in a way that is strength based. It has helped me be a better parent because I know how to get support for myself, I am able to tolerate and even welcome my children's upsets as a healthy part of their emotional expression, I am more effective at setting limits, and I have learned how to play and have FUN with my girls!
A day that passes without me using Hand in Hand as a resource, is typically not a very good day. As parenting challenges change from moment to moment, hand in hand is right there to solve every issue I come face to face with. With three children under the age of 4, those challenges are aplenty. But I've never felt more equipped then since I found hand in hand. Not only that, but their methods give me confidence that I will spare my children some of the cripples that I carry from my own upbringing.
Hand In Hand Parenting (was Parents Leadership Institute) has been one of the most profound influences on my family and my career. I received the set of booklets as a baby shower gift - the best thing I ever received. The booklets describe a shift in thinking about children's behavior, especially crying and tantruming. Crying is a perfectly natural and 100% effective way a child can shed fears and heal insecurities - if they are listened to and accepted warmly and not rejected, shushed, or treated harshly for it. My daughters were just 8 months old when my husband and I went to a Play Morning with them. We were coached and supported through listening to the babies cry, while reassuring them they were safe and loved. It was tough! We are not the "cry it out" kind of parents! The difference is that the girls were supported through the shedding of their fears and emerged afterwards as very happy girls. Over the past six years, we have continued to implement the Hand In Hand tools (Staylistening, Playlistening, Setting Limits [this is NOT permissive parenting!], and Special Time. Our daughters are very expressive, able to work with their emotions rather than suppressing them, and genuinely happy people. I've changed careers to become an elementary school teacher. I look forward to using the respectful and empowering tools I've learned from Hand in Hand in my classroom this fall.