Parenting at the best of times can be fraught with challenges, snares and traps. Children are constantly developing, and parents and carers must adapt to the changing needs of children in an ever-changing world. For parents of children with additional needs the challenges can be overwhelming.

We know that children who are neurodivergent or who have undergone difficult and adverse experiences can sometimes struggle to manage normal expectations and can also struggle to regulate themselves. Families often find themselves parenting children whose behaviour can be explosive and challenging. That is a polite description of what can be overwhelming behaviour for parents and carers.

Common cornerstones of parenting can often exacerbate children’s behaviour with consequences being ineffective and even the mention of them causing bigger explosions in behaviour.

“Time out” doesn’t work and only makes things worse, routines seem unachievable, and children struggle to be ‘managed’ in ways that seem wholly appropriate for other children.

Because we live in a world where they’re meant to be in control, parents often feel blamed and isolated. Friends and family may stay away, behaviour at school can be difficult and professionals are often concerned.

Free online CCVAB workshops for parents and carers

Over the last two years we’ve run a series of (funded) free online workshops for parents and carers who are caring for children with challenging, violent or aggressive behaviour. In a group of parents facing similar situations, we use a Non-Violent Resistance approach to help parents build support for themselves and to start developing their own resilience.

We also unpack why children may be behaving as they do and consider how we can support them, maintain positive relationships with them, keep them regulated and not be drawn into unhelpful dynamics in the home.

Find out more about our Connect for Parents CCVAB workshops and join us online!

Al Coates MBE is a Social Worker, Practice Educator and an Advanced Non Violent Resistance Practitioner. He has co published several books on the issue of Childhood Challenging Violent & Aggressive Behaviour and trained parents/carers and professionals. Al is also a former foster carer an is a parent to six adopted children.