Being a parent can be hugely rewarding and it can also be overwhelming. This can increase as your child enters adolescence. Speaking to a counsellor about parenting can help to improve communication and make relationships stronger both in and out of the family.
Being a parent is one of the most important jobs any of us will ever do and yet, despite libraries full of books on the subject, many feel that they are not prepared to do it well. This feeling can increase as your child enters adolescence.
Parents are not only involved in looking after the daily changeable needs of their children, they are also responsible for making sure that their children develop the skills they need to function practically and socially. As a parent, you must protect, look for help where necessary, listen to, spend time with, provide affection, consistency, and age-appropriate limits. All whilst taking into consideration each individual child’s unique personality.
No wonder parenting can become overwhelming! This becomes even more difficult when there are other issues going in on within the family like illness, financial strain or relationship problems or where there are worries about the way your adolescent is behaving. This is where support from a non-judgemental and independent professional can help.
Why see a counsellor for parenting?
- You may be facing a specific parenting challenge, around your child’s mental health concern or behavioural issue, for example. While your child may well be receiving support, your own feelings and emotions may be left unaddressed which may then impact the wellbeing of the rest of your family.
- You may have your own mental health or other issues that impact your ability to parent.
- Becoming a parent can have a major impact on your relationship as a couple both positive and negative, and can be a contributing factor to relationship strains and problems.
- Family networks are becoming smaller than they used to be and parenting can be a lonely job. This feeling of isolation can be even more pronounced when sole parenting.
Seeing a counsellor is not only for parents who feel their family is in crisis or their child is acting out in extreme ways, however, and many parents may find it helpful to speak to someone around parenting in general.
Speaking to a counsellor about parenting can help to improve communication and make relationships stronger both in and out of the family.
Are you ready to make this positive change? Get in touch here to see how I can help.