This experience has been positive and beneficial, and each session builds on lessons learnt. It probed my mind to deeper relational thinking and practical realities of raising teens. If you are on the fence, know that this is a safe space to talk about your experiences or concerns. Sadaf Khwaja is an excellent counselor and facilitator; her calm teaching style and questioning leaves you with the feeling of being heard as a mother. I can now have more open discussions, where everyone is thoroughly heard. No hard and fast rules, more flexibility, thus creating better understanding and compromises.

Instead of feeling intimidated or having any element of rejection, Sadaf makes me feel all my issues are a “universal” mom concern, with a safe space to voice them and get guidance. In a world where there is a social stigma in feeling isolated and an even bigger stigma attached to the fact that you are not a “grateful, good” mom, I had a feeling through the sessions that I was not alone. I never thought I deserved some “me time” before and then “walking away to cool down and coming back” to deal with certain crises.

The most significant lesson for me was how to approach the kids in a more productive way; better understanding their point of view and how their ‘brain’ works. Especially, using  “right words” and communication that is appropriate for their ages. I have a much better understanding of how to engage them, taking into consideration their point of view. Making and creating manageable rules with realistic expectations and boundaries has made my life less confrontational for sure! There is a lot more to absorb than one might think with actionable ideas that continue to  impact my daily life. I learn a lot about myself in this journey too!

I was having difficulty in effectively communicating with my teen, and was feeling overwhelmed by the pressure building up of dealing with teen tantrums and behaviour towards studies too. The results are a more calmer me, and I am more responsible with my way of looking at things, more able to communicate easily my way of thinking from a space of compassion and authority. I have also learned how  to see the perspectives of others and to how to meet them halfway. By learning effective communication phrases and tips, I can now help them see where they need to change and better themselves, without conflict or stress.

Sadaf is very well versed with the challenges that parents face today and has an ability to help parents find practical solutions and empower them with tested practical tools that helps parents engage in a much more constructive manner with their children. She is a very engaging, skilled, and a knowledgeable person who helped me understand some facets of the teen thinking, at the same time giving me some helpful tools to work with when having those difficult and challenging discussions with my teen.

Sadaf was the right person to help me to address the changes in my son’s behavior, and explain all biological changes that affect not only body but also the brain. I like her personal approach. She even helps teens organise their time, and cope with homework and exam planning. The most valuable thing she gave me is a feeling that each minute spent with children, whether you are teaching them how to study or how to behave in various situations, can be sorted out without being overwhelming.

Not only did I learn how my child thinks and reacts but also it gave me an insight into my own strengths and weaknesses as a parent. I had a very good experience with Sadaf, and would recommend her to mothers of all teens as an essential part of their parenting toolkit. Most importantly it taught me that it is okay to make mistakes and move on, and it is never too late to build that special bond of love and care between you and your teen. It has worked wonderfully for me and my son. 

Sadaf is always reachable and responsive. She is generous in providing support and guidance whenever needed, for moms as well as their teens. I learnt that the “teenager phase” is temporary and yet ongoing, and no matter how rejected we feel our teenagers need us, they still need love and attention. Sadaf was the reason in me gaining my confidence to manage my teenager in a calmer way. Sadaf is always positive, shares her personal experiences and is very professional in her work.