Being a parent can be a roller coaster ride full of ups and downs, joys and challenges. Children go through different phases and we need as parents to adapt our parenting to these varying developmental stages. It can often feel so confusing trying to work out what our children might need from us as parents as they are growing and these challenges can evoke our own need to grow and develop as individuals also. We try to do the best job we can but it can sometimes feel as if we’re doing it wrong!

There are reasons why we parent in the way we do – what have we taken from our own history; have we wanted to be like our parents or very different from them? What is is like dealing with a child that is so like ourselves or so very different? How do we manage strong willed personalities? What kind of relationship would you like to have with each child and how might that be encouraged?

Whether you are struggling with a particular behavioural issue or a family problem – sibling rivalry or step parenting problems, talking things through with a Counsellor can give you that space to think together about what is going on for you and gain a different perspective on what’s happening within the family system.

Some of the issues commonly discussed are:

• Sibling rivalry
• sleep/eating issues
• Step parent challenges
• Toilet training
• Fears and phobia
• Temper tantrums/Anger and Aggression issues
• Bullying
• Boundary setting
• Communication and Ground Rules
• Self Esteem

Parenting sessions can be arranged for either one or both parent (the child is not present). Sessions last for 1 hour. These sessions are both therapeutic but practical with the aim of providing insight into your present situation and some strategies to try out at home.