It's not uncommon for a parent to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and unsure, and this doesn't go away when your child starts to move into adolescence. You face unique challenges: managing mood swings and school pressures, as well as navigating their (and your own) screen time and need for increasing independence.
Despite this, many parents and carers hesitate to seek support for themselves. But if you're struggling with communication, worried about your child's well-being, or simply looking for ways to restore a little calm to your home, counselling can provide the support you need, tailored specifically to your and your family's needs.
Counselling for parents gives you a practical, non-judgemental space to talk through your concerns, find new strategies and approaches and rebuild your confidence in your parenting.
You might consider counselling for a variety of reasons:
- You might feel overwhelmed, stressed or burnt out trying to juggle your family's needs alongside your own.
- You may be experiencing conflict or struggling to communicate effectively with your teen or pre-teenager.
- You could be worried about your child's mental health, how they're managing school pressures or difficulties with friendships.
- If your child is going through a tough time, it's natural for you to feel the impact, too. Add to this the usual dose of parental guilt and self-doubt, and you can be left feeling pretty hopeless and not sure how to manage.
- Major life transitions, such as separation, blended families, or loss, can also add to the challenge.
No matter what's making parenting feel difficult right now, seeking support is a positive step forward.
What Counselling Support for Parents Offers You
- First and foremost, counselling is your time to discuss what's worrying you and any challenges you face. It might seem a bit of a trope to say it's a non-judgemental and safe space, but this is fundamentally what counselling is.
- You'll leave your sessions with practical tools and techniques for managing difficult situations and improving your communication, which will strengthen your relationships.
- You'll find ways to look after yourself by setting appropriate boundaries and managing stress. After all, how can you truly be there for the people who need you when you're feeling wrung out and thoroughly depleted?
- It's important to acknowledge that you're not alone in finding parenting preteen and teenage kids challenging. Parenting an adolescent can often feel isolating, and there are fewer opportunities to connect with other parents, unlike when your children were small and in primary school. Understanding typical behaviour during this stage helps you recognise common struggles, making the journey easier.
How is Counselling Different from General Parenting Advice?
Why go to a counsellor about parenting when you can find general advice online? While there is a place for researching and potentially finding communities facing similar experiences, counselling for parenting offers something different. It isn't just about behaviour management, it's where you can talk about and explore how you're feeling and explore any underlying issues that might be making this stage extra tricky for you. You get the chance to reflect and gain a new perspective on the areas of parenting you're finding challenging. The support is tailored and specific to you, your child and your situation instead of one-size-fits-all advice.
Common Misconceptions About Counselling for Parents
- "Counselling is only for when you're really struggling" It can also be a proactive way to check in and keep up-to-date.
- "I should be able to handle this on my own" Seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.
- "The focus is only on me." While this is your time, it's also about finding ways to improve the dynamics in your family, not just individual support.
Could Counselling Help You with Your Parenting?
- Are you feeling stuck in a non-stop cycle of frustration and arguments?
- Do you feel constantly worried, stressed and drained physically and emotionally?
- Are you unsure of how to support your child around a specific issue?
- Are you ready for things to feel calmer at home and for connections in your family to be stronger?
- Are you ready and motivated for a positive change?
Then, yes, it sounds like counselling could help you!
Parenting has its ups and downs, and everyone can benefit from some support along the way. Counselling can give you the space, tools and confidence to navigate these challenges, helping you feel more in control and connected with your child. If you're ready for a positive change, taking that first step towards support could make all the difference.