KEY COMPETENCY 2.3 – CENTRE ME AND MY FAMILY
“I will be fully present and compassionate in my interactions with children and families.”
Compassionate and Present is the third competency under the ‘Centre Me and My Family’ Way of Working, and relates to the ‘design and delivery of services and supports‘ phase of the child’s early developmental support journey. It is important for:
Building Trust: Practitioners who demonstrate compassion create a safe, trusting environment, encouraging open communication with children and families.
Enhancing Engagement: Being present during interactions fosters genuine connections, allowing practitioners to better understand the unique needs and experiences of each child.
Supporting Emotional Well-Being: Compassionate interactions help alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of security and comfort for children and families.
Improving Outcomes: By actively listening and responding with empathy, practitioners can tailor their support strategies effectively, leading to better developmental and emotional outcomes.
Being compassionate and present means offering empathy, patience, and attentiveness in all interactions with children and families. This requires practitioners to be fully engaged, listening deeply, and responding thoughtfully to the needs of both the child and family.
Compassionate care strengthens relationships, fosters trust, and ensures that families feel valued as active partners in their child’s development .
Research supports that children who experience compassionate, present care are more likely to develop strong emotional and social skills. Responsive caregiving contributes to better outcomes in attachment, trust, and emotional regulation.
COMPETENCY MILESTONES
I am able to:
Demonstrate my ability to be fully present and compassionate in interactions.
Understand the importance of active listening and empathy.
Apply these skills consistently in practice by acknowledging emotions and showing genuine interest.
I am able to:
Consistently engage with children and families in a compassionate and present manner.
Actively listen, show empathy, and respond appropriately to needs and emotions.
Maintain presence and compassion even in challenging situations, ensuring families feel heard and valued.
I am able to:
Provide strong, empathetic support to children and families, fostering trust and open communication.
Demonstrate deep understanding and application of compassion and presence, adapting approach based on individual family dynamics.
Act as a role model, encouraging and guiding colleagues in developing skills through training and feedback.
I am able to:
Exhibit high-level proficiency in being present and compassionate, influencing a culture of empathy within the organisation.
Shape organisational practices to prioritise empathy and presence, implementing policies and procedures that support compassionate interactions.
Lead initiatives to foster a culture of compassion and presence, mentoring others to develop these critical skills and ensuring sustained organisational commitment to these values.
Reflection questions are a valuable tool for practitioners, promoting self-awareness, critical thinking, continuous improvement, and stronger relationships in their work with children and families. Below are some reflection questions for Key Competency 2.3: Compassionate and Present:
How fully present am I in my interactions with the child and family?
How am I showing compassion through my words, body language, and actions?
Am I giving the family space to express their needs without judgment?
Being fully present with a family means putting aside distractions and focusing on what matters most—their well-being and sense of connection.
Access more information on the ChildKind Best Practice Framework with its 10 Ways of Working, 30 Key Competencies and 8 supporting Values and Behaviours here:
