Become the Parent that You Strive to Be…
Parenting is a "BIG OBLIGATION", requiring “on call” status twenty four hours a day.
Sometimes the best way to address difficulties you may be experiencing with your child or in your family is through parent consultation sessions.
Whether you are struggling with your teenagers need for increased independence, preparing for baby #1, having difficulties with your toddler’s increased assertiveness and use of the word “no,” or have a family transition that you are feeling unprepared for, parenting consultations are a great way to find immediate solutions, decrease your anxiety and feel supported.
However, sometimes parents get stuck and find themselves repeating similar patterns they swore they never would, or experience increasing difficulty with one stage of development than they did with the one prior.
First of all, remember that it is normal and you are not alone! Every parent experiences challenges, makes mistakes and wishes they had handled an interaction differently.
Parenting consultations are solution-focused and brief in nature.
Through conversation and exploration, strategies can be implemented to relieve whatever stress is occurring at home, school, daycare or between relationships.
Consultation services can aid in the development of tools and interventions that help you improve your effectiveness in working day-to-day with your child on the emotional or behavioral problems they're facing. This is almost exclusively my method of intervention with children ages 2-5, but can be utilized with children and teens at any age.
Parenting consultation consists of problem solving sessions in which we colaboratively work together to develop a plan to address your child's difficulties that respects and incorporates your family's values and traditions.
Depending on the issues being addressed, my work with parents can be ongoing, or consist of as little as 1-2 sessions. Common childhood difficulties that I address through parent consultation include:
* Behavior problems; including oppositional behavior and defiance
* Sleep Problems
* Eating Problems
* Mood Difficulties
* Social Challenges
* Frustration Tolerance
* Anxiety and Fears
* Parenting plans for divorced couples
* Introducing a new baby to siblings
* Understanding your pre-teen and their mood swings
* Negotiating parenting strategies (helicopter vs passive parenting, etc)
* Tips for helping a child with ADHD focus to complete tasks (i.e. homework, chores, etc.)
* Talking to your pre-teen about difficult topics
* Sexual identity and orientation
* Peer pressure
* Body image issues
* Bullying
* Choosing the right school (homeschooling, private school or public education)
* Blended families
* Step-parenting
* Discipline
* Grand-parenting
* Potty training
* Grief & loss issues
The parenting in truth is, although rewarding, it is challenging. Most new parents are surprised at how much their lives really change with the addition of a baby and can find themselves feeling anxious, frustrated and stressed by their new roles, all the while trying to maintain parts of their pre-baby life they enjoyed so much (traveling, friends, jobs, spontaneous outings, etc.).
From day one, the pleasure of being parents continues to grow and so do the demands. Learning how to manage it all takes time, practice and mistakes… That’s right! Mistakes are necessary.
Please feel free to contact me to discuss your concerns about your child and to see if parenting consultation may be a good fit for you and your family.