No training, no wages, and huge demands on your time and energy. Yep, that's parenthood. Thank goodness a county charity offers a lifeline for stressed-out mums and dads! At its best moments being a mum or a dad can be the most rewarding work in the world. Real life, however, doesn't always mean playing happy families. Children don't come with instructions and it's the one job we land with no training available beforehand.  Often just talking to someone about your worries can help. | | Lynne Sealey, Parentline |
Little wonder, then, that we often feel guilty, stressed and just plain confused by turns as we struggle to find our way along the path of parenthood. The baby books may mention toddler tantrums, but they don't come close to the red-faced reality of coping with a screaming two-year-old at a supermarket checkout. What to do about sulky teens or stroppy stepchildren? And is "because I said so" ever a justifiable answer to obstreperous offspring who won't take no for an answer? Surviving the long school summer holidays is just one challenge faced by working and stay-at-home parents alike (read Parentline Plus' top tips here) Help at hand Parentline Plus Gloucestershire offers support at the end of the telephone line when mums and dads are at the end of their tether. You can even email your personal parenting SOS to the charity's experts. It also runs courses and workshops at venues across the county on a range of parenting issues. These include preparing for and coping with teenagers, dealing with tantrums, resolving family conflict, helping youngsters feel good about themselves, bringing up children after splitting up and being a step-parent. 'Less Shouting, More Co-operation' is the title of another course that will strike a chord with many mums, dads and carers. Talk Lynne Sealey, an advice worker at the Stroud-based charity, says: "Family life isn't always straightforward but you arent alone in these dilemmas and there is help at hand. Often just talking to someone about your worries can help."
The round-the-clock free and confidential helpline number is 0800 800 2222 and the online support service is available by emailing [email protected]
Click here for full list of autumn 2004 parenting courses available in Gloucestershire
Here are the courses and workshops Parentline Plus Gloucestershire is offering in late 2004. Creche facilities are available ONLY where stated. For more information or to book a place call Parentline Plus on 01453 768160.
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Stressed out by parenthood? Parentline Plus is here to help mums and dads with a range of offspring issues, from surly stepchildren to temperamental toddlers.
