One way of describing Transactional Analysis (TA) is to call it a theory of child development. When we are young, we work out where we think we fit in the world we read the big people around us, choosing what to take on board from the big people's words, deeds, body language and the unspoken messages they send. Parenting is for most people the most important role in their life - and yet it comes with haphazard or non-existent training. As parents we have huge influence on the young minds in our charge. A responsibility we do not always understand the enormity of until we find ourselves with that infant in our arms. By which time, it is too late to reverse the decision!
I wish I had known TA when my children were born! I tried not to make the mistakes I felt my parents had made but I probably did. And I also think I made a few of my own - nobody is perfect and there is no such thing as perfect parenting. However, for many years of my career coaching individuals and working with organisational groups across all sectors and at all levels of seniority I have seen the difficulties individuals make for themselves in repeating unhelpful patterns of behaviour which have their origins in childhood. This is not about apportioning blame. Remember, there is no such thing as perfect parenting! But it is about learning some approaches, understanding some theories of early years development which will support you in your role of nurturing the next generation of doctors, technicians, teachers, specialists etc.
If a child has a safe foundation, if s/he is nurtured in a protected but appropriately stimulating environment, one where s/he is taught positive self-regard and kindness towards all living creatures - then that base will serve that infant well. It will serve them well at 15, 35, and even 75 (long after the parent has left this earth). Now there is a powerful thought.
I wish I had known TA when my children were born! I tried not to make the mistakes I felt my parents had made but I probably did. And I also think I made a few of my own - nobody is perfect and there is no such thing as perfect parenting. However, for many years of my career coaching individuals and working with organisational groups across all sectors and at all levels of seniority I have seen the difficulties individuals make for themselves in repeating unhelpful patterns of behaviour which have their origins in childhood. This is not about apportioning blame. Remember, there is no such thing as perfect parenting! But it is about learning some approaches, understanding some theories of early years development which will support you in your role of nurturing the next generation of doctors, technicians, teachers, specialists etc.
If a child has a safe foundation, if s/he is nurtured in a protected but appropriately stimulating environment, one where s/he is taught positive self-regard and kindness towards all living creatures - then that base will serve that infant well. It will serve them well at 15, 35, and even 75 (long after the parent has left this earth). Now there is a powerful thought.
Click on the tiles below for a brief explanation of some Transactional Analysis theories
which aim to support you in the most consequential role of your life.
which aim to support you in the most consequential role of your life.
|
Bowlby
Letting go Asking questions to build confidence |
Listen
;pay attention Let them lead their learning strokes Psychological hungers |
mean what you say
do not offer options on food follow through - do what you have said you will do Ego states - you are the grown-up! |
Vulnerability quotient
Script formation Building an identity |