Parents Under Pressure

The first module of the Parents Under Pressure program aims to identify the diverse problems families may be facing and help parents understand how these may be impacting on their parenting. In doing this a shared understanding of the family’s current concerns, strengths and areas of difficulty is developed. This information is used to decide on priority target areas for change and is also used in combination with other aspects of service delivery frameworks.

Module 2 of the Parents Under Pressure program provides feedback on the assessment, arrives at shared goals to work towards, and develops a way of monitoring progress towards goals. This module also looks at the potential involvement of partners or other carers in the PUP program.

Module 3 of the Parents Under Pressure program aims to help parents reflect on their view of themselves as parents in order to develop their insight in their parenting styles and practices.

The aim of Module 4 of the Parents Under Pressure program is to teach and encourage the use of emotional regulation, positive thinking, and self-soothing skills. *this is often complemented with other direct and group interventions within the Bessborough clinical framework

Module 5 is designed to open up a discussion on health, hygiene and nutrition. These are often difficult topics to discuss but all are really important to the wellbeing of children.

Module 6 of the Parents Under Pressure program is aimed at promoting a positive parent-child relationship. This involves encouraging sensitive and responsive parenting to provide the maximum opportunity for the development of a nurturing and loving relationship.

Module 7 is designed to help parents manage their child’s difficult behaviour. The module includes a description of specific non-punitive child management techniques, and emphasizes the importance of being in the right state of mind for discipline to be fair and effective.

Module 8 aims to ensure that parents are not drinking at risky levels or at risk of developing substance abuse problems. The module looks at the skills needed to avoid this and helps build confidence to avoid substance use problems. For those who have already developed a substance use problem, strategies are discussed that help ensure that potential lapses to use do not become relapses. *this is often complemented with other direct and group interventions within the Bessborough clinical framework.

Module 9 aims to teach parents effective ways to extend their support networks. It includes modelling social interactions to help parents to feel confident in social situations.

Module 10 of the Parents Under Pressure program aims to teach parents practical life skills where these do not exist. Life skills include budgeting, nutrition, health care, obtaining housing etc.

Module 11 addresses issues around communication skills and other problems in adult intimate relationships. This session should be used when the parent needs to learn how to communicate effectively with their partner or when their relationship is experiencing difficulties.

The completion of the PuP program can be a time of mixed emotions for both parent and therapist. For many it is a time of joyful celebration. It might be the first time the parent has successfully completed anything in their lives, let alone concrete evidence that they are in control of parenting. Working with the PuP therapist during assessment allows the parent to identify the further modules to address specific needs (view of self as a parent, managing emotions under pressure, health check for your child, connecting with your child/mindful play).
The final session of PuP is dedicated to reflecting on the parents’ achievements over the course of the programme. Sessions are usually confined to two hours. Any necessary supplementary case-management occurs outside of the PuP sessions.