PARENTING

All parents love their children and want what’s best for them. In my experience, most have reasonably good parenting skills based on their instincts and experience. But what happens when the usual strategies don’t work? Or when we come across extraordinary circumstances or unusual behaviors? That’s where extraordinary parenting skills come in. While I have found that most parents can mange the day to day obstacles with their children, it’s when life throws the curveball that they turn to professionals for help. It takes extraordinary parenting skills to manage difficult temperaments, challenging or even traumatic situations, and extreme moods and behaviors.

I see it as my role to provide parents with these extraordinary parenting skills. It is my job to help you sort through the information out there in order to determine the best approach for your family. I teach parents how to evaluate situations to determine the most appropriate consequences. I teach parents how to connect in a healthy way with their children; a way that encourages compliance, is warm and nurturing, but sets healthy boundaries. It is my job to be the expert on children, while respecting that you are the expert on your child. Together, we work as a team to collaborate and problem solve on your particular challenges. I have coached parents on dealing with oppositional behaviors, extreme anxiety, separation anxiety, sensory issues, sudden changes in mood (including managing the ups and downs of children with bipolar disorder), and sibling issues. I have also coached parents on how to be their child’s best advocate, particularly in acquiring the services needed to assist the child with special needs. I find it personally fulfilling to watch families grow and change, connect and commit to each other, and overcome their struggles.

I am able to work with parents individually, in couples, or in groups in order to teach extraordinary parenting skills.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 773-882-0373 or email me at dr_dmarino@yahoo.com