Make IT EPIC
EPIC
Let your Imagination Run Wild
the Help of
Navigating Parenting Parenthood Counsellors with
P
Parenthoodisabeautifuljourney
filledwithimmensejoyand fulfilment.However,itcanalso comewithitsownsetofunique challengesandpressures.Thereisno 'one size fits all' approachtoparenting becauseeverychildhasadifferent personality.Parentsmaybecome confusedandfeeloverwhelmedasa resultofthis.
Duringsuchtimes,parenting counsellors,whoareprofessionals providingsupportandguidanceto parentsastheynavigatethecomplexities ofraisingchildren,canlendahand. Parentingcounsellorsofferasafeand non-judgmentalspaceforparentsto discusstheirconcernsandfeelings.
Theyprovidetoolsandstrategiestohelpparents developpositiveparentingskillsandbuild strongerrelationshipswiththeirchildren.
Theapproachesusedbyparentingcounsellors mayvary.However,theirultimategoalistohelp parentsidentifytheirstrengthsandchallenges anddevelopplanstoovercomeobstaclesand achievetheirparentinggoals.Seekingthe servicesofaparentingcounsellorcanbea positiveandempoweringstepforparents,asit canleadtolowerstresslevels,improved parentingskills,andstrongerfamily relationships.
Inthelatestissueof The Knowledge Review, 'ParentingCounsellorsMakingParenting Easy,'weexploretheroleofparenting counsellorsinmodernsociety,theirimportance inpromotinghealthyparent-childrelationships, andthebenefitsofseekingtheirservices.
Wehopethisissueshedslightonthevaluable servicesprovidedbyparentingcounsellorsand encouragesparentstoseekhelpwhenneeded. Parentingmaycomewithitsownuniquesetof challenges,butwiththesupportandguidanceof aparentingcounsellor,itcanalsobean enrichingandrewardingexperience!
Haveaninsightfulread!
Ed ors Note ‘
Anish David AnishDavid
Overcoming Stigma
Importance of Normalising Seeking Help from Parenting Counsellors in India
Creators
Publication
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Name of the Personality
Asha Vaghasia
Dr Garima Malhotra
Nidhi Parekh
Payal Narag
Salony Priya
Shalu Varadkar
Sonali Talwalkar
Stuti Agarwal
Tripti Sharma
Brief
We Positive Parenting aims to create a holistic ecosystem for families wherein parents can feel supported in their journeys of raising children.
Dr Garima Malhotra has mastered the field of pediatric and is a certified parenting coach by profession. She makes it her moral responsibilities towards her patients to help alleviate any fears that might be hindering them.
Ekta Verma guides and counsels parents to holistically complete the learning arc of parents and children. Her vision has always been about allowing parents and children to have good relationship with each other.
ninos Out-of-School Club envisions building a community where children and parents engage in interesting activities. As a founder, Nidhi Parekh envisions building a community where children and parents engage in interesting activities and spend quality time together.
Payal Narag, through Playful Parenthood, focuses on changing a parent’s mindset from negative to positive. Her mission is to inspire and empower parents to be gentler and calmer towards their children.
Salony Priya, a renowned counselling psychologist, has curated new, tried and tested psychological techniques that help parents become better nurturers.
Mommies World For U & Me was founded by Shalu Varadkar as a parenting forum. Within a few months, it became a mission, a journey, and an extended family for mothers as well as their family members.
Sonal Talwalkar, through Praisers, have realized the power she has to understand complex people issues, troubleshoot to connect the dots and plant new thought seeds that can be nurtured to bring about positive changes in parent's lives.
Stuti Agarwal, through @mombae.blogger, shares excerpts from her life that immensely contributes and helps other parents to become better guardians.
Tripti Sharma is a counseling psychologist who is willing to help one unmask their mind from all fears and stress of this life through Unmasking Minds.
Ekta Varma
EktaVarma
Curating a Trustworthy Parents' Guide in the Digital World
Thedigitalworldhasput everyonearoundusinthe dilemmaoftrustingthe internet.Digitalmediahasopeneda windowofimmenseknowledgeand wisdom.Intheoceanofknowledge, contentconsumptionhasescalatedto variousmediumsinaveryshortspan oftime.
Accordingtovariedinformation presentonvariousplatforms,the averagecontentconsumptiontimeon theinternetisalmostsevenhours. This,indeed,isasignificantamountof time.Yet,amidsttheprocessofcontent
consumption,thequestionthatarisesis thequestionofcredibility!
Is the content consumed on the internet trustworthy or credible?
Whatandwhomtobelieveisthe questionthathasbeenaskedagainand againbynetizensforawhilenow Despitetherebeingsomeplatforms thatverifythecontentthatisbeing consumed,thelackofawarenessis somethingthatisstillkeepingmostof thenetizensundertheimpressionof unverifiedandcredibility-questioning content.
Thepeoplewhoaremostaffectedbyit arechildrenandparents.Moreover, beingapartofthisdigitalera,parents arealwayslookingforwaystobe betterparents,andthelackofproper guidanceforthisalsoresultsinpoor parentingandothereffectsofthat whichfollows.
