What is parenting advice?

Parenting is full of ups and downs and it presents new challenges every day, but finding tips or advice can be overwhelming with so many resources available. There is no real manual on how to be a parent, so finding trusted support can be important.

Parenting advice can cover all sorts of different circumstances, but the following commonly require an added element of support in the form of advice:

• New parents
• Day-to-day parenting
• Single parenting
• Fostering or adoption
• Advice for parents with children who have additional needs

Which areas of life does parenting advice cover?

Parenting advice usually aims to cover all aspects of family life so that you, as a parent, can form the best possible relationship with your child/children and they can have the best quality of life possible. This advice can cover areas such as:

• Early year development, including the management of tantrums
• Education, including school and bullying
• Positive discipline
• Social life, including communication
• Lifestyle and diet, including any health concerns
• Family life, including divorce and separation​
• Teenage years
• Any medical or additional support that is needed

What sort of advice might be given?

The type of advice a specialist may provide is aimed at helping you feel more content as a parent but also ensuring your child receives enough love, support, attention, etc. Some examples include:

• Boosting your child's self-esteem
• Identifying your child's strengths
• Showing unconditional love
• Making time for your child
• Establishing limits
• Avoiding negative emotional reactions
• Being a good role model
• Making communication a priority
• Being flexible and willing to adapt your parenting style
• Being aware of your own needs and limitations as a parent

Where to get parenting advice

If you feel like you may need additional support or help, you can visit a psychologist or more specifically, a child and adolescent psychologist, who will provide you with expert and professional advice through face-to-face therapy sessions.