In some communities, parent drop-in centers have become a new kind of “neighborhood”, bringing young parents together to meet one another, to learn new ways to handle children, and to provide mutual support. What used to happen over back fences or at the park when more parents were at home is now happening in church basements, in elementary school cafeterias, at the local Y, or in more organized parent centers. Programs at such centers focus on skill building and support.

Parent study groups are most often run by laypeople but may also be offered by professional parent educators, or licensed counselors, social workers, or psychologists who are interested in the field.

Most parent education is either free, on a sliding fee scale, or nominal in cost. Health insurance generally does not pay for parent education, although some Employee Assistance Programs will.

Counseling

Counseling is simply advice (although the advice isn’t always simple). When parents have already sought out information and have done their best but a problem is becoming either chronic or a crisis, it’s time to reach for some help. Sometimes good advice from experienced older family members, friends, or fellow members of a parent study group is enough. It’s almost always a good place to start. But if that doesn’t work, or if there are good reasons why it’s not a good idea for a young family to turn to its informal network, there are professionals who specialize in family problems.

Professional counselors have seen it all (or at least most of it) before. They are trained to listen in a non-judgmental way to everyone involved. They are educated about child development and have learned helpful ways to meet the challenges of each age and stage. Children and their families are unique. Counseling reaches beyond the one-size-fits-all information offered by parent education and provides advice that takes into account the specific needs and resources of a particular family. Counseling often includes skill building. Sessions might focus on building better communication between parents or between parents and teens, how to set good limits, or how to give a particular child the attention he or she needs.

Another form of counseling is provided by “warm lines”, phone lines staffed by trained counselors who listen compassionately, offer some advice, and make referrals to someone locally who can help. Warm lines are available for advice about what to do about specific issues like teen drinking, eating disorders, domestic violence, depression, etc., and for advice about parenting children with various disabilities or challenges. National and/or state phone numbers can be located on the web.

Counseling is often provided by school guidance counselors, clergy, family services workers, nurses and pediatricians, as well as by licensed counselors, social workers and licensed psychologists who have a special interest in helping families.

Some counseling is offered free or on a sliding fee scale at human service agencies, churches, schools, or pediatric practices. Sometimes counseling occurs at private practice offices as well.
Health insurance may pay for some sessions, depending on the license of the provider and the issues being addressed.

    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 8 Jun 2007
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.