Butthesilverlininginthisdarkcloud is , and EktaVarma Mom-counsellor thenewageDigitalInfluencer Understandingandstudyingthemarket forawhilehasallowedherto understandtheintricaciesofparent counsellingandchooseafull-proof tried,andtestedwaytocommunicate withheraudience.
Asamother,shealsobelievesthat wordofmouthholdssignificant importanceincommunication.
So, without further ado, let's dive deep into the indigenous and trustworthy journey of Ekta Varma.
AJourneyofContinuousLearning
Emphasizingherjourneyasamomcounsellor,EktaVarmasays, "I am a mother of two children (Khushaansh, 9 and Saanvika, 2), a mom influencer,
Ekta Varma Parent Counsellor, Influencer, @mommy_modeon
model and fashion influencer by the name of @mommy_modeon. From 2017, it has now been almost six years or such in this industry And over the time, I have experienced many things."
"I do not expect extraordinary from myself, but I am confident that I am exceptional, and this belief in myself led me to my achievements. I am the winner of BOI, featured in many magazines and newspapers and have been a public speaker at Dainik Bhaskar," shefurtheradds.
FindingaMid-wayOut!
Duringthestartofherjourney,Ekta hasalwaysbeenoutspokenandbusting st mythsaboutparentinginthe21 century.EktaVarmapostulateshow sheovercamethequestionof credibilityontheinternet,saying, "I believe mom often trusts the words of other moms. What else could be the beginning of my career as a mom influencer? As a parent, we are loaded with a lot of responsibilities, which is rewarding and challenging at the same time; raising good children always comes first. Being a parent, I can say that parents are vulnerable to many other problems, and they too need support to survive."
TheFirstTeacher'sGuide
Ektahasbeenguidingandcounselling parentstoholisticallycompletethe learningarcofparentsaswellas children.Hervisionhasalwaysbeen aboutallowingparentsandchildrento havegoodrelationswitheachother andflourishovertime.
Explaininghervisionand responsibilitiesasaparenting influencer,EktaVarmasays, "As a mom influencer and parent counsellor, my intention is to maintain harmony between parents and children. I guide parents to help them survive as parents and cope with the range of difficulties
Parenting Counsellors Making Parenting Easy
affecting their children. I always try to focus on a parent's strengths and accept them. After all, they know their child's behaviour well. Through my clear and prescriptive advice, I envision a mellow and friendly relationship between parent and children."
EducatingtheModernWay
Therelationshipbetweenamotherand childhasbeenfulfillinganddelicately balancedonthethreadoflove. Mothersbeingtheirchildren'sfirst teachers,ithasbecomequitedifficult forthemtoeducatethemselvesabout parenting.Findingawaytoeducate suchanaudienceandreachoutto them,EktaVarmaasserts, "Think, 'Mothers are asked to read Ramayana, but not Mahabharata while they are carrying the baby in her womb. Why? Because we believe that the Mahabharata has a bad influence on babies, even if they are in the womb'. At every stage, from getting pregnant to giving birth, from childhood to teenage and from adulthood to later phase, parents' responsibility becomes to set a good example for their child."
Furtherpostulatingherviewsonthe traditionalandmodernwaysof parenting,Ektaadds, "But I feel these three are the phases when parents need to be precautious. 'Childhood' is when their minds are like blank slates, and they adapt to what they are surrounded by; 'Teenage' is when they start applying what they have seen and adapted in their childhood, and 'Adulthood' is when they actually need support directly or indirectly and are struggling with their abilities and disabilities. I found the most challenging part in guiding parents is their expectations towards each other and of society also."
"In this era of digitisation and as a mom influencer, it is also challenging
As a mom influencer and parent counsellor, my intention is to maintain harmony between parents and children.
for me to reach out to parents with good content and to take care that they do not adapt bad influences through social media," shefurtheradded.
Experimenting,Experiencingand Educating!
EktaVarmahasbeenatrendsetterand parentinfluencerinthismodernworld. Curatinghermentoringstylethrough anexamplefromherownlife,Ekta Varmasays, "In Saanvika's school, she was told to bring some fruit, but I got informed through other parents that fruit is a theme, which was a misconception. I was so excited that I would make my daughter cute little grapes as per the theme. And here comes the funny part, when I dropped Saanvika at school, I learned that she needed to bring fruit in the lunchbox! And I was speechless. Oops… now what!-This was the smallest example of how small mistakes we can make, but it's ok to make mistakes; we all make."
"To everyone who needs to reach out to their child, I will say adapt the nature of acceptance and show your love in easier forms like being their friend is one of them. Nothing that parents can't do," sheconcludes.
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Importance of Professional Support
The Rise Pting of
Counsellors in India
Parentingisacomplexandever-
evolvingprocess,anditcanbe difficulttonavigatethe challengesthatcomewithit.InIndia, traditionalparentingpracticeshave longbeenthenorm,butaschildrenare growingupinarapidlychanging world,parentsarefacingnewpressures anddemands.Fromsocialmediato academicexcellence,parentsare strugglingtofindtheirfootingand providetheirchildrenwiththe guidanceandsupporttheyneed.Thisis whereparentingcounsellorscomein, providingfamilieswiththetoolsand techniquestheyneedtonavigatethe challengesofmodernparenting.
