The Goulding System™

Helping parents strengthen a child’s deep and lasting belief that they are loved unconditionally.

Developed from the work of Joane Goulding beginning in the mid-1970s, the Goulding System is a simple, parent-led approach designed to support emotional resilience, security and positive self-belief in children.

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Three people, two adults and a child, walk hand in hand down a sandy path toward the ocean, surrounded by tall beach grass under a partly cloudy sky.

A System Developed Over Generations

The Goulding System has its origins in the work of Australian educator and mother, Joane Goulding, who began developing the approach in the mid-1970s for her own daughter, Michelle.

Over the decades that followed, Joane continued to teach, refine and expand her work with parents and families. What began as a practical way for parents to communicate reassurance and unconditional love to their children developed into a structured system that has been taught and used internationally. Today, that work continues as the Goulding System.

This website is the central home of the Goulding System — its history, principles, publications and future development.

The Goulding System Books

Book cover of “The Goulding System” featuring a sleeping child under a starry sky and crescent moon, with the subtitle “A Parent’s Guide to Emotional Resilience in Children.” The calming imagery captures the essence of the Goulding System, emphasizing its supportive approach to nurturing emotional resilience in children.The Goulding System is available in several formats, allowing parents to choose the level of detail and way of learning that best suits them.

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The Complete Edition

The Complete Edition is the fullest presentation of the Goulding System. It explores the history and development of the system, the principles behind it, its practical use with children, and additional material for parents who want a deeper understanding.

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The Online Edition

Most of the Complete Edition can also be read online immediately, without registering, downloading a file or purchasing the book. Some of the more detailed technical and supplementary material is reserved for the published Complete Edition.

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The Concise Edition

A shorter, practical guide for parents who want to understand the Goulding System and begin using it without the additional background and supporting material contained in the Complete Edition.

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Narrated Concise Edition

An audio narration of the Concise Edition is also available in MP3 format in the voice of Joane Goulding for parents who would prefer to listen than read, or who would like to use both formats together.

Continuing the Goulding System

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For Parents

At the center of the Goulding System is a straightforward idea: children benefit from repeatedly receiving clear, consistent messages that they are loved, valued and accepted for who they are. The system gives parents a practical way to reinforce those messages as part of everyday family life. Parents can begin by reading the Goulding System online or by choosing one of the published editions.

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Toward the Future

The Goulding System continues to develop beyond its published books. Future plans include professional training, support for parents, and resources designed to help families locate appropriately trained Goulding System coaches.

These services will be introduced progressively as they are developed and become available.

Stay in Contact

For general enquiries about the Goulding System, its publications or future professional programs, please contact us.