You're not Screwing Up!

Just this week I have worked with a couple of incredibly brave ladies who are worrying themselves sick over their teenage daughters....

Felling like they have failed as a parent!

Not knowing what to do to support them!

Lost!

Firstly, if you are feeling like this I want to telling you 'YOU ARE NOT SCREWING UP" - you are doing a great job!!!

Supporting a child or teenager through mental health challenges is a pretty tall order for any parent.

You are trying to provide help but worried you are not doing enough, or making things worse!

Firstly, it is unlikely you will ever make things worse, unless you are refusing to listen and telling them they are being silly!!

Admitting you aren’t able to handle it on your own and asking for backup from qualified sources is such a massive hurdle to get over.

When you connect with a professional we can help you to know how to approach certain situations, so you feel better equipped and empowered to support your chid.

For example:

If you have a child who is experiencing anxiety - Anxiety is about feeling powerless against outside forces, so teaching your child to master certain tasks can generate calm.

Explaining why something is low-risk is unlikely to calm a child; teaching them how to deal with that risk would.

So, instead of saying, “That dog won’t hurt you,” say, “Here is what you do if you’re ever attacked by a dog.”

When we begin to properly equip children, instead of coddling them, it sets them free.

If this post resinates with your and you would like to talk more about how I can support you then get in touch.

Hayley Perkins (Counsellor)