Being a parent of young adults is not easy. But, for many, the decision to work with a counselor or therapist is the best decision they have ever made.

This form of therapy is not only short-term, it can also include all loved ones, you and your spouse, you and your child, or just you. Each treatment plan is specific to the situation. It doesn’t matter if the conflict lies between you and your son/daughter, or if it has to do with family trauma or child-related developmental, physical, or mental health problems; counseling sessions can provide you with the support and resources you need to be the best parent possible.

The truth is having children and understanding how to parent are two totally different things. And, even if you have a good understanding of what it takes to be a good parent, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can avoid the challenges that often accompany it. To be honest, there is no such thing as a “perfect parent.” It’s a myth like a unicorn or dragon.

We all make mistakes, which is why counseling may be the best decision you’ll ever make.

How Do I Know If Need Parenting Counseling?
As mentioned above, parenting can be tough, and it can trigger or worsen your stress level – even if you are an easy going calm adult. Tension, stress, and strain, when combined with a lack of sleep and poor lifestyle choices, can lead to parenting issues. But, it is important to understand that not every parent needs parenting counseling.

No, if you have a strong support system and people you can turn to for help, you probably don’t need this form of therapy – although you could. On the other hand, if you are experiencing a high level of stress (i.e. postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.) that is interfering with your ability to be the best parent you can be, it may be time to seek professional help.

What are Some Common Issues for parents and young adults?
Every family has its own unique problems, however, some issues are common to most, if not all, parents. The most common issues that parents face are:

Financial problems.
Arguing.
Death in the family
Drugs.
Technology addiction.

In the face of stress, it is common to adopt a variety of unhealthy coping mechanisms that only worsen the situation. And to top it off, it can be hard to know when things are about to get out-of-control or when they are already out-of-control. In fact, it’s normally family and friends, who recommend counseling – not the person in need of it.

The best thing you can do is to seek counseling for yourself, your spouse, and your children, when there is a significant change in your family. Why? Well, because unexpected and “out of your control” events can disrupt and/or alter your family structure, leading to angst and/or behavioral issues. In this case, you may need to hire a professional – counselor or therapist – to help you better manage your uncontrollable anger, depression, chronic worry, anxiety, and/or irritability.