People never forget how you make them feel. Showing compassion and reaching out to others with empathy is integral to our humanity

We cannot teach people anything; we can only help them discover it within themselves.

Galileo

Time Out for Parents of Teens

Why I facilitate this course

After 20 years of teaching, tutoring, and mentoring children and young people, I noticed a growing pattern: parents were increasingly seeking guidance and support from someone who would listen to their worries and challenges. While schools often provide stability for young people, many parents felt alone and unsure how to respond to their child’s changing needs and developmental stages. Many reached out when they felt stuck or overwhelmed, often without a clear place to turn. I realised that, in many instances, I was supporting not just the child, but the whole family through my academic and pastoral work.

A holistic approach to supporting families

Realising that meaningful support for young people must include their families, I trained as a counsellor to deepen my ability to guide both parents and teenagers with empathy, clarity, and research-based knowledge and advice. My journey, from classroom to counselling, reinforced how transformative it can be when parents are offered space, tools, and encouragement to become the parents they want to be.

How I facilitate this course

My path has led me to lead Time Out for Parents, a fantastic, empowering course that aligns fully with my professional and personal values. Designed by the UK charity, Care for the Family, this 6 week course, delivered in English, supports parents of 10–19 year olds with common-sense guidance, practical tools, and confidence-building strategies. Across the 6 sessions, parents gain hope, self-awareness, compassion, confidence, and the skills to navigate adolescence while staying connected with their child and creating a more positive family life.

What does the course involve?

  • 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.

Practical Tools to Strengthen Your Relationship

This course gives you clear, practical strategies to build a stronger, more connected relationship with your child. You’ll learn to communicate more effectively, understand their world, and meet their emotional needs with confidence and empathy. The course also supports you in managing conflict, setting healthy boundaries, and approaching challenging topics — from drugs and sex to social media — in ways that reduce tension and build trust.

Confidence, Connection, and Personal Growth

Alongside strengthening your family relationships, you’ll explore your own growth as a parent — gaining insight into your 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.

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.