When commencing potty training it’s important to remember that every child is different. Children will be able to control their bladder and bowels when they are physically and emotionally ready so it’s best not to compare your child with others. Bear in mind that most children can control their bowels before they can control their bladder. Remember, you should not force your child to use the potty if they are not ready.
Getting Ready
Using a potty will be new to your
child, so get them used to the idea
gradually. Talk about your child’s
nappy changes, so they understand
wee and poo and what a wet nappy
means. Helping you flush the toilet
and washing their hands can be
helpful. Leave a potty where your
child can see it and explain what it’s
for. Children learn by watching
and copying.
How to start
Children learn from copying what
they see around them. Support
yourself and them by implementing
good habits, like taking a walk each
day, changing your cuppa from
regular cups of coffee for herbal tea.
Spend time doing things which make
you feel good and incorporate these
into your day to form new good
habits.
Set Routines
Setting routines in the home can help
both parents and children feel secure.
Think about the most stressful times
of the day and take small steps to help
reduce the stress, e.g. preparing the
night before. Keep a diary of your day
to help track your routine and make a
note of any stressors and what you did
to alleviate the stress, and if it worked.
Take a Break
On difficult days acknowledge that
you are having a hard time and lower
your expectations. Give yourself
shame-free permission to skip
the chores, eat a frozen meal, and
increase screen time for your kids.
Remind yourself that you’re doing the
best you can.
Self-Care
Looking after yourself includes eating
regularly, eating nutrient-rich foods,
and moving your body. To make this
happen carry a snack and water bottle
with you wherever you are going and
try to eat when you prepare meals for
your children. You can also participate
in fun physical activities with your
family, such as taking a walk, playing a
game, or doing a short yoga workout.
Seek Help
Sometimes it can help just to talk
to someone whether it is a friend
or a relative but if your feelings of
depression, anger, anxiety or stress
won’t go away, seek professional
support to help during difficult times.
There is no such thing as a perfect parent. All parents face challenges, regardless of whether they have poor mental
health or not. While it’s natural to be concerned about the impact your mental ill health may have on your children,
there are things you can do to support your children at the same time as helping yourself. The important thing is
that you can provide a safe and stable home for your child, where they feel loved and protected.
Support System
Establish a support system by
identifying one or two people who
you can go to for emotional and
practical support. Talk to them and let
them know if you are finding it hard to
cope and need support. Your support
system can help with practical tasks
such as childcare, transport and
cooking meals, as well as being there
for you as a listening ear.
Good Habits
Children learn from copying what
they see around them. Support
yourself and them by implementing
good habits, like taking a walk each
day, changing your cuppa from
regular cups of coffee for herbal tea.
Spend time doing things which make
you feel good and incorporate these
into your day to form new good
habits.
Set Routines
Setting routines in the home can help
both parents and children feel secure.
Think about the most stressful times
of the day and take small steps to help
reduce the stress, e.g. preparing the
night before. Keep a diary of your day
to help track your routine and make a
note of any stressors and what you did
to alleviate the stress, and if it worked.
Take a Break
On difficult days acknowledge that
you are having a hard time and lower
your expectations. Give yourself
shame-free permission to skip
the chores, eat a frozen meal, and
increase screen time for your kids.
Remind yourself that you’re doing the
best you can.
Self-Care
Looking after yourself includes eating
regularly, eating nutrient-rich foods,
and moving your body. To make this
happen carry a snack and water bottle
with you wherever you are going and
try to eat when you prepare meals for
your children. You can also participate
in fun physical activities with your
family, such as taking a walk, playing a
game, or doing a short yoga workout.
Seek Help
Sometimes it can help just to talk
to someone whether it is a friend
or a relative but if your feelings of
depression, anger, anxiety or stress
won’t go away, seek professional
support to help during difficult times.
Support line: 0808 8010 722
parentingni.org
Sometimes it is easy to forget that while being an adult has all sorts of stresses & strains, being a teenager isn’t always
that easy either.
Being A Teen Is Hard
Teenagers are at a difficult age when
they’re no longer seen as children
but are not yet considered adults.
Their hormones are racing, they
may be struggling with sleep, they’re
under pressure from friends & the
media, & their schoolwork is more
important now than ever. These are
just some of the issues that can lead
to the mood swings & emotional
outbursts that we commonly
associate with teenagers. This can be
worth remembering when handling
problems & difficult situations with
your teenager.
Privacy
Teenagers may kick up a fuss about
being old enough to look after
themselves but the truth is that
teenagers don’t always make the right
choices. Setting out some ground
rules makes it clear that they are
being looked after & despite the fuss
that they make about being in charge
of their own lives, the boundaries
actually make them feel safe &
secure.
Being Different
Teenagers need to show to the world
that they are growing up & are no
longer an extension of you. This might
mean being awkward or stroppy &
doing things you probably wouldn’t
like but it is important we understand
their need to be different.
Listened To
Sometimes teenagers think you’re
not giving them a chance to make
their case. If you want teenagers to
listen, then you should try to make
the effort to listen as well. Show
them that their ideas & opinions
matter, even if you disagree with
them. Try to negotiate something
that is fair to you both & then let
them take responsibility for their
own decisions.
Boundaries
Teenagers can worry about their
appearance & bodies, as well as
the feelings & thoughts they are
experiencing. Whether it is lack of
self-confidence or just a curiosity
about the way their bodies are
developing, they need time to sort
out things for themselves. Give them
space & don’t take it personally if
they prefer not to talk to you.
Love
Despite the cool & distant image,
they are still in need of care &
attention. Do not let them fool you,
they still need their parents around
to offer support & guidance.
Support line: 0808 8010 722
parentingni.org
The relationship between a parent and a child can be the most significant in a person’s life. Positive parent-child bonds foster autonomy, curiosity, self-esteem, and better decision-making skills. However, during the teenage years this relationship can be tested. As our children enter adolescence they may appear to need us less, however this is not true.
Be authoritative
Every teen pushes the boundaries, this is normal. However, as the adult you should try to respond maturely and calmly. Show them that you love them but be clear what the consequences are when rules are
broken and apply them consistently. Be fair by making sure the discipline is appropriate for the behaviour.
Try to avoid harsh or excessive consequences.
Decision Making
The feeling a teen gets when their
parent genuinely wants their opinion
is priceless. Many parents make the
decisions instead of letting their teens
play a role. Giving your teen a sense of
autonomy to offer their opinions and
be part of making decisions with help
them take ownership of their actions.
Find Independence
When your teen has a strong
relationship with you, they feel
empowered to go out into the
world and take on challenges. Be
a supporter for your teen, pushing
them to build their resilience.
Review Rules
As your teens grow it is important to review your rules and increase their privileges to help promote their independence. Teens need to see that you trust them with more responsibility as they age.
Be trustworthy
As a parent it is important that you
build a foundation of trust with your
teen. Your teen needs to know that
they can rely on you to be there.
When you say you’ll do something, do
it. Keep your word. However, trust also
means respecting your child’s need for
privacy and keeping their confidences
when they do share with you.
Relaxed Conversation
Teens can easily become intimidated with
too much face-to-face communication.
Reduce the pressure by planning some
of your talks ‘side by side’, i.e. during
a car journey. Use this time to get to
know your teen including their interests,
preferences, and hobbies. Share your own
interests with your teen too.
Support line: 0808 8010 722
parentingni.org
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