Asparents,theyalwaysactintheir child'bestinterests.Whilemaking smalldecisionsfortheirchildis simple,itisthemajoronesthat frequentlyleavethemwonderingif theyaremakingtheproperchoice. Withsomanyoptionsaccessibleto children,determiningwhatisbestfor themisasignificanttask.
WhatisParentingCounselling?
Parentingcounsellorsaretrained professionalswhospecializeinhelping parentstodevelopandmaintain healthyrelationshipswiththeir children.Theyofferarangeof services,includingone-on-one counselling,groupsessions,and workshops.Theycanaddressawide varietyofissues,fromcommunication anddisciplinetoacademicandsocial pressures.Manyparentingcounsellors aretrainedinchildpsychologyor counsellingandhaveyearsof experienceworkingwithfamiliesfrom allwalksoflife.
Benefits
ofParentingCounselling
Oneoftheprimarybenefitsofworking withaparentingcounselloristhe personalisedsupportandguidancethat theycanoffer.Unlikebooksoronline resources,whichprovidegeneral
advice,aparentingcounsellorcan tailortheirapproachtomeetthe specificneedsofeachfamily Theycan helpparentstoidentifytheirstrengths andweaknessesanddevelopstrategies foraddressingareaswheretheymay needimprovement.Theycanalsowork withchildrendirectly,helpingthemto buildself-esteemandresilienceandto navigatethechallengesofadolescence.
Anotherbenefitofworkingwitha parentingcounselloristhesenseof communityandsupportthatitcan provide.Manyparentsfeelisolatedand overwhelmedbythedemandsof modernparentingandmaynothavea networkoffamilyorfriendstoturnto foradvice.Byworkingwitha parentingcounsellor,theycanconnect withotherparentswhoarefacing similarchallengesandbuildasenseof camaraderieandmutualsupport.This canbeespeciallyhelpfulforparents whomaybestrugglingwithfeelingsof guiltorinadequacyandwhoneeda safespacetosharetheirexperiences andemotions.
Theriseofparentingcounsellorsin Indiaisalsoreflectiveofthechanging attitudestowardsmentalhealthand well-beinginthecountry.Inrecent years,therehasbeenagrowing recognitionoftheimportanceof mentalhealthandagreaterwillingness toseekhelpwhenneeded.Thisshiftin attitudeshasmadeiteasierforparents toaccessthesupportandguidancethey needwithoutfearofjudgmentor discrimination.
HowParentingCounselling StrengthensFamilies
Workingwithaparentingcounsellor doesnotmeanthatparentsaregiving uptheirauthorityorcontrol.Instead,it canbeseenasawayofstrengthening theirroleasparentsanddevelopingthe skillsandtoolstheyneedtocreatea
positiveandnurturingenvironmentfor theirchildren.Bylearningeffective communicationskills,settingclear boundaries,andbuildingastrong foundationofmutualrespectandtrust, parentscancreateahealthyand supportivehomeenvironmentthat promotesthewell-beingandhappiness oftheirchildren.
Inconclusion,parentingisafull-time job.Theyarecontinuouslymaking decisionsfortheirchildren,fromwhat typeoffoodtoprovidetowhichschool toattendto,whichhobbiestopursue, andsoon.Itistheroleoftheparentto assisttheirchildindevelopingsocial skills,lifeskills,andappropriate behaviour Throughouttheearlyphases oftheirchildren'slives,parentsmust instilthepropervaluesandchartthe rightcareerrouteforthem.
Theriseofparentingcounsellorsin Indiaisapositivedevelopmentina worldwhereparentingcanoftenfeel overwhelmingandchallenging.By offeringpersonalizedsupportand guidance,parentingcounsellorscan helpfamiliestonavigatethe complexitiesofmodernparentingwith confidenceandease.Thebenefitsof parentingcounsellingaremany,andby seekingprofessionalsupport,parents cancreatestrongerandhealthier relationshipswiththeirchildrenand buildabrighterfuturefortheir families.
Last,andmostsignificantly,parent counsellingrelievesthestressof needingtobetheperfectparent.One ofthemostcommonreasonsparents avoidcounsellingisthebeliefthat seekinghelpmeanstheyhavefailedas parents.Infact,theoppositeistrue. Thecounsellor'sgoalistoworkwith theparentwithoutpassingjudgement, assistingtheparentinbeingthe greatestguardiantheycanbe.
Mombae.Blogger
Documenting the Highs and Lows of Parenting!
urfingonthetidesoftheinternet insearchofmotivationand inspiration,thequoteofWill Smithalwayscatchestheattentionand showcasestheimportanceof 'Running and Reading.' Keepingtherunningpart aside,heespeciallyemphasisedon reading.Hesaysthattheworldhas housedgazillionsofpeopletodate, andthereisnotasingleproblemthat we'vefacedthathasn'tbeenfacedby thepeopleinthepastandhavenot writtenaboutit.
Documentationisoneofthemost prominentpartsofhumans.Itnotonly sharestheuniqueexperiencesfroma completelydifferenttimebutalsoleads usinthedirectionthatprovidesthe solution.Also,changeisthelawof nature,andlifesustainsonit.And documentingthatchangehasbeenthe habitofhumans.
