Being a parent can be joyful, satisfying, and rewarding; it can also be emotionally, mentally, and physically difficult.

As a parent, you have to tend to your child’s wants and needs, help develop their life skills and provide guidance, love, and support. Sometimes, it can be very overwhelming, especially if you are a new parent or a parent that’s overwhelmed with the daily grind of life.

Parenting can affect your stress level. Combine that with further tensions, strains, lack of sleep, and poor lifestyle choices, then these factors can exacerbate parenting issues. Sometimes, you need a little more support.

If you find yourself needing help and support through certain situations or behavioral concerns, the clinicians at Houston Psychotherapists can help.

Doing what’s best for your child

Let’s face it—a lot of people have a lot of things to say when it comes to parenting. From your own family members to your child’s pediatrician to media sources, you’re provided with a lot of information and suggestions regarding what’s best for your child.

The level of information and advice can be overwhelming. Pediatricians provide guidance and information on your child’s health and safety. Family members and friends offer their opinion on child-rearing. Maybe you read parenting books or look for parenting resources and support groups online for further information. You might find yourself not sure what is the best direction for you.

Advice from pediatricians and health professionals are generally backed by clinician research. It’s always important to seek advice from experts if you’re not sure what advice to follow.

What is a good parent?

Simply put, one of the best ways to be a good parent is to love your child unconditionally. If you decide to seek parenting counseling, it does not mean you’re a bad parent—it does mean you’re brave enough to ask for help. In fact, it is a key step into providing your child stability while getting the support you need that will help you be the best parent you can be.

The National Institute for Child Health and Human Development identifies the following as the main responsibilities for parents:

  • Listening and spending quality time with your child
  • Providing your child with guidance, structure, and stability
  • Your child’s medical and development needs
  • Your child’s safety
  • Monitoring the friendships and relationships your child makes

Raising a child can be difficult for various reasons. As mentioned previously, there are many stressors that affect parents. These stressors include: providing consistency, tending to a child’s needs, financial difficulties, marital or other family problems, health, time management, lifestyles, and relationships.

But remember—it is okay to ask for help and support from a mental health professional.

How parental counseling can help

Parental counseling is goal-oriented. We want to work with you to set specific goals that you desire to accomplish. These goals are usually centered on developing healthy problem-solving strategies that will not negatively affect your child.

We’ll help improve your communication skills, improve your ability to resolve conflict, as well as reaching the other goals that you have set for yourself as a parent. Sessions will be based upon your identified needs and expressed goals.

We offer a nonjudgmental and compassionate environment. Your comfort with us is paramount.

If you feel that parental counseling is right for you, then please contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our clinicians. Please note that we are not medical doctors and we do not prescribe medication.