Introducing the Parental Counseling Tips Column
At some point (or many points) during the parenting path, we all need a little help. New parents, parents who have been doing this for a while – all of us at one time or another find ourselves at a crossroads, not knowing what to do. We hope that Offspring’s new column of advice on parental counseling will help you at this crossroads.
I want to help you solve problems that baffle Google – or even your best friend. Challenges arising from complex interpersonal dynamics, relationships and the unique needs of our children.
So why am I the right person to help you deal with your toughest parenting dilemmas? If you’ve been here for a while, you probably know that I have a nine-year-old son, and you may also know that I am a former adoptive parent. Being a foster parent gave me the training, understanding and experience of what it is like to raise multiple children, children of different temperaments, children who have survived trauma, children of different races, children younger than my son and children older than my son.
Secondly, I have been writing about parenting for several years, but first of all I am a journalist. Opinion is good, but when it is supported by facts and proven methods, it is even better. I also like to think that I know enough to know when I don’t know something (you understand?), So I will seek expert opinions on the most sensitive and difficult obstacles you face.
Finally, I enjoy helping. Parenting is really, frankly, ridiculously difficult. It starts off hard and remains hard . As soon as you overcome one obstacle, another awaits you ahead. We are together to support each other and drag each other to the finish line when it seems like our feet cannot take another step.
So put it on me. What are your most pressing parenting questions? What is the problem that you and your partner just can’t agree on? How can I help you overcome toxic relationships with extended family members or solve an uncomfortable problem your child is facing in school?
Send your questions to mwalbert@lifehacker.com with “Parental Advisory” in the subject line, and I’ll try to answer them here.