Navigating the world of child and family mental health can be challenging. Little Otter is committed to making it easier for you. Explore our free blog articles for expert insights, and if you're seeking tailored support for our family, click here to get started.

Navigating the journey of parenting can sometimes feel like you’re traveling through uncharted territory. At Little Otter, we recognize that there’s no one-size-fits-all manual for parenting – no set of instructions that guarantees smooth sailing. That’s where our Parenting Specialists come in. 

Little Otter’s Parenting Specialists possess the unique ability to offer support and guidance in ways that parents aren’t necessarily expected to know. Think of them as your trusted compass as they guide you through all of the ups and downs of parenting with scientifically-backed strategies and insights. We know parents are constantly inundated with information on how to “best” support their children, which is why we’re here to provide the most effective and evidence-based approaches to make sure you’re doing what’s actually best for your family. Every caregiver can benefit from the expertise of a Parenting Specialist, and we’re here to illuminate your family’s path forward.

What is Parent Specialty?

Parent Specialty is the cornerstone of our innovative approach to family mental health here at Little Otter. It's a personalized support system provided by our team of dedicated Parenting Specialists, who are experts in the fields of Education, Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, Social Work, Counseling, Child Development, and other related disciplines. Armed with Master's degrees and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credentials, all of our Parenting Specialists have the clinical insight that’s necessary to assess family behavior patterns, provide tailored guidance to caregivers, and address a wide range of family dynamics and challenges.

Our Parenting Specialists don't just offer generic advice for parents; they engage in parent coaching sessions that are specifically tailored to your family's unique needs and challenges. Unlike other companies, all our specialists have extensive clinical backgrounds to ensure that you receive evidence-based strategies that are rooted in the latest research.

The Benefits of Having a Parenting Specialist

There are several benefits of enlisting the support of a Parenting Specialist on your family’s mental wellness journey:

1. You'll receive personalized support tailored to your caregiving needs, no matter how big or small. 

2. Our specialists collaborate seamlessly with the rest of your Little Otter Care Team, to make sure you receive a cohesive and comprehensive care experience.

3. We understand that your schedule may be hectic, which is why we offer flexible scheduling options, including evening and early morning sessions.

Additionally, our approach is evidence-based and individualized, meaning that we don't believe in a one-size-fits-all solution for family mental health. Every family is unique, and our Parenting Specialists are committed to crafting care plans that cater to your family's specific needs and values. We also always ensure that our strategies align with your cultural beliefs and parenting philosophies, while simultaneously promoting safety and well-being.

Common Challenges Addressed by Parenting Specialists

Parenting Specialists at Little Otter are adept at addressing a multitude of challenges that caregivers and children may face:

• Challenging behaviors

  • Tantrums, throwing things, hitting, kicking, impulsivity

• Lack of cooperation

  • Struggles with following instructions

• Sibling rivalry

  • Fighting, arguing, attention-seeking

• Difficulties with emotion regulation

  • Struggles with being told no, changes in routine

• Creating structure and routine

  • Nighttime and morning routines, transitions between seasons

• Sleep disturbances

  • Not sleeping independently, overnight wakings

• Caregiver alignment

  • Creating consistency across parenting strategies

• Potty training

  • Initial potty training, nighttime wetting, toileting regression

• Picky eating

  • Eating more vegetables, expanding diet, textural aversions

• Challenges associated with impulsivity

  • Following directions, inattention, task completion

We empower parents with practical skills to manage the symptoms above effectively to foster a nurturing environment where children can thrive.

Parent Specialty at Little Otter is more than just a service—it's a lifeline for caregivers who are seeking personalized support and guidance on their parenting journey. Our team of highly qualified Parenting Specialists is here when it comes to navigating the challenges of parenting with confidence. Take the first step towards unlocking your family's potential and explore the invaluable resources that Parent Specialty has to offer at the link below.