Parenting can be an incredible journey filled with joy and love, but it can also present challenges that leave us feeling overwhelmed and unsure of our abilities, potentially making you ask the question – do I need a parenting mentor to help with my child’s behaviour? When faced with behavioural issues in our children, it isn’t always natural to seek guidance and support. We can feel like we should have the answers, and if we don’t have them we can feel shame, guilt or anger that parenting isn’t as easy as other people and social media would have you believe! Our approach here at Calm In The Chaos is to practice compassionate parenting, which emphasizes a strong emotional bond between parent and child. But do you need a parenting mentor to help with your child’s behaviour when practicing attachment style parenting techniques? Let’s explore this question further.
What is attachment parenting?
Attachment parenting is based on the belief that a secure and nurturing relationship with parents forms the foundation for a child’s healthy emotional and social development. It encourages practices such as breastfeeding, co-sleeping, babywearing, and responding promptly to a child’s needs. The focus is on building a deep connection between parent and child, fostering trust and emotional security. Our approach here at Calm In The Chaos is to truly foster connection between child and parent, and lead compassionate conversations and bonding techniques that look to reduce friction, miscommunication and adversarial relationships. It’s not just about promoting a parenting technique…
While attachment parenting principles provide a solid framework for raising children, every child and family is unique. Some parents find that they naturally gravitate towards attachment parenting practices and successfully navigate behavioural challenges on their own. However, others may benefit from the guidance of a parenting mentor who specializes in understanding the unique relationship you have with your child, and be able to help you to navigate the nuances which a manual or website cannot address.
How a parenting mentor can help you as a family
A parenting mentor can offer valuable insights and support tailored to your specific situation. They can help you understand your child’s behaviour from an independent perspective, identify any underlying emotional needs, and suggest strategies to address those needs effectively. A mentor can also provide reassurance and encouragement during challenging times, reminding you of the importance of the parent-child bond and helping you stay committed to the principles of compassionate parenting. If you are looking for a parenting mentor that will tell you that your child is naughty then a compassion led, attachment parenting mentor would not be the right choice for you. It is really important that you find the right parenting mentor that is in alignment with your values and ethics as a person, or you will not get the best results; which could end up being even more harmful.
A parenting mentor can help you to implement effectively
A parenting mentor can guide you in implementing different parenting strategies more effectively than trying to learn yourself or in a group environment . While these practices have numerous benefits, they require a thoughtful and informed approach. A mentor can teach you how to establish a secure attachment bond, promote healthy emotional regulation, and foster positive communication patterns with your child. They can also help you navigate potential challenges or conflicts that may arise when adopting attachment parenting principles. Using my own experiences as a parent I can share with you, empathise on those curve balls and support from a first hand perspective being a single parent.
Finding the right parenting mentor for you
In the UK, there are various resources available to find a parenting mentor. What you should get clear on is what you are looking to achieve, what your values are and how best you want to work with the mentor so that you can find the right fit for you and your circumstances. It is a good idea to seek recommendations from trusted healthcare professionals, local parenting groups, and communities dedicated to parenting to help you find the right fit. Many mentors like me, offer individual consultations, workshops, or online courses to support parents on their parenting journey. Based in Wales but able to support online much further afield, I always recommend booking an initial chat first to see if there is a fit for working together before needing further commitment. It is important to remember that seeking a parenting mentor is a personal choice. While some parents find it beneficial, others may feel confident in their ability to navigate their child’s behaviour without external assistance. It’s crucial to trust your instincts and choose the path that aligns with your values and circumstances.
Regardless of whether you choose to engage a parenting mentor or not, it’s important to remember that parenting is a continuous learning process. No parent has all the answers, and seeking guidance when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness. Different parenting principles can serve as a helpful guide, but they should always be adapted to suit your child’s individual needs and your family’s dynamics.
Do I Need a Parenting Mentor to Help with My Child's Behaviour?
Ultimately the decision to seek a parenting mentor to help with your child’s behaviour really depends on your personal circumstances and preferences. A parenting mentor can provide you with specialised guidance, support, and reassurance as you navigate the challenges of raising your child. But remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and the most important factor in fostering positive behaviour is the strong bond and loving connection you share as a family – whatever that is made up of.
Get in touch if you would like to chat about parenting mentor services