Being a parent is rewarding—and also incredibly challenging. No two children are alike. The first born may be happy and content, and then the second child arrives… Sleep becomes a distant memory, patience gets tested, and parents desperately seek answers: what are we doing wrong?
Even though no guidebook exists to seamlessly shepherd you through the parenting experience, there are resources available. If you’re struggling with your role as a parent, here’s something that can help.
Behavioral Issues in Children
Behavioral problems account for 50% of pediatric psychiatric disorders, and if they’re not addressed, they often continue well into adulthood.
Part of the challenge of being a parent involves addressing the issue—setting an example about what is and isn’t acceptable—yet in the moment, exhausted sleep-deprived parents often yield to their child’s demands. This may restore momentary calm, except the child has learned that by behaving in this way, they ultimately get what they want.
So, as a parent, what are your resources? How can you fix this and other behavior problems before it gets too big?
Parent Management Training (PMT)
Let’s jump to one of the most effective resources out there: Parent Management Training. This is a short-term treatment program that helps parents learn how to manage some of the bigger challenges.
It is evidence based, and can be modified to address the specific difficulties you’re facing.
From behavioral problems, aggression, difficulty following directions, or anything in between, PMT empowers parents by giving them the skills necessary to identify the particular challenges their child faces, and then—with help from an expert—steer them in the right direction.
The premise is to reward good behavior, enforce boundaries and structure, and help the child learn how to express themselves appropriately.
At the Relationship Therapy Center, we offer PMT, and have helped many a frazzled parent restore peace and order to their household. If you’d like to learn more, please reach out.
Why PMT is so Effective
What sets PMT apart from other methods is it’s catered directly to you and your child.
Unlike a book where you’re told certain principles and instructed to apply them to your situation, PMT addresses the specific dynamics between you and your child.
It equips parents with the knowledge and resources to remedy issues where they emerge the most: in the home.
While therapy is an excellent resource for children, if their parents aren’t involved, it’s hard to inflict lasting change. Since parent involvement is one of the core tenets of PMT, the behavior is addressed at the source since parents are empowered with the knowledge on how to proceed.
In addition, PMT is shown to improve the parent child relationship. There are clear consistent boundaries and behavioral expectations, and the child feels protected and safe.
Childhood is a time of wonder, but it can also be challenging as the child grapples with situations and feelings they don’t understand. By working to uncover the reasons behind why your youngster is acting out—helping acknowledge their feelings while also teaching them appropriate ways to manage—you’re setting them up to be healthy adults.
None of this is particularly easy. It can involve a lot of clumsy fumbling and worries that you did something wrong.
However, by working with an expert in PMT, you don’t need all the answers. You have someone there to help, someone who’s able to work with you to find solutions that lead to lasting change.
If this is something you think your family could benefit from, we’d love to hear from you! Give us a call to learn more.
Begin PMT in the Sacramento Area and Online in California
Your family deserves to find peace and healing. Our family therapists can help. Ultimately, we want to strengthen the relationships you have with each other and restore love and harmony in your family. To begin counseling at our Roseville or Fair Oaks counseling center or online in the state of California please follow these simple steps:
- Contact our office to get more information about PMT counseling and to schedule a free consultation.
- Make an appointment with one of our caring therapists.
- Discuss your family’s unique needs and goals with your therapist.
- Develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your family.
- Engage in regular sessions to build stronger, healthier relationships.
- Find support and healing in your relationship!
Other Services Offered at The Relationship Therapy Center in California:
In addition to PMT, Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples services include: Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, intensive couples retreats, and premarital counseling. Our individual therapy services include, therapy for children, teen therapy, depression treatment, and individual relationship counseling. Our therapists offer online counseling in California to treat a variety of mental health concerns. Please reach out to our Sacramento area therapy office to learn more about the many ways we can help you or your loved ones heal and grow.