Each of us has experienced our parents’ attitudes and beliefs about parenting. Many of
us made a commitment to not ‘become our parents’ and to avoid the same mistakes
our parents made raising us. What usually happens is that we either parent the same we were parented, parent the exact opposite or give in to the children’s every wants.
As our children grow, become more mature and more confrontational, we often feel at a loss and don’t know how to effectively handle the issues that arise. Parents often feel cornered and find it difficult to communicate and negotiate their needs and concerns to their children. At times both you and your child may feel unheard and misunderstood by the other. Poor communication skills between family members is one of the leading sources of conflict. Compounded over the years they lead to feelings of anger, hurt and frustration.

Through counseling, you will learn effective parenting strategies that will help improve your communication while maintaining and increasing your child’s self-esteem, sense of belonging and contribution to the family.

You will learn strategies and techniques that will elicit co-operation, respect and develop a win-win solution where all the members of the family feel heard and considered.

Families are often pulled in many directions with the conflicting needs and expectations
of family members, careers, finances, after school programs, aging parents and all the
other issues that make up our daily lives. All families experience ups and downs and
most issues can be resolved between family members. Sometimes enlisting the help of
a professional is a healthy solution to developing healthy strategies for a family that is positive, supportive and understanding.

Through counseling, we will develop a plan for ‘family meetings’ where each member can air grievances in a safe and supportive environment. We will develop conflict resolution strategies that will empower each family member. This will result in a home environment where everyone thrives in and feels respected.

Through counseling your family will experience a reduction in conflict & resistance and an increase in co-operation, motivation and family harmony.

Issues dealt with include:

• Feelings of Anger and Resentment
• Chores
• Sibling Rivalry
• Conflict Resolution Strategies
• Homework
• Rebellious Behaviour
• Cultural Expectations
• Drugs & Alcohol
• Minimizing Resistance
• Asserting Leadership
• Balancing Family Member Needs

• Disrespect
• Yelling and Fighting
• Not being Heard/Listened to
• Curfew
• Choice of Friends
• Family Rules
• Peer Pressure
• Smoking
• Creating Co-operation
• Improving Communication
• Rules for Family Meetings