Supporting Your Child in Counselling and Beyond: 8 Practical Tips for Parents
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Helping your child navigate their emotions and experiences through counselling can feel challenging, but with the right approach, you can be a supportive partner in their journey. Here are some effective strategies to create a nurturing environment for your child in counselling.
1. Create Opportunities for Connection
Building a strong connection with your child is key. Children in counselling may want to share their thoughts but struggle to initiate conversations. Instead of asking direct questions:
Be proactive in spending quality time together. Activities like cooking, reading, or taking quiet walks create natural opportunities for conversations.
Share your thoughts and experiences to model openness.
Show your full attention by putting away distractions like phones and repeating what your child says to validate their feelings.
2. Listen to Understand
Listening actively is one of the most powerful ways to support your child. Instead of rushing to solve problems:
Ask open-ended questions with curiosity and without judgment.
Focus on understanding their feelings before offering advice or corrections.
Prioritise connection over immediate correction to better understand their needs.
3. Walk Alongside Them
Show empathy and acceptance in all interactions. Use techniques like Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy (PACE) to deepen your relationship.
For younger children, get down to their level to foster a sense of equality.
Collaborate on solutions instead of dictating them.
4. Ask for Permission Before Offering Advice
Instead of giving unsolicited advice, ask your child what they need or how you can help. This approach respects their autonomy and can prevent resistance.
Be ready to accept a “no” and leave the matter unresolved if necessary.
5. Create a Calm Environment at Home
Home should be a sanctuary, especially for a child facing challenges.
Choose one or two non-negotiable behaviours to address while letting smaller issues go.
Maintain a regulated and calm demeanour to model self-control.
Strike when the iron is cold. When we are dysregulated, we can’t think logically so our child will not be able to engage with us especially on matters where we do not agree.
6. Develop Coping Strategies Together
Help your child explore healthy coping mechanisms tailored to their personality and interests.
Discuss activities they enjoy and ways to “fill their cup.”
Model healthy emotional regulation by sharing your feelings and demonstrating how you handle stress.
7. Encourage Expressive Outlets
Creative activities like art, journaling, sports, or music can help children process their emotions.
Introduce physical, intellectual, and creative hobbies that allow them to express themselves.
Practice bedtime journaling or meditation to help them identify and release emotions before sleep.
8. Prepare for Transitions
Big changes, like starting a new school or moving house, can be overwhelming for children.
Give them ample time to prepare and discuss upcoming transitions.
Validate their opinions and involve them in planning where possible.
By implementing these strategies, you can empower your child in their counselling journey. If you’d like more resources or support, don’t hesitate to reach out.
