Parenting Support
You’re tired of being the bad guy.
Do your days feel like you’re squashing out the fun for being strict and holding your ground?
You’re trying to have a fun, positive moment with your teens, but you can’t seem to go a minute before disciplining them yet again.
It’s frustrating.
And no matter how hard we try not to be the “bad guy,” we still feel crummy in the end.
Sure, there are days when the teens comply; or we’re parenting effectively, and we feel like good parents.
But it’s taken a lot of energy to maintain this composure and keep our tempers in line.
Thankfully, it’s okay to be the “bad guy” and still parent effectively. We just need to redefine what it means to be the “bad guy.”
The Myth of Well-Behaved Kids…
What comes to mind when you hear the word “discipline”? Most likely, you thought punishment and consequences, what we do when our kids misbehave, or the parenting style you chose.
Discipline is more than that – it’s teaching. When we discipline, we teach our kids how to behave, regulate their emotions, calm themselves down, and think of other people’s feelings. These are the skills we want them to have when they grow up.
Think of yourselves as being on the same side. Forget power struggles or parent-child battles. You’re teaching her how to behave and giving her the skills she’ll need as an adult.
Investing in some effective parenting skills and redirecting problem behavior is a win-win-win.
Kids with a strong work ethic, high self-esteem, and compassion for others tend to have fewer behavioral problems and are more successful and happy.
Parents who must use a bribe to get their child to comply will find eventually that their child has not been able to develop the self-awareness and resilience needed to have a strong character.
Our schools and larger communities need kids and teens who build others up, who recognize and follow boundaries, and who recognize and value the art of respect.
Currently, life at home may seem like merely a family problem. However, if your child experiences low expectations, poor cooperation, bullying, and blaming others in their home environment – this behavior will quickly form your child’s world view. They will suffer, and people all around them will suffer.
Your child’s neighbors, teachers, school resource officers, and peers of your students will all experience the pain and frustration of engaging with an unruly and undisciplined youth who doesn’t show sensitivity or caring for anyone but his/herself.
How can we create a generous, loving society when kids are not taught how to regulate their emotions, to contribute to others, create lasting friendships and build true self-confidence and self-worth?
Counseling can help.
Counseling with the focus on parenting support will open a line of dialogue and communication between you and your child(ren).
Our process will help you clarify your family’s needs and concerns and resolve disputes at the adult level, so you can confidently lead and direct your family.
Single, married, or divorced, you can benefit from learning ways of communicating better and skillfully de-escalate arguments. I will help you master the mindset of your teenager, starting by identifying your former teenage self.
Getting Teens to Talk:
Listen to your teen as though they’re a new friend you’re getting to know. Did you enjoy being corrected by parents at this age? How effective was it to hear about your parents’ opinion when you were being instructed?
When your teen starts sharing, don’t give commentary or rebuttals or jump in with a teaching point. Slow down. Sit. Eyes on them.
Remember when it was you in those sneakers and ratty jeans.
For now, I will help you be a safe place for them to be themselves, and then you get to enjoy the magic of observing who they are.
Maximize your parenting effectiveness with less anger and resentment.
Step away from fights about conflicting parenting styles, tepid rule enforcement, and poor boundaries at home.
Parental support counseling is just what you need.
Call (615) 905-1893 today to schedule a free consultation.