THEORIES, CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLESThe Solihull parenting approach is developed on two main principles:• Some parents feel concerned or overwhelmed by the emotions expressed by their child• Behavioral problems of the child arise from the child's own inability to contain their emotions. The theoretical model that supports this approach is based on three key concepts: • Containment • Reciprocity • Behavior management The theoretical model is extremely practical, in that each component evaluates practice. No theory is new, but what is new is the combination of different theoretical ideas into a single model and then translating them into everyday practice. CONFINEMENT The concept of confinement itself was discussed by many prominent psychoanalysts, including Freud, as early as the late 19th century. Containment refers to the process by which one person “contains” the disturbed emotional state of another without becoming overwhelmed and communicates it to them in a way that restores their ability to think (Bion, 1993). It is a parallel or bidirectional process which contains and what is contained. Confinement is usually at the start of the Solihull approach and involves learning to manage and process one's emotions. A newborn displays a variety of strong and unstable feelings because he is unable to understand and resolve these feelings. These in turn are projected onto parents who may not be able to respond effectively. With the Solihull approach, parents are able to understand the origins and needs behind these emotions and manage them in a calm, sensible and thoughtful way. By following this approach, parents do not feel overwhelmed or helpless...... middle of paper ...... so they learn techniques to set limits on the child's unwanted behaviors and help their child to contain their own difficult emotions. The Solihull approach therefore teaches parents to understand and contain their own emotions, and simultaneously those of their child. These are very useful skills for parents to identify and develop appropriate strategies to manage their child's behavior. Children who experience greater containment and reciprocity will also be better able to manage their own emotions and behaviors. Better behavioral and emotional regulation of children should, in turn, help children perform better in school and reduce the risk of antisocial behavior and substance abuse as they age. Essentially, the approach expands opportunities “to strengthen the capacity of individuals, families and communities to ensure the best outcomes for children and young people ».”