CREATIVE SKY
PSYCHOLOGY

Parent Therapy at Creative Sky Psychology

Parent Coaching and Therapy located in Calgary, Alberta

We work with parents and caregivers from a strength-based model and build capacity and authenticity in parenting practices. When it comes to parenting a one size fits all approach doesn't always work. We support parents and consider the age and development stage of the child, the family dynamic, and the individual needs and goals of parents or caregivers.

Creative Sky Psychology works with parents at all stages of their child's development. This can involve discussions around various parenting practices, or how to support your child or teens needs. Often parents may be experiencing their own challenges that make parenting difficult. Parenting comes with unique challenges that aren’t always straight forward. Sometimes the best thing a parent can do for a child is the hardest thing and can seem counter intuitive. This may be taking a step back and creating a "holding space" for your child or teen. Learning your own tools and strategies to parent during emotionally challenging times is something parents can do to support their child. Children learn best when they are calm. If the moment is “hot” try taking a step back, and coming back to the issue later. Children benefit from different parenting strategies as they develop, however finding ways to build problem solving skills and develop resiliency from a young age will translate to confidence and willingness to try new things later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Healthy Parenting?

Healthy parenting involves setting clear and consistent expectations for children and teens. Healthy parenting involves allowing children to problem solve, make mistakes, and learn from the consequences. Setting boundaries helps children learn self-regulation skills and long-term coping strategies. When parents are feeling emotionally healthy, they are better able to cope with parenting challenges and model problem solving and emotion regulation strategies.When we learn healthy parenting strategies, we can help build resilience and strength in our children. Some strategies that have been shown to be effective for many parents include:

Positive reinforcement: Reinforce positive behavior by acknowledging and praising your child when they follow your rules and expectations.
Consistent and clear boundaries: Set clear and consistent boundaries for your child and enforce them in a predictable and consistent manner.
Active listening: Practice active listening to understand your child's perspective and to build a strong, trusting relationship.
Empathy: Show empathy towards your child's feelings and experiences to foster emotional regulation and to build a strong connection.
Problem-solving: Encourage your child to develop problem-solving skills by giving them opportunities to find solutions to problems on their own.
Positive discipline: Use positive discipline techniques, such as natural consequences and positive reinforcement, instead of punishment to promote good behavior.
Encouragement and support: Encourage and support your child's interests and goals, and help them build self-esteem and confidence.
Flexibility: Be flexible and adaptable in your parenting approach, and be willing to modify your strategies as your child grows and develops.

How to set boundaries with your child or teen?

Setting healthy boundaries with children is an important part of good parenting. Some general guidelines for boundary setting include:

Communicate clearly: Clearly communicate your expectations and boundaries to your children in a way that they can understand. Explain the reasons behind your rules and the consequences of breaking them.
Be consistent: Consistently enforce your boundaries and consequences. Children need predictable, consistent rules to feel secure and to understand what is expected of them.
Use natural consequences: Whenever possible, allow natural consequences to occur as a result of your child's actions. For example, if your child doesn't clean up their toys, they may not be able to play with them the next day.
Offer choices: Give your child choices within the boundaries you have set. For example, you can ask them to choose between two healthy snacks or two activities that are acceptable to you.
Be flexible: Be open to adjusting your boundaries as your child grows and develops. Children's needs and abilities change over time, and your boundaries should reflect that.
Provide positive reinforcement: Reinforce positive behavior by acknowledging and praising your child when they follow your rules and boundaries.

By setting healthy boundaries and consistently enforcing them, you can help your children feel safe, secure, and respected, and can promote their emotional, social, and intellectual development.

What happens in a Parent Session?

It can be helpful for parents to seek professional help if they are struggling in areas related to mental health, or feeling overwhelmed. When parents address their own mental health issues, they are better able to support their children. Parent sessions do not have to focus solely on parenting. Parenting, though challenging, can become easier as our own challenges begin to become more manageable. We help parents work through their individual challenges as well as parenting difficulties.Parenting sessions can be used to address a variety of issues, including:

Difficult behaviors in children: Parent therapy can help parents to understand the underlying causes of their child's difficult behaviors and develop strategies to manage these behaviors effectively.
Communication problems: Parent therapy can help parents to improve their communication skills and resolve conflicts with their children.
Parenting styles: Parent therapy can help parents to understand their own parenting styles and the impact they may have on their children.
Family dynamics: Parent therapy can help parents to identify and change negative family dynamics and improve relationships within the family.
Individual issues that a parent or caregiver may be experiencing

Parenting sessions at Creative Sky Psychology can be an effective way for parents to improve their relationships with their children, address any challenges they may be facing, and become more confident and effective parents. With the right support and guidance, parent therapy can help families to overcome difficulties and improve their overall well-being.

What are the 4 Common Parenting Styles?

The 4 common parenting styles are Authoritative, Permissive, Authoritarian, and Uninvolved. Understanding your style can help create healthy changes:

Authoritarian parents are defined as being strict with a heavy focus on following the rules. Children who are parented from an authoritarian style tend to be timid and do not take risks.
Permissive parents are warm, accepting, and try to avoid confrontation. They do not want their children to experience adversity. Children with permissive parents may have difficulties with regulating their emotions and controlling impulses.
Authoritative parents try to find a balance between setting boundaries and allowing their child to build independence and self-regulation skills. Children who are raised by authoritative parents tend to have better adaptive skills both as children and adults.
Uninvolved parents typically have little expectations of their child and offer little nurturing. Children tend to struggle with self-esteem issues when raised with this type of parenting style.

Authoritative parenting is beneficial for building resiliency and independence in our children, however can seem like a difficult feat for those who have a vastly different parenting style. Parenting authentically matters too. If your child is struggling, there may be areas for adjustment or balance, rather than feeling that you have to pivot 360 degrees. Creative Sky Psychology can help with movement in small steps!

Parent Sessions at Creative Sky Psychology

Parent in therapy session with a psychologist

Creative Sky Psychology offers parent therapy sessions in Calgary, Alberta. Parent sessions are available in person or via Telehealth. Parent sessions at Creative Sky Psychology aim to guide parents and provide ideas for supporting their child's needs. Additionally parent sessions may involve information on "best parenting practices" using an approach that aligns with your families goals. Parents are welcome to book an initial parent meeting to create goals and discuss the challenges their child may be facing. Parents learn to recognize their child's unique needs and strengths and build their child's capacity for growth and wellness.

Creative Sky Psychology recognizes the important role parents play in supporting their children. We are trained in Positive Discipline, Floortime, Reference and Regulate, and can help carry over ideas into the home. Younger children often benefit from having parents be a part of sessions and parents are welcome to join for the beginning or end of sessions. Generally teens prefer to have their own space, though adjustments can be made depending on your child's needs. If want to book a parenting session, please book online or contact the Creative Sky Office for additional information. We are available for phone, video, or in-person sessions.

CREATIVE SKY PSYCHOLOGY