Parenting Behaviorally
Challenged Children

Parents love their children – and tell them.

You could say, “I love you,” a million times a day – and mean it. You don’t just assume they know it – that’s why you tell them you love them.

You repeat this true statement because you want your child to know, deep down, that you love them. But your child’s behavior may make you think they don’t feel that love in their heart and mind.

Even when you try to nurture the warm connection you both need, your child remains distant, suspicious, and even defiant. You want to be their ally. But, too often, they see you as their adversary.

Their response to you is a mystery – and often leads you to exhaustion. What can you do when they spin out of control? Hide in a closet? Scream louder? Walk away? Phone a friend?

The days are long, but the years are short.

You don’t want to lose patience, but they seem to know just how to push your buttons. And later, you wonder if you are just pushing them away. You really wish they came with a manual.

“The people who wrote all those parenting books have never met my child” is a sentiment that I’ve heard from parents raising children with behavior problems. From the “terrible twos” to the “know-it-all-and-leave-me-alone-to-crash-and-burn teenagers,” parenting can be relentless.

Even though challenged, your child is growing up.

If nothing works – not guidance from parent books and not following how your parents did it – it’s time to find another view.

It may seem impossible now, but it’s not. You are capable. With help, you will get through this (so will your child).

Every family and child are different, but therapy can help you find solutions to your unique family situation.

Please reach out, and let’s talk about how I can help you not only ‘survive’ your child’s behavior, but learn to enjoy your time together.