Time Out for Parents of Teens

Why I facilitate this course

Having worked for 25 years in education, increasingly I had conversations not just with students, but with their parents. Many described feeling stretched, uncertain, and overwhelmed by family life, often sharing their difficulties and anxieties responding to their child’s changing emotional needs, as well as academic needs, particularly through adolescence. Questions around boundaries, communication, screen use, homework, friendship groups, mental health, and independence came up time and again.

The pressures facing teenagers are closely linked to the pressures parents experience, yet this can often lead to conflict and misunderstandings. And even when family members work hard to support one another, many parents feel exhausted, frustrated and unsure how best to help their children. I am hopeful that this course can bridge this communication gap by listening to, supporting and empowering parents with a compassionate approach and safe environment.

A holistic approach to supporting families

Ten years ago, I began my counselling training journey. Since then, having gained several qualifications in this field, I now combine my teaching experience with these skills to add an essential, more indepth layer to helping families. I am therefore, delighted to be running Time Out for Parents, a course designed by the UK charity, Care for the Family, a charity that has been supporting families for over 35 years. Their ethos aligns closely with my own values and commitment to supporting young people and parents in reassuring, practical, compassionate and meaningful ways. By the end of the course, parents often report feeling more hopeful, self-aware, compassionate, and better equipped to maintain connection with their teens while creating a more positive and supportive family environment. 

Practical Tools to Strengthen Your Relationship

If you're looking for clear, practical, evidence informed strategies to build a stronger, more connected relationship with your child, then this course is for you! During the 6 session course, you'll receive common sense guidance and confidence to communicate more effectively, understand a teen's world, and meet their emotional needs with confidence and empathy. You'll learn to manage conflict, set healthier boundaries, and how to approach challenging topics from drugs and sex to social media in ways that reduce tension and build trust.

                                                                                  Personal Growth

Alongside strengthening your family relationships, you’ll explore your own growth as a parent, gaining insight into your own patterns, strengths, and responses, and learning approaches that bring more calm and clarity into daily life. You’ll discover ways to create positive memories, enjoy shared experiences, and foster a more peaceful home environment. By the end of the course, you’ll feel more grounded, supported, and equipped not only to navigate the teenage years, but to thrive within them as a confident, reflective parent.

Briefly, what does the course involve?

Time Out for Parents of Teens is a 6 week course, delivered in English, designed specifically for parents of 10–19 year olds. I'm currently running the course as a not for profit community event. The 60 euro fee covers running costs only.

• Learn from a trained and licensed facilitator with counselling and teaching skills, experienced in relationships, child development, and emotional support.

• Attend 2-hour sessions, including a short break for refreshments, giving time to absorb, reflect and chat with others.

• Share in a confidential, supportive environment: a safe space to discuss ideas, experiences, and challenges with other parents and carers.

• Engage with interactive learning, including videos, real-life scenarios, and opportunities to plan and try out new parenting strategies.

• Reflect on how approaches are working at home, helping you track progress, adjust techniques, and build confidence as you go.

Topics covered over 6 weeks:

Session 1 – Understanding Teenagers: Explore child development, the pressures and changes teens face, and how these affect behaviour and relationships.

Session 2 – Emotional Resilience: Learn how to meet your teen’s emotional needs while supporting their independence and coping skills.

Session 3 – Communication: Develop practical strategies to improve listening, talking, and understanding each other effectively.

Session 4 – Parenting Styles & Boundaries: Understand how different parenting approaches influence your teen and learn to set clear, effective boundaries.

Session 5 – Big Issues: Tackle challenging topics such as drugs, sex, and the internet with open, constructive conversations.

Session 6 – Big Issues, Strong Families: Consolidate learning, strengthen family connections, and create positive memories together.