Also,inthiscontemporaryworld whereeverythingseemstobechanging sofast,thedecisionstakenby professionalsareevensomeorthe otherwayrelatedtothischange. Highlightingonesuchsignificant changeinaperson'slifethatforcedus totrackherforourlatestedition, 'ParentingCounsellorsMaking ParentingEasy,'isStutiAgarwal, Blogger,ProudMotherandFormer
Parenting Counsellors Making Parenting Easy
Journalist,whoisalsopopularly knownontheinternetamongst mothersas@mombae.blogger
Asinterestingashercareerasa journalistwas,itwasthebirthofher firstchildwhenthemostsignificant changeofherlifewasdocumented.At thistime,Stutidecidedtoquither careerandbeafull-timeparentand documentallthelittleandmajor momentswithherchild.
Butbeingasignificantjournalistwitha passionforwriting,lifestyle,and healthcare,shecombinedallthese whilefollowinghernewlydiscovered passionforparentingandpractising citizenjournalismormodern-day journalism.Andwithrespecttothis, shebecameaparentingblogger, documentingthehighsandlowsof holisticparentingandtakingittothe worldwithherengaging,informative andrealisticblogs.
TheInspiringTaleof @mombae.blogger
Thebirthstoryof@mombae.blogger isasinterestingasthestoryofStuti Agarwal.Addingmoredetailstoher story,StutiAgarwalsays, "I am a journalist by profession, and I worked with national newspapers for 13 years. But it was when I became pregnant
with my first child that I decided to take a break from work and spend all my time with the child. I used this time to read up and understand parenting."
Furtherexplainingtheunique relationshipofamotherandchild, Stutifurtheradds, "We travelled to many countries with my baby and was asked to document it. So, when I had my second child in 2019, I decided to document my parenting journey with her. Thus, the blog @mombae.blogger was born."
Andwhenaskedaboutherinspiration forventuringintoparentingblogging, Stutireflects, "I had a vague memory of my firstborn's childhood just two
The whole idea of starting the blog was to help other mothers navigate parenthood more smoothly.
years into parenting. So, when I became a mom the second time around, I thought of documenting my journey in the rawest way possible. I laid down my struggles and my insecurities, which resonated with people. I think providing value to people, making their life easier, and in turn getting their love is my biggest inspiration."
ATrueJournalist
Havingspent13yearsinthefieldof mediaandjournalism,theknackof writinghasalwaysbeenanintegral partofherlife.Apartfromthat,being st inthe21 centurysurroundedby moderntechnology,shehasstayedtrue toherpassionforjournalismwhile startinghereccentricjourneyasa blogger.
when parents come and tell me that they opted for delayed cord clamping or were prepared to breastfeed after reading my posts. Many parents do small things differently after seeing my content, and in turn, try to parent better consciously. That's my motivation."
"I talk about gentle and respectful parenting, which makes a huge difference as parents get to know how exactly to implement it," shefurther added.
OvercomingtheChallengeof Consistency
'You don't have to be extreme, just consistent!'
Emphasisinghervisionofstartingthe blog,Stutiexpresses, "The whole idea of starting the blog was to help other mothers navigate parenthood more smoothly. I had no idea that a world of influencers existed and that you could earn money from it. In fact, it was a revelation later. And to date, I strive to give researched informative articles to parents-to-be and parents so that they are prepared and take informed decisions."
EducatingwhileExperiencing!
Beingabloggerandajournalist,Stuti Agarwalisquitefamiliarwiththe impactbloggersandeducatorshaveon thetargetaudience.Andafterstarting herjourneyasaparentingblogger, Stutihasbecomeaguideformany parents.
Throughherparentingjourney,shehas immenselycontributedandhelped parentsinbecomingbetterparents. Whentalkingaboutherproudparent experienceandhowherblogishelping newparents,Stutiasserts, "I love it
Themajorchallengeforanybloggeror foranyoneisdisciplineandtobe consistencyinwhattheystarted. Expressingherstruggleswiththis challenge,StutiAgarwalsays, "The biggest challenge was the one and only one running the page. I am my own researcher, content writer, strategist, model, photographer, taking brand queries, posting, engaging, handling finances and whatnot. And that, too, while looking after the kids and a home. It is not easy."
However,despiteallthechallenges, Stutihasmanagedtostayconsistent withbloggingandhelpingherreaderparentsbecomebetterparents.
HelpingOthersUnderstand Counselling
StutiAgarwalhasbeenaproficientand practicalpersonthroughoutherlife. Withvariedexperiencesinthefieldof journalism,shehascarvedanichefor parentingandadvisedpeopleon variousparentingtipsandtricks throughherexperience.
Be gentle, treat your child with respect and think from their perspective. It will change things a great deal.
Stuti,aproudparentoftwo,has alwaystalkedaboutchildren's changingnature.Understandingand expressingwhyparentsneed counsellingforraisingtheirchild,Stuti expresses, "There is no proven time when one requires a parent counselling session. If you are attuned to your child, bonded to your child in a healthy relationship, you'll never need counselling as such."
Furtheradvisingtheparentsabout parenting,sheshares, "Be gentle, treat your child with respect and think from their perspective. It will change things to a great deal. Also, try to fill your cup and do things you love."
