What does it say about my parenting if I need these services?

Nothing. You’ll always be the expert and the best parent for your child. Kids throw us tough behaviors and as their parent, these behaviors are raw and directed at us in ways they will never be directed at others. Even as someone who has spent a lot of time studying and interacting with child behavior, with my own children, sometimes I just need to bring in another perspective who is not in the heat of it with me.

As a Foster Parent, my life and parenting are under constant evaluation and scrutiny. I’ve felt this pressure of having to get it right, but I’ve learned this isn’t the right pressure to have. Our children need us to be human, to make mistakes and repair them. We’re all out here doing our best. Let’s just support each other as we go along.

Why would I need a service like this?

It’s not a problem until it’s a problem. This means, if it’s working for you and your family, then it’s working, even if a bunch of other parents are doing it differently. But perhaps you find yourself in a negative space with your child that really matters, and you don’t see a path forward. Perhaps you’ve lost curiosity about their behaviors or feel cynical about change. Are you chronically overwhelmed and struggling to find any moments of peace? Yes, there are stages of parenthood that are just chaotic by nature, but there are also ways to maintain a sense of self and listen to your needs, even in the heat of the moment.

Some parents/caregivers book a consult simply because they are thinking ahead. Maybe they experienced things in their childhood they’d like to not repeat, but they aren’t sure how. Maybe you’re working through a developmental stage and just need extra support and understanding. It’s up to you. We’ll meet you where you’re at.

What is the approach or Premise of child insight?

We believe that a child will do well if they can, which is an idea researched and developed by Ross Greene. If they are not doing well, it is because they do not know another way and are perhaps missing an essential skill. In consult, we’ll look to target these potential skill lags and show parents/caregivers ways to teach and develop that skill in their child. If you’d like some concrete visuals as to what these might look like, visit us on social media. Problems suggest dead ends or worries that things might not measure up. In contrast, teachable moments suggest hope for better things.

This feels expensive. How many sessions am i going to need?

One session provides a wealth of information on its own. Though each written plan gives a vast amount of tools to try, I really suggest that you implement one to two tools at a time. So, it can take families a bit of time to work through an entire plan. Some tools might not end up being the right fit for you, or you’ll need to shoot me an e-mail with clarification or questions. Some parents come back months or years later with new developments or questions. At points, we may decide there is reason to do another consult. Some concerns are big enough that we just need several sessions together to really get a handle on the issue. Some families prefer weekly check-ins for a while. It’s up to you and your style. You can choose one session or many. If you want some guidance on this, let’s set up a free discovery call.

So then you aren’t working with the child?

No. This modality focuses on work with the parents/caregivers. Parents and caregivers often provide the most congruent, in the moment, hands on work with a child. In office sessions with child and provider cannot replicate the real-life circumstances faced every day. A child needs experience finding success in the heat of the moment, and that’s when you’ll be there. It is the trust built in your relationship that ultimately helps them to have a safe base to learn new skills and figure out what’s right. Skills they learn at home, like frustration tolerance for example, often transfer to success at schools and daycares. I’m of course also happy to work with a school or daycare where necessary. I do offer direct coaching services with the child for ages 13+.