Children who have experienced trauma, loss, adversity, or significant stress may struggle with trust, regulation, transitions, sensory needs, and relationships. Caregivers often carry the weight of supporting those needs while also navigating their own stress, grief, and exhaustion.

Family Nurture Groups give families a place to practice connection and regulation in a supportive environment. They create opportunities for children to experience safe, consistent relationships and for caregivers to receive practical tools and encouragement.

Family Nurture Groups are an important practice of TBRI®, with the goal of teaching relational and regulation skills through play. They also provide a wonderful opportunity to build connections between children and caregivers.

We believe families should not have to walk this journey alone. Healing is strengthened through safe relationships, repeated positive experiences, and a community that understands.

Many family events expect children to sit still, behave perfectly, or fit into a one-size-fits-all experience.

Family Nurture Groups are different.

Children are invited to move, play, explore, connect, and practice new skills in an environment intentionally designed to support felt safety.

Caregivers are not expected to have everything figured out. Instead, they are welcomed, encouraged, equipped with practical tools, and reminded that they are part of a community that understands both the challenges and the hope of this journey.

Children and Teens

Children and teens participate in age-appropriate activities built around play, creativity, movement, and connection. Each child or teen is paired with a trained Buddy who stays with them throughout the event.

Buddies help children participate, navigate transitions, practice regulation, and feel seen, supported, and encouraged.

Caregivers

While children and teens participate in their activities, caregivers gather for TBRI®-informed discussion, reflection, practical support, and encouragement.

This time is designed to help caregivers:

• better understand the needs behind behavior

• strengthen connection with their children

• practice tools that support regulation and felt safety

• learn alongside other caregivers who understand the journey

Families Together

At the end of the event, caregivers and children come back together for a shared family connection activity. Families have the opportunity to practice what they have learned and leave with a simple tool or activity they can continue using at home.

Every Family Nurture Group is designed to help families experience:

• stronger connections between caregivers and children

• greater trust and felt safety

• more opportunities to practice regulation together

• positive shared experiences that strengthen relationships

• practical tools families can continue using at home

• encouragement from caregivers walking similar journeys

• greater confidence responding to children's needs

Every gathering is another opportunity to build connection, practice new skills, and create experiences that support continued growth and healing.

Family Nurture Groups are designed for families caring for children and teens (birth through age 17) who have experienced trauma, loss, adversity, or significant stress.

Families who attend may include:

• Foster families

• Adoptive families

• Kinship families

• Biological families

• Families caring for children with sensory needs or big emotions

• Families navigating challenges related to trust, regulation, transitions, or separation

Families do not need to have completed TBRI® Caregiver Training to participate.