SneakPeekinto@mombae.blogger Calendar
Expressingherviewsofthefutureof parentingcounsellingandherplans accordingtoit,sheenvisionssaying, "We have a huge responsibility on our shoulders as parenting content creators. Not only do we provide value to parents, but we also give visibility to small brands and mompreneurs, so I think this profession will just grow by leaps and bounds."
PayalNARANG
Empowering Parents to Become Better Nurturers
Beingaparentisafull-timejob. Theyareusuallythemost significantpeopleinthelives ofachild,asparentsareconstantly makingdecisionsfortheirchildren, fromwhatfoodtoconsumetowhich schooltoattend,whichhobbiesto pursue,andsoon.Evenwhenthechild hasreachedadulthood,theymayseek advicefromtheirparentsandguidance onethicalmattersaswellasmundane dailyconcerns.
Asaresult,parenthoodistheutmost criticalstageoflifethatnotonlyalters thecourseoflifeofthepersonwho decidestobecomeone,butitalso meansbeingresponsibleforthe upbringingofanotherhumanbeing frombirth.
Howaparentportraysthemselvesand theirresponsibilitiestotheirchildren playavitalroleinshapingthem.The parent'sactionsandideascanhavean impactontheirchild,andthisis especiallytrueduringachild's formativeyears.
However,theimpactofaparentcanbe seeminglyamenable.Certainfactors likefriends,themedia,andschool, allowchildrentopickupnewideas. Responsestosuchsituationsgoverned bypeopleouttherecanalsoaffecta
child'sgrowthorbehavior.Thiscan happendespiteaparent'sbestattempts tokeeptheyoungstersafe.Thus, parenthoodcansometimesbecome overwhelmingwhenchallengesare neverendingandalwaysnew
Parenthoodisoneofthemost gratifyingexperiences,butitisalso oneofthemosttime-andenergyconsumingresponsibilitiesdueto endlessreasons.Eachchildandfamily areunique.Oneparentingstylemay notworkforallchildren.Thereisno 'one size fits all' approachtoparenting becauseeverychildhasadifferent personality.Parentsmaybecome confusedandfeelbaffledasaresultof this.
Everyparentissubjectedtovarious challengesthatmightimpacthowthey carefortheirchildren,particularlyhow theyraisethem.Thenthebestcourse ofactionistoseekexpertassistance andcounsellingfromtherapistsand otherhealthprofessionals,aseveryone hasconflictingpiecesofadviceto provide.
Parentsalwaysactintheirchildren's bestinterests.Whilemakingsmall decisionsforthechildissimple,the majoronescanoftenleavethem wonderingiftheyaremakingthe properchoice.
Tominimizeconfusion,parentscan seektheassistanceofprofessional counsellors.Inordertohelpparentsto betterunderstandtheirinnateparenting style,parentcounsellingoffersa varietyoftherapiesormodalities.It thendelvesfurthertounderstandhow variousissuesaffect,andperhapseven change,thatstyle.Parentscandevote alltheirfocustopreserving, enhancing,orre-establishingpeacein theirhomeswhentheyhavetheskills todealwiththeirproblems.
Notonlythat,butwhenparentstake theinitiativetoinitiateparenttherapy, theydemonstratetotheirchildrenthat theycareaboutthewell-beingofthe familyunitwhilehelpingtodestigmatizementalhealthissues.
Today,numerouspracticesoutthere canassistinhelpingparentswith solutionstotheirproblems.Butwhen itcomestothewell-beingofthe children,onlythebestquality assistanceshouldbeconsidered.One suchpersontoprovidequality counsellingtoparentstoenhancetheir parentingskillsisPayalNarag, FounderandParentCoachofPlayful Parenthood.
The Knowledge Review hadabrief interviewwithPayaltolearnmore
aboutherskillsthatenhancemany livesdailybyprovidingthemguidance andsupport.
Let's dive into her story
InspiringParents
Payalhasalwaysbeenagoodlistener. ShestudiedChildPsychologyand graduatedin2007.Afterbecominga mom,shedealtwithherdifficultiesand wantedtocontinuehereducation. That'swhenshetookcoursesto becomeaparentcoachtohelpherself andotherparents.
"Parenting has changed a lot over the years. My mission is to inspire and empower parents to be gentler and calmer towards their children. I focus on positive and gentle parenting methods, teaching parents how to support their children in an increasingly complex world," shesays.
Payalfocusesonchangingaparent's mindsetfromnegativetopositive.She believesfocusingonpositive behaviourswiththeirchilddrastically reducesnegativebehaviors.This,in turn,reinforcesastrong,supported relationshipbetweentheparentsand thechild.
OvercomingAdversities
ThemajorchallengePayalhasfacedis thestigmaofseekingcounselling. Peoplearehesitanttoaskforhelp.But
Parenting Counsellors Making Parenting Easy
shehasasolutiontoovercomethe problemaswell.Throughher instagrampage,shestartedsharing tipsthathelpedparentsandbuilta connectionwiththem,makingiteasier forthemtoreachouttoher
Today,parentsarelearningthat childrenneedmoreattachmentand securerelationshipstobecome confident,independentchildren.Asa result,Payalcanseemoreandmore parentsadoptingthisstyleinthe future.
