Full article from the Term 1 No 2 2007 Newsletter 

Effective Parenting

It can be so challenging at times to feel that the strategies we are using are not being effective or helpful with our children and their behaviours.
Sometimes we feel a failure as parents or that something is terribly wrong with our own children.

One of the tips for effective parenting is to be gentle and patient with yourself. Ensure that you are not being too hard on yourself and that you are getting time out for yourself to replenish, to rest and to think.

Another tip is to ask for help when you feel a bit lost or just too frustrated. It is often perpetuated that all family life is wonderful and great. We often don't hear about or talk about the fact that sometimes it can be difficult, challenging and tiring. Don't ever be afraid to ask for support at times when you feel that you just don't know what to do next.

From whom can you seek support?

There are a number of people within the community who we can turn to:

Maternal and child health centres
Preschool and child care staff
School teachers and principals
Psychologists
Counsellors
Family therapists
Friends
Family
Colleagues

When it comes to effective parenting, you may need to seek support more often than you would normally do. Either through formal or informal channels, just having someone to talk with and share the load sometimes can really help.

Part of our role here at Kathy Walker & Associates is to also be available for feedback via email as some reassurance can be helpful. We don't charge for an email response, but bear in mind that a reply may take a few days.

Parenting is not always easy and as parents you need to be looked after.
Remember you don't have to be perfect, and neither do your children.

Kathy Walker