Parenting Classes in Odessa, TX
Is parenting stress creating a ripple effect of frustration, conflict, or feelings of inadequacy in your life?
Do you wish you had more skills in place to help parenting stress feel more manageable?
Could you benefit from being in community with parents who share your same setbacks and frustrations?
No matter what the circumstances of your home life may be, parenting is a round-the-clock job. You are parenting the second your child wakes up, the moment their head hits the pillow at night, and every minute in between. It makes sense if you feel overwhelmed and unprepared at times—none of us are given instruction manuals for dealing with our kids.
Do You Want To Be More Intentional About Your Parenting?
At Balance Counseling, we are passionate about supporting children—and their parents—as they are growing up. As experts in child development and psychology, we understand that some of our families may benefit from coaching to improve parenting approaches and outcomes. Working together in our parentingclasses, you can learn new skills for engaging with your kids and responding to stress, all while building community along the way.
Reach out today!
Parenting Classes Reduce Feelings Of Isolation
No matter what you read in the how-to books or see on social media, confusion, frustration, and anxiety are part of the parenting experience at some point. And why wouldn’t it be? It’s hard to keep up with our kids! Once we have figured out one aspect of their development, they’re onto the next stage or behavior.
Many of the parents who seek support and guidance often feel ashamed of their parenting approach. Their inner monologue is negatively impacted by their own self-damaging beliefs, others’ opinions about how they should be parenting, or patterns from their childhoods they themselves have fallen into as parents.
Instead of tuning into your own setbacks, our coaches will help you turn your attention to others as you gain perspectives and insights from fellow group members who’ve encountered the same parenting stressors, setbacks, and dilemmas as you.
Parenting Groups At Balance Counseling
Our Intentional Parenting Classes are a weekly 90-minute opportunity to learn skills from an experienced therapist and form community. In addition to learning new skills and insights, our parenting groups give you a chance to celebrate your successes alongside others.
The Whole-Brain Child Approach
It can be truly affirming to walk the journey of parenthood alongside others who “get it.” In the safe, nonjudgmental space we create through our parenting classes, you can let go of some of the fears and anxieties keeping you from being the parent you want to be.
Our work with parents, whether individual or in a group setting, is always highly informed by Daniel Siegel’s Whole-Brain Child model. This framework is based on the unique ways that a child’s brain processes emotions and information.
Some of the key areas we’ll work on in parenting groups are:
Understanding the difference between your child’s “emotional brain” and “rational brain”—and how to connect the two when big feelings or tantrums occur
Keeping your child engaged in ways that will soothe them and reduce overwhelm
Modeling healthy communication and conflict behaviors
Staying attuned and empathetic, even when your emotions are escalating
If you’re interested in additional support to reinforce these skills, we have individual Parenting Counseling available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Parenting Classes…
Am I the only parent that feels like my child can’t stand me?
Setting boundaries and enforcing consequences are essential aspects of parenting—and in fact, we’d be a little worried if your child didn’t push back or express anger from time to time! Chances are they’re not going to be happy with every single decision you make for them, even when you’re right.
The special thing about our parenting groups is that you can be in community with other parents who feel the same way you do. Through this process, you can learn to be gentler with yourself as you explore your shared struggles with others.
Will other parents judge my parenting style in group?
At Balance Counseling, we are committed to providing a safe, nonjudgmental environment where all of our clients can feel free to share openly, whether in individual counseling or our parenting classes.
The group moderator will coach participants on how to be supportive and demonstrate respect when it comes to confidentiality and discussing individual parenting approaches. And you are likely to finish your classes feeling more connected with your partner, your child, and others as you experience connection with others through group.
How can sharing my struggles with others help me parent differently?
In a group setting, you encounter different insights, skills, and approaches than your own. In addition to providing you with meaningful encouragement, our parenting classes open up the dialogue for ideas that you and/or the group facilitator may have not considered before.
Parenting struggles can be painful and isolating—our classes can help you feel less alone in your struggles.
You’re Not Alone On Your Parenting Journey
At Balance Counseling, our Intentional Parenting Classes meet weekly to help support parenting skills and build community. For more information about our parenting classes and coaching services, contact us.