Have children who are at-risk or have mental health concerns, autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities and exceptionalities

Are stressed and overwhelmed, have tried many strategies with their child, and aren’t sure what else to do

Are motivated to make a change in their relationship with their child and willing to put in the work to see results

Are open to trying new strategies and building up their “parent toolbox”

Are looking for long-term solutions, not a quick-fix

Realize the importance of working on themselves so that they can better understand and manage their own emotions and triggers

The HDS Parent Coaching Program focuses on strengthening the parent/child relationship versus attempting to create rigid behavior plans intended to minimize the child’s behavior. While improving the relationships within the household often results in a reduction in behaviors, that is not the primary focus of the program. Our goal is to become a true partner with parents, and to equip them with a toolbox of strategies that they can use to manage their own emotions, understand and manage their own triggers, and communicate effectively with their child.

This is not a one-size-fits-all program. We recognize that every child, parent, and family is unique, and relationships are fluid; therefore, our approach is flexible and adaptable to the needs of each family.

Parents play a key role in the development of their child. Our Parent Mentoring Service is a strength-focused and collaborative process that often complements Individual Mentoring for the child. Parent Mentoring focuses on consistency and reinforcement in the home and is intended to help parents:

• Improve relationships with the child

• Identify specific attainable goals

• Identify patterns that are not working and encourage alternative ways of thinking and doing that increase effectiveness

• Focus on effective limits and boundaries

• Find a balance of consistency and flexibility in the home

• Challenge ineffective thinking patterns

• Reduce strong negative emotions including fear, anger, guilt and find ways to effectively regulate emotions