Transform power struggles into connection and collaboration.
Parenting Support in Oak Park IL
Virtual in Chicago and across Illinois
Parenting feels harder than you ever expected.
You have spent a lot of time dreaming about what it would be like to be a parent. None of those dreams included power struggles, conflict and so much worry.
With all the running around you do for school, work, sports and everything else, you try really hard to meet your child’s needs and spend quality time with them. But despite all your efforts, you still feel disconnected and unhappy in your relationship with them.
You know that staying calm is important, but for some reason you struggle in these situations. They seem to be able to push your buttons in a blink.
You have some sense that your struggle to stay calm is related to your level of stress and how you were parented growing up. Your instincts about punishment or the words that pop into your mind don't seem to be contributing to the kind of relationship you are wanting with your child.
When you're stressed and worried about parenting, it can start to take a toll on your other relationships and even your work life. You have other goals and interests that you're passionate about, but it can be hard to find the time and energy to pursue them.
Maybe you…
Lost your temper and said something you regret
Gone to bed promising yourself that tomorrow you will say calm
Had moments where the noise, mess and demands just feel like too much
Read parenting books and tried different techniques but they are not effective
Said the thing you swore you would never say to your child
Imagine….
Feeling confident in your parenting and leadership of your family.
You feel deeply connected to your child regardless of how the day has gone.
Rather than feeling like it is you vs your child, you feel like it is you and your child vs a problem. It might be homework, hair washing, a request to clean their room, friendship troubles - you and your child are on the same team and tackle the problem together.
You remember when you were so worried about your child because their behavior was so challenging and they were having big feelings. Sometimes those things are still true, but now you have a different understanding of that behavior. That new understanding helps you to not take your child’s behavior personally and supports you in responding in new and more helpful ways.
Even though things are still tough sometimes, overall things feel more calm and stable. The challenging moments are happening less and you are able to help everyone recover more quickly. You have more time and energy for other relationships and more focus to give at work.
How Parenting Support Works
You can create something different for your child.
You can only teach your child what you know. So if you were taught as a child to “suck it up” or that anger was unwelcome, it is challenging to offer something different to your child. We will explore how your upbringing and the way you think and process information intersect and influence each other.
Together we will look at the messages you received as a child about feelings, misbehaving and respect. Often parents are doing what they experienced as a child or trying to do the opposite, but either approach can leave you feeling ineffective and out of options.
We will consider your strengths and weaknesses. Maybe you do best when the house is picked up and things are not too loud. Maybe you struggle to juggle all the to-dos and schedules or parenting. All of this will help us craft an approach and strategies to support you in the real day to day of parenting.
Are you wondering if you should bring your child to therapy instead?
Your child might benefit from therapy. But parenting support recognizes that you have tremendous influence to create change with your child and your family.
Think of your family as a unique system with each person playing an important role and impacting one another. As the adult in your family, you have the most life experience and ability to learn new skills, manage your reactions and to improve the overall family dynamic.
Parenting Support can help you…
Identify old patterns and stories that are keeping you from a deep connection with your child
Improve your ability to stay calm while responding to your child’s big feelings
Reconnect with your child to build a strong relationship
Reduce power struggles with your child and guilt about your parenting
Discover more peaceful days and quicker resolutions to upsets
Frequently asked questions about Parenting support
FAQs
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Reach out and schedule a free consultation. This will give us an opportunity to see if we are a good fit. From there we can schedule your first appointment. Sessions can be virtual or in person. Learn more.
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If you are finding parenting overwhelming or feel unsure if your parenting approach is working, parenting support will likely be a good fit. It is true that parents who seek support in parenting often have kids who are struggling in some way. It is important to remember that it does not have to be either parenting support OR therapy for your child. We can work together to figure out the right amount of support. Learn more.
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I am always amazed how different kids can be in the same family. I have supported a lot of parents who are finding success parenting one child and struggling with parenting another. It can also be a difficult balance if you have children who have very different needs. Parenting support can help you learn how to approach the different needs and personalities of each of your children. Learn more.
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Yes! My approach is based on you, your child(ren) and your family. So we can create support that works for you. I prioritize staying current with evidence based practice as well as listening to perspectives from people who are neurodivergent. Parenting support is a conversation and I will listen and honor your priorities, preferences and strengths. Learn More
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When someone we love and are caring for is struggling it causes tremendous stress. I also honor how much influence you have with your children and believe that you can create more peace with your leadership. Having a child who is struggling, who has high support needs all impacts parents. It is important to get the support you need so you can continue to show up for your family. Learn More
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There are a lot of great parenting books out there. But sometimes all of that information can cause overwhelm and lead you to feel paralyzed about the right approach. Parenting support draws from a lot of different parenting perspectives and is tailored to you, your children and your family. I can help you sift through all that information to create a personalized parenting approach. Learn More