by Jessie Klamar, LCSW
I know I’m not the only parent in the toddler trenches, but some days it really feels that way. I crawl into bed after a tough day with my four and one-year-old and my mind spirals – did I do right by them today? Is my son’s behavior normal, or could he use extra support? Am I being kind enough, firm enough, am I playing with them enough?
Parenting little kids, especially parenting them well, is exhausting in a way that is difficult to understand or describe to others who haven’t been there. And we don’t get much feedback from them, at least until they’re teenagers. Friends and family members can offer meaningful support, but how incredibly valuable would it be to have an expert parenting teammate for guidance and evidence-based strategies?
If you are a parent to a 2–7-year-old with difficult behaviors, including trouble following commands, tantrums, dawdling, and difficulty cooperating, your family might be a good fit for Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). PCIT is a highly effective behavioral treatment for children with tricky behaviors. In PCIT, we leverage the power of attachment through play before implementing structured discipline strategies.
The goal of PCIT is not just to change your child’s behavior; it is also to strengthen your bond. As a PCIT therapist, I know I’ve been successful when there is a shift in the overall dynamics of the family – parents and children enjoy each other again. It is an honor to walk alongside families as they learn ways to shift behavioral patterns and draw closer to each other.
If you are interested, please reach out to schedule a free 15-minute meeting with me so I can learn more about your family and help you on a path to more peace, more fun, and less late-night spiraling after a difficult parenting day. You’re not alone in this beautiful, exhausting, magical experience of being a parent.