Shealsorunsaprogramthatfocuses ongentleandpositiveparenting.This primarilyfocusesonhowtheparent shouldrespond,notreacttotheir child'sbehaviors.
Besides,herstrugglesasa mominspiredherto continueher educationtogive
Payal Narang Founder and Parent Coach, Playful Parenthood
I run a program that focuses on gentle and positive parenting; this primarily focuses on how the parent should respond, not react to their child's behaviors.
thebesttoherchildfirstandthenpass onherexperienceandeducationto otherparents.
"I believe children's behaviors start becoming more and more difficult after the age of two. They are developing so quickly that parents get overwhelmed and need help coping with their changing behaviors," statesPayal.
PayalhasbeenfeaturedinMiddayand TOIlifestylesectionsforherexpertise asaparentingcounsellor
Shestated, "Parenting is hard, and no parent is perfect. Don't focus on others' Instagram lives and judge yourselves. It is ok to reach out for help, and let me make your parenting journey easier for you."
Normalising Counsellors
PParentingisacomplexjourney
thatcomeswithnumerous challenges.InIndia,parenting isoftenseenasapersonal responsibility,withparentsrelyingon theirexperienceorseekingadvice fromfamilyandfriends.However,as modern-dayparentingposesnew challenges,theroleofparenting
counsellorshasbecomeincreasingly importantinprovidingsupportand guidancetoparents.Despitethe benefitsofworkingwithparenting counsellors,seekinghelpisoften stigmatizedinIndia.
BreakingtheStigma
Thestigmaaroundseekinghelpfrom parentingcounsellorsinIndiais primarilydrivenbythebeliefthat askingforhelpisasignofweakness. Additionally,seekinghelpisoften associatedwiththeideathattheparent isnotgoodenoughorhasfailedin theirrole.Thisnegativeview discouragesparentsfromseekinghelp, evenwhentheyarestrugglingwith theirchild'sbehaviourorthe challengesofmodern-dayparenting. However,seekinghelpisnotasignof weakness.Infact,seekinghelpshows awillingnesstolearnandimprove, whichisasignofstrength.
NormalisingSeekingHelp
Normalisingseekinghelpfrom parentingcounsellorsisessentialto overcomethestigmasurroundingit. Normalisingseekinghelpmeans creatinganenvironmentwhereseeking helpisacceptedandisnotassociated withnegativeconnotations.Creating suchanenvironmentrequiresthe collectiveeffortofparents,the community,andthegovernment.The firststepinnormalisingseekinghelpis toraiseawarenessaboutthebenefitsof workingwithparentingcounsellors. Thiscanbedonethroughcampaigns, workshops,andotherinitiativesthat aimtoeducateparentsabouttheroleof parentingcounsellorsandthebenefits ofseekinghelp.
Anotherwayofnormalisingseeking helpisbypromotingpositiveparenting practices.Positiveparentingpractices
promoteopencommunication,mutual respect,andtrustbetweenparentsand children.Bypromotingpositive parentingpractices,parentscan developabetterunderstandingoftheir child'sbehaviour,whichcanhelpthem identifyissuesthatrequirethehelpof parentingcounsellors.
Finally,thegovernmentcanplaya significantroleinnormalisingseeking helpbyinvestinginparentingsupport programs.Parentingsupportprograms provideparentswiththeskillsand toolstheyneedtocreateapositiveand nurturingenvironmentfortheir children.Theseprogramscanbe designedtoprovidecounselling services,trainingsessions,andother formsofsupportthatcanhelpparents buildtheskillstheyneedtoovercome thechallengesofmodern-day parenting.
TheBenefitsofSeekingHelp
Therearenumerousbenefitstoseeking helpfromparentingcounsellors.One oftheprimarybenefitsisthe personalisedsupportandguidancethat parentingcounsellorsoffer Theywork withparentstoidentifytheirstrengths andweaknessesandprovidestrategies foraddressingareaswheretheymay needimprovement.Parenting counsellorscanalsoworkdirectlywith children,helpingthemtobuildselfesteemandresilienceandtonavigate thechallengesofadolescence.
Anotherbenefitofseekinghelpisthe senseofcommunityandsupportthatit canprovide.Manyparentsfeelisolated andoverwhelmedbythedemandsof modernparentingandmaynothavea networkoffamilyorfriendstoturnto foradvice.Byworkingwitha parentingcounsellor,theycanconnect withotherparentswhoarefacing
similarchallengesandbuildasenseof camaraderieandmutualsupport.
Moreover,seekinghelpcanleadto positiveoutcomesforboththeparent andthechild.Whenparentsseekhelp, theycandevelopabetter understandingoftheirchild's behaviourandneeds,whichcanleadto amorepositiveandnurturing relationship.Thiscanleadtobetter academicperformance,improved mentalhealth,andoverallhappiness forthechild.
