Figuring Things Out… For Parents

Service Description

There is so much pressure on parents to get things right. Advice comes constantly — social media, podcasts, parenting pages, school pressures, behaviour strategies, routines, reward charts, labels, opinions and endless comparison. Sometimes families become so focused on managing what is happening that they lose space to understand what may be sitting underneath it. Figuring Things Out… For Parents offers a calm, reflective and supportive space for parents to step back from the pressure of “perfect parenting” and begin making sense of behaviour, emotions, stress and family life in a more connected and realistic way. These sessions explore how children communicate through emotions, reactions, relationships and stress responses, while also recognising the realities parents are trying to juggle every day — work, school, routines, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, screen time, exhaustion, and the feeling that everyone in the family is carrying too much at once. Rather than focusing only on quick fixes or parenting techniques, the sessions look at the foundations underneath family wellbeing: * connection * communication * emotional safety * boundaries * regulation * routines * repair after difficult moments * and understanding what children may actually be needing underneath their reactions and behaviour. Together we explore the arguments that keep repeating, the moments where everyone ends up overwhelmed, and why some strategies work for some families but not for others. This is not about blame, judgement or getting everything right all the time. It is not about being the “perfect parent”. It is about helping parents think differently about themselves, their children and family life — so that any changes or strategies introduced have stronger foundations underneath them. Sessions are led by Mike Ogden, counsellor and founder of MJO Wellbeing Services, drawing on over 25 years of experience supporting children, young people and families across schools, communities and therapeutic settings. Grounded in attachment-informed, trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches, sessions remain practical, human and realistic for everyday family life. Because sometimes behaviour makes more sense when we stop asking: “How do we stop this?” and start asking: “What might this be telling us?” If you cannot find a suitable date or would like to organise sessions within your school, organisation or local area, please get in touch.