Sometimes it can feel as if your family is at breaking point.
When your child’s behaviour begins to affect family harmony, it’s hard to know what to do. You tell yourself not to be angry or “pushy”. You worry you’ve done something wrong in your parenting or not been there for your child. It feels as if this situation may never be fixed.
Meltdowns (at home and in public), tantrums, arguments or withdrawn behaviour don’t always have an obvious cause. You want your child to be happy and to know they are loved. You want to “fix” and manage any issues they’re going through – even if your child may not be able to express themselves or explain their fears and worries.
Sometimes the natural reaction to difficult behaviour is to be cross or anxious yourself. It’s not only your child that needs reassurance – you do too. Children’s behaviour can put a strain on relationships and, if you’re a single parent, it can feel as if there’s nowhere to turn.
It’s OK. This situation can change.
The Goulding Method
You can’t be with your child all the time. You don’t know where they might have heard something that’s made them feel as if they’re not good enough, caused anxiety or angered them.
One of the most effective techniques I use is the Goulding Method (also known as SleepTalk). This is an amazing process that works against the negative thoughts children hear and feel. The Goulding method improves self-confidence and boosts self-esteem, as well as addressing anxiety concerns. It can also help with bed-wetting and eating issues.
The Goulding method (previously branded as SleepTalk) has been around for more than 45 years. It was originally developed by Joane Goulding, (who I trained with) and is designed to be a safe, easy way for parents to reassure and calm their children.
It is effective for children of all ages, and also for atypical behaviours and behaviour patterns.
It’s totally non-intrusive (and there’s absolutely no medication involved). Once you’ve learned how to do it, it only takes two minutes a night. Two minutes to help your child overcome their challenges. Two minutes to re-establish family life.
Where needed I will also work one-to-one (see below).
As an Accredited Goulding Consultant trained in the Goulding Method, I will explain how the programme works and – more importantly – how you can get started on using it with your child.
The essence of The Goulding Method is that your reassuring and affirming words gradually replace your child’s concerns, fears and negative thoughts with unconditional love.
Every child is unique, so The Goulding Method doesn’t follow a fixed set of steps. It will help you and your child to manage their concerns - whether these are rooted in confidence, anxiety, happiness or self-esteem. It can also assist with frustrating behaviour, sibling rivalry and separation anxiety.
The Goulding Method will also help you to identify any specific needs. I can then introduce tailored therapy sessions, reassuring your child and helping them to overcome their challenges.
Don’t worry. Stop blaming yourself.
Working directly with your child.
Where needed, I will also work one-to-one with young children and teenagers (and a parent if appropriate), talking about their concerns and issues. We work together to find a path going forward that allows them to express and manage their fears and frustrations. My therapies are gentle but effective, allowing families to find stability.
Don’t worry. Stop blaming yourself.