Inconclusion,inacountrywherea majorchunkoftheadultpopulation hasasilentrelationshipwithmental health,thewords'therapy'and 'counselling'areconsideredprivileged vocabularyandawesternconcept. YoungIndiansareslowlyidentifying, normalising,anddestigmatisingthe ideaofseekingprofessionalsupportat timesofmentaldistress.Theyarenow moreopentotheideaofapsychologist oratherapist.Inthecurrentscenario, parentalcounsellingwouldsoundan absurdandalienterm,especiallyinthe Indiancontext,whereparentingis oftenviewedfromthepointof entitlementmorethanadelicateand profoundresponsibility.
Parentalcounsellingandtraining shouldbegiventhesamepriorityas anyothertypeofworktraining.They shouldbemadenecessaryandeasily accessibleparents.Parentsmustbe completelyawareofthelasting impressionstheyleaveintheirchild's upbringing,aswellascomprehendthe psychologicalaspectsofcopingwith childandadolescentbehavioursat variousdevelopmentalstages.
Ummeed Counselling & Consulting Services
Positive Parenting for Positive Growth
'We are a generation of broken hearts and broken people.'
Hearingthisstatementina crowdinyouryoungdays mightbethemostrelatable thingthatcouldhappentoyou.It mightevenaswellbetruebecausethe surroundingseemstobefilledwith brokenpeople.
Everyfaceonthebustotaketotravel backhometellsastory,orthecar besideyouwhenyouwaitatasignal onyourwaytotheofficepicturesa frustratedorpuzzledportrayaloflife's bitterness.Amidallthis,theonly soundthatsoundsrefreshing,nomatter howmanytimesyouhearitisthe soundofachildlaughing.The cluckinglaughterandthemilkywhite eyesofhopepicturearealityofa happyface.Doesn'treadingaboutit evokearelivingorahappyemotion?
Butontheotherhand,oneofthemost heartbreakingstoriesthataretold,seen andexperiencedofteninvolvesa puzzledyoungadult.Anditisagreed thatinthebusyandconsciousworld, findingtimeforyourchildisextremely crucial.
Discardingallthefailedattemptsof oneself'sholisticgrowingarc,every parentwantstobeagoodand responsibleparentfortheirchildren. Nomatterhowthemessed-upthreadlikelifeisentangledintheprocessof havingahappyandsortedlifestyle,it istheirchildrenthelastHOPEthat keepsthemgoing,flowinginthe waterymistofembracingthebeautyof life.
Havingsaidthat,somestudieshave proventhatgoodparentingor childhoodcanimpactaperson'sadult life.Eventhedustystoriesoffame, power,andknowledgesharethesame. Andwheninthemixedbagof surprisescalledlifeyoufind hopelessness,itisthecryforhelpthat reunitesyouwithlife,restoringyour faithinhope.AsAndyDufresnein ShawshankRedemptionsays, "Hope is a good thing; may the best thing and no good thing ever dies."
Basedonthisconceptorconjuncture oflife,helpingpeopletofindhopeand allowthemtore-instiltheirbeliefin lifetoprovideaholisticchildhoodto children,wecameacrossUmmeed Counselling&ConsultingServices, whohasbeencounsellingthemodern-
dayparentstoleadahealthylifefor themandtheirkids.
Talkingwith The Knowledge Review abouthow'ParentingCounsellors MakingParentingEasy'inthe modernworld,SalonyPriya,Director ofUmmeedCounselling& ConsultingServices,shareshowshe andherfirmismakingadifferencein st themodernlifestyleofthe21 century
AnIndulgingStoryofHOPE! UMMEEDCounselling&Consulting Serviceswasestablishedwithavision toprovidecounsellingandconsulting servicestothecommoners.MrsSalony Priya,arenownedcounselling psychologistwitharichexperiencein thefieldofEducationManagement, HumanDevelopment,Parental Guidanceof18years,hascuratednew, triedandtestedpsychological techniquesthathelpparentsbecome betterparents.
ApartfrombeingtheDirectorof UMMEEDCounselling&Consulting Services,sheisalsoaTrusteeofthe UMMEEDFoundation.Alongwith that,sheisawiseadvisorforMentor andEducationalInitiativesandisquite arecognisedpersonalityinthefieldof education.
Aftertakinguptheresponsibilityat UMMEED,MrsSalonyhascurated someuniquewaysofdeliveringand presentingworkshops.Sheisquite popularforherprogramatUMMEEDPositiveParenting,whichhasdefined herstorywithUMMEEDasastoryof hope.
Withherinclusioninthecoreteam,the workshopsareknownfortheir interactivenature,informaldelivery styleandkeenobservation,defining thehighlyeffective,entertainingand informativeworkshops.
Andsuchhasbeenthestoryof UMMEEDandMrsSalonyPriya,the indulgingstoryofHOPE.
TheBenefitsofParentCounselling Inaninteractionwiththemagazine, MrsSalonyPriyasharedsomeofthe uniquebenefitsoftheparents' counsellingsessions.Highlighting someofthemajorbenefitsofparent counsellingandthePositiveParenting ProgramatUMMEED,MrsSalony shares, "Psycho-educational – based on sound research on child psychology and provides very proactive insights and solutions to parents that are age appropriate and very practical. Apart from that, all Ummeed parenting classes educate parents on understanding child's behaviour as per their age and evolve techniques for parents respecting their situations and uniqueness."
