Parenting Support and Managing Challenging Behaviours
Parenting is deeply meaningful—and at times, deeply challenging. Every child is different, and there is no single “right” way to parent. Many parents find themselves feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or exhausted when behaviours become difficult to manage or when usual strategies no longer seem to work.
At SGI Psychology, we support parents to better understand their child’s behaviour, strengthen connection, and develop practical, compassionate parenting strategies that feel both effective and aligned with their values.
Our work is not about blame. It is about empowerment.
Understanding Challenging Behaviour
Challenging behaviours are often a child’s way of communicating unmet needs, big emotions, or difficulties they cannot yet put into words. These may include:
Frequent tantrums or emotional outbursts
Defiance, oppositional behaviour, or aggression
Withdrawal or shutdown
Anxiety-driven avoidance
Difficulties with routines, sleep, or transitions
Struggles at school or in social settings
Behind these behaviours there is usually stress, frustration, fear, or overwhelm. When parents understand why a behaviour is happening, it becomes easier to respond in ways that are calm, effective, and supportive.
How Parenting Support Can Help
Parent-focused therapy can help you to:
Understand your child’s emotional and developmental needs
Respond more calmly and confidently in difficult moments
Reduce power struggles and cycles of escalation
Set clear, consistent, and compassionate boundaries
Strengthen attachment and emotional safety
Support your child’s emotional regulation and resilience
Feel less alone and more supported as a parent
Parenting support is not only for times of crisis. Many parents seek guidance simply because they want to do their best for their children and feel more confident in their role.
Our Approach at SGI Psychology
We take a respectful, strengths-based approach to parenting support. We recognise that:
Parenting is complex and emotionally demanding
Most parents are doing the best they can with the tools they have
Change happens through understanding, not criticism
Our psychologists draw on evidence-based approaches such as:
Positive and emotion-focused parenting strategies
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) principles
Attachment-informed frameworks
Developmentally informed behavioural guidance
Support may involve working with parents alone, with children, or with the whole family, depending on your needs and circumstances.
We work collaboratively to help you develop strategies that are practical, realistic, and suited to your family’s unique dynamics.
When to Seek Support
You may consider parenting support if you are experiencing:
Ongoing struggles with your child’s behaviour
Frequent conflict or emotional disconnection
Feelings of helplessness, guilt, or exhaustion
Uncertainty about how to respond effectively
Concerns about your child’s emotional wellbeing
A sense that “what we are doing is no longer working”
Seeking support is a sign of care and commitment—not failure.
Book an Appointment
SGI Psychology offers compassionate parenting support in Melbourne.
To begin:
Contact our clinic for guidance: (03) 9495 0102 or admin@sgipsychology.com.au
Speak with one of our psychologists about the right support for your family
You do not have to navigate parenting challenges alone. With the right support, it is possible to restore calm, connection, and confidence in your family life.