FUN AND REWARDING, BUT NOT A CAKE-WALK!

INTRODUCTION TO PARENTING

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The experience of parenting is one of life's richest and most fulfilling roles. But it is also a lifelong demand and responsibility that carries huge emotional, financial, energetic, and mental challenges. As is often said, there are no 'rule books'. We often learn to parent by trial and error, and gain insight and support from a variety of sources including friends, family, books, and community resources.

The early stages of parenthood – especially for first-time moms and dads – change everything about our lives, and drain us as we work round the clock to care for a newborn, then infant, then toddler, and onward. As children enter the school years and become more independent, we regain some freedoms, but new needs emerge as well.

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Parenting is more and more complex as our world becomes more technologically advanced. We also see incredible demands on children from school as well as competition between peers for achievement and academic, social, and athletic standing.

Relationships with children are ever-changing. The adoring infant morphs into the petulant toddler who pushes us away. The school age child needs our love and support, yet wants to have his or her own life. And teenagers...well, that stage of childhood and parenthood may be the single greatest trial of the relationship. Hormones, physical changes, tremendous peer pressure, and the college or work world decision are overwhelming factors for the teen as well as for the loving parent who wants the best for his or her child.

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COMMON PARENTING ISSUES

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Parenting questions abound throughout all ages of a child's life. Some issues are very specific to developmental stages, but common themes include:

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• Attachment issues

• Blended families

• Boundary setting

• Bullying

• Discipline

• Encouraging healthy eating / physical activity

• Fears

• Learning disorders

• Negative behaviors

• Peer relationships

• Sexuality

• Sibling rivalry

• Sleep issues

• Substance use

• Support for the stressed parent

• ...and many more

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WHERE TO GET HELP WITH PARENTING ISSUES

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EAPFirst is an excellent, free resource for parenting concerns. Click on "Contact Us" in the upper right corner of this page to obtain the phone number to talk to a counselor about any worries or stress you are experiencing, or visit our Benefits Page.