"Let's be honest parenting is not a bunch of roses," says person-centred counsellor, Hannah Bolton. "It's really challenging at times.

"Depending on what age your children are they go through different phases. This may be, 'having a tantrum,' rebelling, repeated patterns of behaviour or being over emotional.

"This doesn't always mean there is anything 'wrong' with your child. There may be a perfect valid reason why children act the way they do. " 

As parents we all have off days or weeks too. We may chat to our friends, other halves or arrange some self-care, she said.

"Children don't always have the ability to articulate how they feel. They may just need some quiet time or time for someone to just sit and listen to how they feel.

"I have personally found mood cards work well which encourages children to understand their emotions and know how they feel.  

"It can be easy to compare one child's behaviour to another, forgetting they are all different. Every child has their own personality, values, and opinions.

"The phrase comparison is the thief of joy happens to be true. It only creates anxiety and stress. If there is something you are concerned about of course seek medical advice or mental health services but otherwise, try to see your child as their own person.

"Children all do things at various times. It doesn't always mean they are 'behind' or not achieving. It may be just they are not ready to do something or need something explaining to them in a different way.

"We all have our own learning styles too and can see things from a range of perspectives. " 

Balancing parenting and home life can be really overwhelming at times and with it being half term next week, it can be even harder. It can create a house full of stress so planning in time to relax however you choose can be helpful.  

Days out are getting more expensive too so the guilt can kick in about not being able to go out all the time. Trying to keep children entertained is not always easy.

Here's a few ideas that I have done with the kids which haven't cost a lot of money that hopefully may help: 

1. Make a scavenger hunt either in or outside of the house with things to find. Depending on their age this can be adapted to make the clues harder or easier.  
2. Days out at the park with a homemade picnic  
3. Making a collage with different items  
4. Making a Father's Day card  
5. Forestry England Places where only carparking payment is required  
6. Days at the beach crab fishing or collecting shells  
7. Planting seeds in the garden  
8. Going on a nature walk – spot what you can see  

I hope some of these ideas help. If you are struggling with parenting, please feel free to contact me. Thanks for taking the time to read this.  

You can contact Hannah by visiting her website, calling her on: 07768198184, or emailing: [email protected]. 

If it wasn't for our sponsors like Hannah Bolton Counselling, our news site would not be possible. Thank you. 

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