Is it normal to not enjoy being a parent?

This is a taboo subject, that most parents struggle to admit and talk about. So I have to ask you a very direct question : have you ever found yourself thinking “I’m not enjoying being a parent”?

Anger Management, Calmer Parenting, Challenging ChildrenElaine Halligan12 January 2024Anger Management, Controlling Anger, positive parenting, calmer parentingComment

It’s ok to ask for help

The story of a remarkable young man, called Connor, who has battled mental health issues throughout his teen and young adult years, and in his quest to promote a positive mindset, he finds his answer in exercise.

Calmer Parenting, Mindset, TemperamentElaine Halligan13 May 2023Comment

The latest parenting craze: the role stretch and parental guilt

Accept that parenting is one of the hardest jobs you’ll ever do. You know that children don’t come with an instruction manual and yet you feel that you should just know how to raise a happy and thriving family. We would go into no other such complex endeavour without skills or training.

Parental Guilt, Working Parents, Perils of perfectionism, Parenting classes, Calmer Parenting, Education, Mindful ParentingElaine Halligan1 November 2022perfectionism parenting, parental guilt, harmony at home, Parentng classes, parenting educationComment

How does your parenting style impact your children’s happiness?

When there are differences in parenting style, what won’t work is to criticise, shame or put down your partner. Poor parenting style will impact your children’s happiness

Calmer Parenting, Sleep, Parenting Style, Mindful ParentingElaine Halligan22 August 2022parenting style, authoritarian, punishment, authoritative, balanced parenting, parenting culture, children's happiness Comment

How to cope with holiday travel chaos

For many of us, after a long two years of lockdowns, and limited travel, the thought of getting away to sunnier climes at Easter, and ditching the staycation, was just too tempting. However, based on the recent Easter weekend travel carnage, we may all be now reviewing our plans……

Within 12 hours of leaving London Heathrow and arriving into Miami International Airport, things started to unravel pretty quickly. Read more about Team Halligan’s adventures and get some top travel tips for flying with children.

Calmer Parenting, Holiday Celebrations, Temperament, MindsetElaine Halligan20 April 2022travel with kids, holiday chaos, flight preparation Comments

How do I talk to my child about the Russian War against Ukraine?

Talking about war to children will vary a lot depending on the age of your children and their temperament, and your values. You don’t want to make them feel overly anxious, but at the same time, you want them to have empathy for those, including children, who will directly face the consequences of the war.

Anxiety, Emotion Coaching, Calmer Parenting, Mindful ParentingElaine Halligan28 February 2022anxiety, Ukraine, Children, War, Russia, Worries Comments

The Secret to a Good Divorce

It’s not divorce that harms children, but conflict.

Calmer Parenting, Mindful Parenting, Parting / DivorceElaine Halligan21 February 2022Parenting, Parting, Divorce, emotional situations Comments

How to help your child manage their worries and anxieties

It’s perfectly normal for your child to be worried or anxious from time to time but how do you ensure that these feelings don’t get in the way of your child trying new things.