Case Studies
Mum having problems with 3 year olds tantrums
What struggles were you going through before finding Laura?
I was experiencing constant tantrums from my 3 year old daughter, it was becoming so frequent I just felt completely hopeless as a mum. I felt frustrated, angry and exhausted from having to deal with battles with everything. From getting a meal to be eaten nicely to putting toys away to getting in the bath. My daughter really knows her own mind and I found her so difficult to reason with.
What made you realise you needed some parenting support?
I hate to say it, but it was so bad that I felt like becoming a mum had been a big mistake. Life wasn’t enjoyable anymore; we’d arrange a day trip and it’d be more stress than it was worth. We’d go to friends’ houses for playdates and she’d be screaming in other kids’ faces. We’d avoid going for public meetups with friends as I didn’t know how to cope and quite frankly, was embarrassed constantly by the tantrums.
How did you initially find the coaching process?
I was slightly skeptical at first as some of the questions asked were delving into my own emotions and how I reacted to my daughter, rather than fixing her behaviour. Then Laura did a really good job of explaining how the brain of a young child works and that she can’t help having a tantrum. Once I’d learned more about child psychology via some book recommendations from Laura, I felt like a light switch had been turned on in my head!
What was Laura like as your coach?
Absolutely brilliant.
What would you say was your biggest breakthrough?
My biggest breakthrough was realising that the reason I got so angry and frustrated by specific situations (such as public tantrums) was because I was triggered by forgotten memories from my own childhood. My daughter’s big emotions and lack of control were making me feel out of control, I felt scared and this presented as anger. The timeline therapy was an incredible method for helping me through this.
How would you describe your parenting now?
I am so much more empathetic, a better listener, calmer and I’ve learned to stop caring about what others think so much. This has resulted in my daughter being a lot calmer and if she does have a tantrum I now know how to deal with it, as a result she has less of them and they are over much quicker than previously. I also have been making an effort to simply be more mindful everyday – not just with parenting but with everything. It’s been a huge positive change.
What would you say to someone who is undecided on whether to invest in this coaching?
I would say it’s well worth it and, for me has been absolutely life changing. I have had therapy in the past and this, for me was much more effective.
Following this process, what does your family look like now?
I have a much better bond with my child and my partner (as we don’t argue about the tantrums as much), our household is more chilled, I feel less stressed and I am much better at coping with my own emotions. I now welcome the big emotions from my daughter and ensure they’re always validated, whether we’re in public or not.
Mum feeling overwhelmed after returning to full-time work with two under 5
What struggles were you going through before finding Laura?
I was finding that my new commute plus nursery drop off plus finding time to make packed lunches on top of a full working day and then making dinner, bath time and the bedtime routine was leaving me so exhausted and overwhelmed. I had no time to barely speak to my partner, I resented him to not having to deal with the emotional drop-offs. I wasn’t looking after myself, I was having to wake up super early to get ready then felt extreme tiredness by the afternoon after night waking’s from my youngest. Life was so hard.
What made you realise you needed some parenting support?
I wasn’t taking the time to eat proper meals, I was putting everyone else first, then I spoke to my friends one day (after looking in the mirror at my tired eye bagged eyes!) and they helped me to realise that I was doing way too much. There was no balance and I didn’t have the brain power or energy to figure out how to get the balance back again.
How did you initially find the coaching process?
Just so helpful, insightful and clear from day one.
What was Laura like as your coach?
Really relatable, she had been through this so she knew how to support. She was compassionate but also hugely practical, logical and matter of fact. Suddenly – even after the first call – I felt I could put my life in her hands and get some sort of plan together to make my life feel easier and more enjoyable again. It was like working with a friend.
What would you say was your biggest breakthrough?
Realising that a lot of what I thought was my children’s faults i.e. for being so ‘needy’ and ‘attention seeking’ was, in fact, something I could improve myself by being more of a conscious parent. I also didn’t know how much of a people pleaser I was; this was so detrimental to having any healthy balance in my life and routines.
How would you describe your parenting now?
I am kinder, more empathetic to their needs, I understand why they might need a cuddle and make time for it rather than say ‘I’ve just got to …’ and we have better bedtime routines and make time for more outdoor/nature time which has completely transformed the sleep problems with my toddler. I am less tired so a more aware and mindful mum. Because I understand the science behind a dysregulated nervous system and circadian rhythms, I now prioritise regulating these and feel like a much better parent as a result.
What would you say to someone who is undecided on whether to invest in this coaching?
It’s 100% worth the money and has gotten me out of a very dark place and enjoying a joy-filled life again.
Following this process, what does your family look like now?
I have more support from my partner and people around me, I have a daily self-care routine, my children are happy most of the time, I have boundaries for myself and stick to them, I do not let my work take over anymore. We are a happy family and I’m forever grateful!