Parents wanting guidance for marriage counselling for their children in age group 24 to 32 years.
"Moreover, very personalised, needbased coaching on building parenting skills, freeing from past conditioning of parents' childhood experience is also what many parents struggle with. After all, the parenting styles are analysed, and then counselling and therapy are provided so that parents can deal with their anxiety and stress, accordingly," MrsSalonycontinues.
"Extremely practical, everyday lifestyle changes that can have a profound impact. All our clients appreciate our process as besides giving them insight, it has given them respect, trust, and confidentiality," shefurtheradds.
AWiseandKnowledgeableLeader
MrsSalonyPriyaistheDirectorof UMMEEDCounselling&Consulting Services.Shehasaverystrongaura andgainedimmensewisdomand knowledgeovertheyears.Asacoach, motivationalspeaker,andtherapist,she appearstobeararepersonwitha sharedloveforchildrenandanexpert inchildpsychology.Herexpertiselies inbreakingdowntheknowledgeinto verypracticalandsimplestepsto understandandimplementtherequired changes.
Beingarolemodelformanyanda proudparentherself,shehasdeveloped anempatheticstyleandtremendously connectswithsocialnormsfor effectiveparenting.
Talkingaboutherexclusiveleadership andcounsellingsessions,the managementsays, "She comes across as an extremely understanding, knowledgeable therapist, who makes the parent, even in the most extreme situation of distress, see a ray of hope. When guiding young couples with children's behaviour, she always builds hope in parents that it is not bad parenting; it is just a miss match of the child's needs and your approach."
"When dealing with adolescent parenting issues, she always focuses on resolving the conflict and teaching both parents and the teenager how to build
“Parents unable to deal with excessive dependence of children on friends, real and virtual, fear of relationships and sexual exploration , parents feel hesitance to approach sexuality issues with their own child, hence seek professional help.
Mrs Salony Priya Director, UMMEED Counselling & Consulting Services
a life-long respectful relationship. She allows parents to have a guilt-free, frustration-free approach where they can trust their gut feeling and use LOVE and LOGIC in their parenting," UMMEEDCounselling&Consulting Servicesmanagementfurtheradds.
AUnique Coaching Methodology
UMMEED Counselling& ConsultingServices havecarveda specificnicheinthe marketforits uniquecoaching methodologyand thesystemthey havecuratedto achieveexcellence. Herearesomeof
theuniquecoachingmethodologies curatedbyUMMEEDCounselling& ConsultingServices:
Ÿ Identificationofparentingstyles–discrepancybetweenbothparents intheirstyleanditsimpact;
Ÿ One-to-onecounsellingtoparents ontheircommunicationpatterns;
Ÿ Videocoachingonresolving emotionaldistress;
Ÿ Buildinghopesofaneffective relationshipwithchildren;
Ÿ Creatingawarenessofshifting normsinsociety;
Ÿ Playtherapyandarttherapywith children;
Ÿ Videocoaching;
Ÿ Skillbuildingandresponsibility training;
Ÿ 4AModelofadolescentanguish–casesituations-basedsimulation training.
APanelofExpertise
UMMEEDhasbeeninthefieldof parentingcounsellingforawhilenow Beingatrendsetterintheindustry, UMMEEDhascarvedanicheforitself inthecounsellingspace.Forthis,the foundationhasaccumulatedanexpert teamofapsychologistspecialisedin childpsychologyandparenting counselling.
Talkingaboutherteam,MrsSalony Priyasays, "Ummeed operates in
providing coaching and counselling to parents in the group, sensitising talks in educational institutions, in social organisations as well as one-to-one therapy sessions. A team of counsellors, special educators, play and art therapists and clinical psychologists provides assistance in diagnosis as well as providing individualistic, need-based support and solutions."
Furtherelaboratingthis,MrsSalony Priyafurtheradds, "Counsellors enable children to develop skills and overcome their difficulties. The assessments and testing further enable parents to see the child's abilities, strengths as well as weaknesses. Moreover, there are also therapies to support behaviour modification."
"Counselling for parents to build desired parenting skills and develop a more balanced approach to deal and cope with the situation is often and openly discussed. And the team also provides research, publishes papers on
the work done in the field of parenting and develops successful case studies that provide inspiration and belief to parents. Having said that, the coaching and internship opportunities at Ummeed allow new professionals to learn from the core team's work," Mrs SalonyPriyafurtheradds.
LightingtheCandleofHOPE!
TheCOVID-19pandemichasbeena lifesaverandeye-openingformany. Thelockedsocietiestoldusthestory oftheneedforcounsellingand consulting.UMMEEDbeingonethe hopemanyparentsandevenhumans hangonto,theconsultingservices havemappedaroadmaptomeetthe increasingdemands.
Highlightingsomeoftheplansforthe future,MrsSalonyPriyaasserts, "UMMEED is working on Coaching on parenting skills videos. An online parenting webinar with me – Salony Priya. Other than that, a content development plan is under process for the UMMEED parenting app."
"We are also planning on publishing all success stories in a book and making it available on the application as well. Other than that, we are providing skype assistance to Indian families with parents based in the Middle East, Canada, Malaysia, as well as in Singapore," concludes SalonyPriya.
