Life Is Not A Beach

Dear Parent,

Our children experience super high levels of stress over situations that parents can’t fathom: getting up in the morning, going to bed at night, getting a hug, not getting a hug, playing with others, playing alone, getting dressed, taking a bath, getting a napkin from the counter, going to a party, getting out of the pool, wearing a dress, not having just the right shoes, sticking out, fitting in, being told no, being told yes, not being told anything...it goes on and on, because life in general is stressful for our children.

What you can do for your child:

• Be patient
• Be understanding
• Be even-tempered
• Teach breathing skills
• Teach relaxation skills
• Teach mindfulness
• Practice mindfulness
• Practice family meditation or prayer
• Try EMDR, neurofeedback, Theraplay, Narrative Therapy, Dyadic Developmental
• Psychotherapy and most of the time be engaged or, at least, be in the room, especially in the beginning
• Increase exercise
• Decrease exposure to technology
• Increase sensory experiences
• Give nutritious foods
• Hydrate often
• Sleep enough
• Say yes often
• Touch often
• Play often

What you can do for you:

• Find an in-person or online parent support group
• Get respite
• Get outside help with relationship, expression, communication, narrative development, and emotion regulation

Never give up because your real child is in there.  When the stress finally eases up, you will be delighted at what was covered up by all that fear. 

Your hope needs tending like any delicate flower growing in rough, dry terrain.

Love matters,

Ce

P.S. Check out the Love Matters Parenting Society membership for more support.