Preliminary Pages
The Goulding System
Online Edition*
A Parent’s Guide to Emotional Resilience in Children
By
Joane Goulding
David Dixon
*From the Complete Edition.
Copyright and Publication Information
This updated edition of The Goulding System has been written in close collaboration between Joane Goulding and David Dixon. It is based upon Joane Goulding’s original work and reflects more than five decades of development, together with contemporary clarification, structural refinement, expanded guidance for today’s parents, and supporting references from relevant peer-reviewed research that help illuminate principles Joane Goulding has observed and taught over more than five decades.
Joane Goulding is the originator of the Goulding System. David Dixon serves as editor, publisher, and custodian of this revised and expanded edition, supporting its continuation for future generations.
This edition was prepared using contemporary editorial, publishing, and artificial intelligence-assisted tools to support research, revision, formatting, consistency, and production. All final editorial decisions remain the responsibility of the publisher.
The moral rights of the authors have been asserted.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission of the publisher, except for brief quotations used in reviews, scholarly reference, or other uses permitted by law.
The Goulding System and the processes described in this book are educational in nature. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical or psychological condition, nor to replace professional medical, psychological, therapeutic, or other professional advice. Readers are advised to seek guidance from qualified healthcare or mental health professionals where appropriate.
Persons choosing to apply the principles described in this book do so voluntarily. The authors and publisher accept no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage, or adverse outcome arising from the use or misuse of the material contained herein.
While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, neither the authors nor the publisher accept responsibility for errors or omissions.
The Goulding System was created by Joane Goulding.
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Other Books by Joane Goulding
Creating Miracles – Sleep Talk for Children – The Gift of Love & Self Esteem (1996)
Sleep Talk – A Gift of Love Through Positive Parenting (2004)
The Goulding Process (2011)
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Child Protection and Mandatory Reporting
The Goulding System is a parent-directed communication process designed to support a child’s emotional development. It is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or safeguarding services.
All individuals—whether parents, caregivers, or professionals—have a responsibility to act in the best interests of a child. In many jurisdictions worldwide, there are legal requirements for certain individuals (such as health professionals, teachers, and those working with children) to report reasonable suspicions of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. This may include sexual, physical, or psychological abuse, as defined by applicable law.
These legal obligations vary between jurisdictions. In some regions, all adults are required to report suspected child abuse; in others, the duty applies only to designated professionals. It is important to understand and comply with the laws that apply in your location by referring to relevant national, state, or provincial legislation.
Child protection laws are enforced rigorously in many countries. Where a person becomes aware of, or reasonably suspects, that a child is being harmed or is at risk of harm, they must take appropriate action in accordance with local law. This responsibility exists not only to meet legal obligations, but to protect the safety and wellbeing of the child and others who may be at risk.
The legal responsibility to report suspected abuse differs between jurisdictions and roles. Parents and caregivers may or may not be subject to mandatory reporting requirements depending on local legislation. Readers are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with the child protection laws that apply in the country or region in which they reside.
Parent Coaches and other non-clinical practitioners using the Goulding System must operate within the limits of their role. The Goulding System does not qualify a practitioner to assess, diagnose, or manage cases involving abuse, trauma, or safeguarding concerns. Where there is any indication of harm, risk of harm, or circumstances beyond the practitioner’s scope, the parent or caregiver should be promptly referred to an appropriately qualified professional, such as a registered psychologist, medical practitioner, or paediatric specialist.
Where required by law, any individual—including a Parent Coach—must report known or reasonably suspected child abuse to the relevant statutory authority. This obligation overrides any professional or personal preference and must be followed in accordance with local legal requirements.
If there is immediate risk to a child’s safety, emergency services should be contacted without delay.
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Dedication
This book is dedicated to all families
— conventional and unconventional —
doing their best to raise children
with love, care, and hope for the future.
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