The Spark Blog

Category: parenting

  • Myths about counselling – part 3

    Myths about counselling – part 3

    Welcome to part 3 of our 4-part look at the most common myths about counselling. At The Spark have been looking at the misconceptions that can end up discouraging people from considering counselling. We are busting the myths and highlighting the truth about how counselling can help navigate the challenges of life. Myth 7: Counselling…

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  • Sexting: A Guide for Parents

    Sexting: A Guide for Parents

    Raising children in the digital age brings with it a host of challenges previous generations never faced. One such high profile and extremely distressing issue – sexting – is fast becoming a common problem. As the lives of young people become ever more embedded in social media, its significance and the number of incidences will…

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  • Relationship Tips for New Parents

    Relationship Tips for New Parents

    Becoming a parent is probably one of the biggest changes to any relationship since you and your partner first got together. It is a period of transition as new dimensions are added to your relationship and your own individual lives. Focusing on your little bundle of joy is only natural. New parents can, however, end…

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  • Tips to Help Bond with Your Baby

    Tips to Help Bond with Your Baby

    This is a whole new world for you both. Your baby needs to feel safe and secure in your new family so take time to build your relationship right from the start.

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  • Self-harm: A Guide for Parents

    Self-harm: A Guide for Parents

    The thought that your child might self-harm is a frightening one. Instances of self-harm amongst children and young people are relatively small. However, the number of children admitted to hospital for self-harming has increased in many parts of Scotland. In some regions it has nearly doubled. Here at The Spark, we believe it is important to give parents/carers…

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  • Youth Mental Health: Reviews Are Great but We Need Action Too

    Youth Mental Health: Reviews Are Great but We Need Action Too

    Scotland, like the rest of the UK, faces a crisis in youth mental health. Studies and reports detailing the mental health issues faced by children and adolescents are regularly making the news headlines. The existing NHS-provided child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) are under severe pressure which has led to extensive waiting times. A…

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  • Male Infertility and Mental Health

    Male Infertility and Mental Health

    Men are in general pretty bad at talking about their feelings. They are taught from their earliest years – both explicitly and implicitly – to hold emotions in. Never cry, get on with it and barely whisper about what is upsetting you. When it comes to male infertility, the whisper typically fades to complete silence.…

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  • Social Media & Self Image

    Social Media & Self Image

    One of the common problems presented by school pupils to our counsellors is the tricky issue of social media. Children and young people are the section of our society that first embraced social media platforms. The highs and lows of social media They have been the first to experience the highs and lows of social…

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  • Songs For Sound Minds #18 – Benjamin Clementine

    Songs For Sound Minds #18 – Benjamin Clementine

    Songs for Sound Minds are our picks of the best music that uplifts, inspires and boosts mental health. Songs written as an anthem to overcoming the storms of life. The songs that give hope in those times when we are struggling. This weeks song tackles the subject of bullying. ‘Phantom of Aleppoville’ by Benjamin Clementine…

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