Counselling for Parents of Toddlers and Preschoolers
Parenting Today is Harder then ever
Having worked with parents for over 50 years, I can confidently say that parenting today is more difficult than it has ever been. These days most parents are overwhelmed by all the books, websites, social media sites, online “experts”, mommy bloggers, and the comments and advice of friends, family, and even strangers, telling you how to raise your children.
It’s so confusing. It’s hard to know where to turn and whom to believe.
Before you know it, you don’t know what you think or believe, or who you are! You may start to lose all your confidence.
But remember; You are doing the most important work in the world.
Counselling for parents of Toddlers
Once your little one becomes mobile you enter a whole new world. Now that they can move, they want to move.
They want to explore everything, touch everything, taste everything, see what happens when they drop things, spill things, throw things. Some people say that toddlers are “little scientists”. They are “researching” the world. Including their parents.
Their attachment to you deepens. As they explore they look at you for safety…it’s ok for them to move away because they know you are always there to come back to.
They are starting to develop language, and they struggle to communicate with you verbally. They can’t quite pronounce words, and you struggle to understand them. Their “sentences” are (quite brilliantly!) short and missing words. “Out” is a full sentence. “Mommy home?” is a full sentence. And the most powerful word of all is “NO!”.
Toddlers challenge you. You must always be watching them. I often hear parents say “I can’t sit down” until naptime or mealtime.
Your house or apartment needs to be totally “childproof”.
It’s a very exhausting time for parents.
How do you navigate this stage, stay connected to yourself, set priorities, maintain your relationship with your partner, if you have one, and your friends, and still take care of yourself?
When we work together we will address the questions that are most important to you and find workable solutions.
Counselling for Parents of Preschoolers
As your toddler moves into the Preschool years, you are challenged in a new way. Preschoolers have vivid imaginations. This is the age of pretend play and “make believe” They often have a difficult time separating fantasy from reality and truth from fiction. Their vocabulary has increased exponentially, and they can express what the want, learn songs, tell stories and have real conversations.! Some people call the preschool years the “magic years.”
Preschoolers’ physical development has significantly advanced. They can run, climb, ride trikes and bikes, learn to swim, even ski. They are proud of their accomplishments and often say “Look at me!” (a sign of their attachment to you).
They want to spend time with other children and they develop friendships. Learning to play with others is a major developmental task!
Preschoolers have intense emotions and can be very irrational, often testing limits and strongly asserting their wants and needs. Sometimes you are challenged to your core, trying to figure out how to deal with you preschooler’s intensity!
As they assert their independence they still desperately need your love, attention and acceptance of who they are (not necessarily of their behaviour). They need boundaries, guidance and the security of your love.
So, what does this mean for YOU?
Are you feeling challenged by all these changes?
Do you find yourself getting into power struggles with this little being that you love so much?
Are you confused by all the conflicting advice and information you are seeing online from “experts” or from family and friends?
When I work with you as a parent counsellor, we will explore all aspects of toddler and/or preschooler development and behaviour and the importance of strong attachment. And we will focus on you – your changing identity, your changing relationships, your goals for yourself, and your self esteem.Together we can focus on all, or some, of the following:
How are you doing right now? What are your most pressing personal issues?
What are your long and short term goals as a parent? As a person?
How were you parented?
How are your relationships with your partner (if you have one), your own parents, your friends?
What are you reading or hearing from others (friends, family, books, mommy blogs, websites) that are confusing you?
By exploring these areas together my goal is to have you develop a sense of your own capacity and competence as a parent and as a person. I want you to feel good about yourself, know what you think and feel in your heart, and develop the confidence to parent in a way that supports and optimizes the well-being of you, your children and your family.
And I want you to have fun and laugh, and experience the true joy, silliness, and wonder of being a parent!
I look forward to getting to know you and your baby and supporting you in your new parenting journey.
Learn more:
Counselling for New Parents
Questions? Get in touch.
Ready for a counselling session? Click here to book a session with me.