Hello everyone.
September for many of us who are parents feels like the beginning of a new year even if our children are no longer in the education system. Summer is drawing to a close and there is a sense of returning to work and regaining a sense of structure or routine.
We have tried at We Thrive to honour time to take a break over the summer, to take our foot off the pedal a bit.
For many families this is a time to be together but for those whose family dynamics are challenging or ruptured (even if temporarily) this can be a painful season, grieving what we thought these holiday times, this family life, might look like or how it ‘should’ be. This is why community is so important, to know that we are not alone – and we are all too cognizant of the fact that behind many seemingly sunny, wholesome social media images and general public persona, most families have their challenges.
When our children are really struggling, and therefore us as parents, it is easy to retreat into isolation to hide feelings of failure as a parent, shame about your family situation, anger and resentment, embarrassment. Knowing there is a tribe of people who have experienced/are experiencing similar challenges can be life-changing because not only is it supportive but it has the power to change the whole dynamic.
In our reaching out, in our ability to be vulnerable (and therefore strong) we become the example. In our openness to learn and to change and possibly to address some uncomfortable or difficult or painful aspects of ourselves, our wider family culture and our situation we develop the power to transform.
Sometimes these family dynamics, whilst extremely distressing, can be an agent for change towards something altogether more loving, understanding, healthy and enduring. It all depends on how we approach it, and as ever we know that the only real thing that we have control over is ourselves. It starts with us and here at We Thrive we understand this and meet this with a loving, compassionate heart.
A great reminder from the parenting & child behaviour specialist Bonnie Harris (www.bonnieharris.com).
When we are with our children what do we focus on?
September Podcast Suggestion
TILT Parenting: Raising Differently Wired Kids
Licensed family therapist and international consultant on high sensitivity Alane Freund explains what high sensitivity is, how it shows up in children, teens, and adults, and gives her insights on how parents can help a highly sensitive child flourish. Support the show Connect with Tilt Parenting Visit Tilt Parenting Take the free 7-Day Challenge Read a chapter of Differently Wired Follow Tilt on Twitter & Instagram Learn more about your ad choices.
Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
TPP 214: How to Support & Parent a Highly Sensitive Child
September In Person Meet up in London
For anyone who would like to meet for a coffee and a chat in London, Liz will be at The Lighterman in Kings Cross at 12pm on Thursday 19th September.
Address is:
3 Granary Square
London
N1C 4BH
Please do let us know if you would like to come either via the what’s app group or our email, info@we-thrive.org.uk