The Impact of Parental Involvement and Counseling on Children's Development

By: Joy Norwood - Licensed Professional Counselor

As a children's counselor I understand profoundly the role that parenting plays in helping to raise healthy and thriving adults. By learning and utilizing certain skills, parents are able to foster emotional, social, and mental well-being that lead to a stable life - at home and in the world.

One of my primary joys is working with parents to help children overcome obstacles they are facing, but as any parent knows, it's not always easy. Working with a counselor to enable oneself can be helpful, but there are also simple and effective ways to do so starting now, such as:

• Active Listening: Understanding and acknowledging what your child is saying helps them feel heard and validated.

• Patience: Children often require patience as they grow and develop their understanding of the world. The ability to stay calm during challenging moments is key.

  
  

• Consistency: Setting clear rules and following through with consequences creates stability and structure for children.

• Emotional Support: Providing encouragement, love, and reassurance helps children develop emotional resilience.

  
  

• Discipline: Instead of punitive actions, discipline should focus on teaching children about consequences and making responsible decisions.

• Positive Reinforcement: Recognizing and rewarding positive behavior reinforces good habits and boosts self-esteem.

• Modeling Behavior: Children tend to mimic adult behavior, so being a positive role model is essential.

There are also counseling services I offer directly to parents alongside those for children that can be helpful for the adult individually and thus bringing their best self to the role. If you're interested in further developing the following, call our front office at 337-703-2806 or book a consultation online with me today.

• Parenting Education: This focuses on helping parents develop more effective parenting strategies and learn more about child development.

  
  

• Conflict Resolution: Parents can benefit from learning how to handle disagreements between themselves or with their children in healthy, non-confrontational ways.

  
  

• Communication Skills: Counseling can help improve communication between parents and children, promoting healthy and open exchanges.

  
  

• Stress Management: Parenting can be stressful, and counseling can provide techniques for managing stress and maintaining emotional well-being.

  
  

• Building Family Relationships: Strengthening family bonds through counseling can promote healthier interactions and deeper connections.