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Parent Skills Training ...

There are no perfect parents ... so, there are no perfect children.

When a troubled or difficult child comes into my office, I assume his or her parents are doing the best job they can and have the child's best interest at heart. I'm usually right. 

So, what went wrong?

Each one of us enters parenting with a learned set of assumptions, expectations, rules and skills based on our own experiences in our families of origin. But, parenting children these days usually requires more than that. What worked for grandpa ... a stern look and a quick stick .. usually doesn't get the response it did then.

So, what does work?

Over the years, the counseling profession keeps learning new ways of looking at children and the child-parent relationship. Parent skills training is about sharing those ideas so you can gain control of the relationship with your child, develop more effective discipline and guidance, and improve communication between you and your child. Your family is unique, so our approach will be tailored to your needs, values and circumstances. It may include reading books, watching video tapes, discussion and homework ... whatever fits your family's needs.

What if yours is a single parent household or your partner won't become involved?

Parent skills training works just as well for single parent households and almost as well if your partner won't attend sessions. If your partner won't attend, you're probably doing most of the parenting on your own anyway, so any changes you make will effective how your child is behaving. 

Please call or write with any questions you might have.