inourplace | Solihull Approach

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Parenthood: the lifelong learning journey

Physical and emotional health

24 January 2025

Solihull Approach

We can easily assume parenting becomes easier as our children grow – after all, they learn to communicate in more sophisticated ways through talking and gestures. But it can often feel harder as problems get more complicated or complex. 

The classic phrase “We’re expecting…!” is often used to announce the soon arrival of a new baby in the family. But what exactly do parents expect – from their baby? from their journey through parenting? 

Maybe you went to an antenatal class and talked about how to look after your baby. Maybe you read books about ways to soothe your baby, what they can eat and when or how to play with them when they’re still so young. 

But now...

The cot’s in the loft, your kids have new grown ups telling them how to behave, your teenager wants a new smartphone but then loses it two days later and your seven-year old says they will only hug you on Tuesdays and Thursdays… What’s that about? 

If you have questions as a parent beyond the first year of your child’s life, that’s okay and normal! 

We love the commitment of parents to prepare at the antenatal stage, to feel prepared to invest in the baby that’s soon to join the family. And we know that the brain undergoes the largest development and growth during the first three years of life. Despite brain development slowing down after three years, the brain continues to learn, organise and adapt to its environment as children grow, through the brain changes they experience in adolescence. Even into adulthood the brain retains some of that malleability (also known as ‘neuro-plasticity’). 

And so naturally, we continue to learn throughout our lives. Preparing for the next season of parenthood as your child develops can become part of your learning journey through adulthood, with the added bonus of helping your children flourish in their own mental and emotional health. In fact, engaging in learning support can help us become more responsive to our child’s individual needs and build stronger relationships with them as they grow. 

In short, parenthood is a lifelong learning curve. And sometimes it can feel very steep, indeed! 

That’s why we have invested our time into developing online courses to hold your hand through parenting, providing you with a reflective space to think about your individual family needs and emotional wellbeing, rather than giving generic blanket approaches or ‘how to’ guides that can cause unnecessary pressure on parents to try the latest advice on managing children’s behaviour instead of understanding what that behaviour might be communicating. Inourplace remains available 24/7 to allow learning to fit around your family schedule and at a pace that suits you. 

Written by NHS clinical psychologists and health professionals with input from parents themselves, there are courses for the antenatal, preterm, postnatal, childhood and adolescence stages. 

” Learning about the stage of development your child is in can bring that ‘Ah-ha!’ moment you’ve been waiting for. Our courses support parents to think about the world from their child’s perspective, which can bring clarity to otherwise ‘mysterious’ or confusing behaviour. 

We are also aware that parents need to look after themselves as your role constantly changes as you adjust and respond to your child’s changing needs. Our online courses help parents think about how they can ensure they have enough in the tank to pour into your relationship with your wonderful, unique child or young person. 

So, what are you expecting in the next stage of your parenting? 

Why not visit our Course Library to start learning with us today? 

Understanding your child: from toddler to teenager

If you would like to learn more about your child’s stages of development and how to support them to thrive in everyday life our online course, Understanding your child: from toddler to teenager, is a useful tool for understanding the world they inhabit. 

With 13 modules covering topics from what goes on within everyday interactions, what contributes to emotional health and mental wellbeing, brain development as a child grows and how children, teenagers and adults express emotions differently, it is accessible 24/7 on inourplace. 

Our course voiceover means you have the option to learn by reading or listening to suit your preferred learning style. And with the benefits of being online, you can learn at a pace that suits you in the privacy of your own home.

Parents say:

I didn’t think my adult worries of my health, finances, being a mum etc., would mean I had no space left to understand the behaviours [my child] displayed. I thought it was just an unlimited amount of space. Now I know that my mind is like a box and it does get full… it’s important that from now on I start to unload my worries in some way to assure I have space left to be a good mum and notice what’s happening with my children.” 

Solihull Approach

The Solihull Approach is about emotional health and wellbeing for all children, their parents, carers and grandparents. We are passionate about sensitive relationships, early years support and understanding brain development to help nurture kind, emotionally aware children as they grow.