Reflection Garden©: A co-regulation program
Born from a need for equitable and timely access to services for children with regulation concerns in Manitoba, the Reflection Garden was created to develop strategies and an understanding around regulation.
Created with a neuro-affirming, culturally safer and strengths-based lens, the program focuses on education, empowerment, and relationship development of facilitators with caregivers, between caregivers, and caregivers and their children.
Overview
The Reflection Garden was funded through the Children’s Therapy Network of Manitoba in partnership with the Rehabilitation Center for Children with the intention of developing a regulation program for preschool and school aged children.
Throughout the Reflection Garden we use the metaphor of a garden to explain co-regulation concepts with a goal of growing a Garden that respects the uniqueness of each child (person) and that flourishes in its own environment. The purpose of using a model, like a garden, is to use a common or relatable analogy (or comparison) to gain a greater understanding of our children and ourselves.
We all have different types of Gardens, we all think in different ways, each one of us is unique and that is not only okay, but it is beautiful! Appreciating and honoring this diversity helps create an environment where all people feel valued and accepted.
An animated introduction to the Reflection Garden is available at I am like a Garden (English) and Je suis comme un Jardin (français).
What is regulation? Co-regulation?
Regulation is when your level of energy allows you to complete a task you want or need to do, in a way that works best for you. It involves using strategies to maintain or change your energy level so that you can adapt to and participate in any given environment. We all use regulation skills everyday! Regulation is influenced by stress and adversity in the environment as well as caregiving supports, biology, skills, and motivation. Regulation requires being aware of your internal state (your thoughts, energy, emotions/feelings, behaviours, sensations).
For children, regulation develops through interaction with caregivers such as parents, teachers, coaches, and other mentors. This is co-regulation! Effective co-regulation by a supportive caregiver builds trust and safety. It promotes self efficacy and allows children, youth, and young adults to feel secure enough to practice new skills and learn from mistakes. The Reflection Garden’s focus on co-regulation captures the importance of interconnectedness and relationships.
Through the Reflection Garden participants will:
- Gain a greater understanding of regulation, co-regulation, behaviour/reactions
- Identify strategies/Garden Tools for children and families
- Apply Garden Tools to daily life
- Create sense of community and support
- Achieve a greater understanding and sense of well-being
- Develop a greater understanding of our individual gardens and the tools we need to help our flowers grow!
Supports are in place to promote service provider agencies in using the program province wide.
All program materials are available in English and in French.
The Reflection Garden: Preschool caregiver model
The Reflection Garden: Preschool caregiver model is a caregiver education group designed for parents of children 3-5 years old who have difficulty with regulation, sensory input, organization or attention.
Through an 8-session education approach, the group focuses on supporting the caregiver to better understand themselves and their child with an emphasis on relationship building, caregiver shared experience and in person coaching and modelling. Caregivers will come away with practical and pragmatic strength-focused strategies that can be transferred to the family’s environments.
The Reflection Garden: School-age caregiver model
The Reflection Garden: School-age caregiver model is a caregiver and child educational group exploring co-regulation and strategies in a fun, supportive environment. Developed for children 6-11 years old and their caregivers this group takes place over 6 weekly sessions.
The Reflection Garden – New developments!
The Reflection Garden team is working to develop versions of the Reflection Garden that can be used in different contexts including universally in early elementary school classrooms, in small groups with adolescents and more. Stay tuned!
Contact Information
To learn more about the Reflection Garden including information about upcoming facilitator training dates or how to offer the Reflection Garden in your organization please contact: reflectiongarden@rccinc.ca.
Referrals
The Reflection Garden: School-age Caregiver and Preschool Caregiver models are currently offered in Winnipeg. Referrals can be made by physicians, allied health professionals, teachers and parents using the CTNM referral form. (Please add Reflection Garden in the comment box.)
For questions regarding these services contact Central Intake at 204-258-6550 or CTNMCentralIntake@rccinc.ca.