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The process of raising children is frequently described as "the hardest job you'll ever have. I was once asked to make a presentation to a group of parents with that as the suggested title. I agreed to do the presentation, but only if I could change the title to "Parenting: It Doesn't Have To Be That Hard." Why did I suggest the change? Because what we tell ourselves often becomes our reality. Therefore, if we think that a task if going to be inordinately difficult, it will be. Conversely, if we remind ourselves that the job is manageable, we will handle it with more ease. So there are a lot of parents who, supported by the culture, have come to see parenting as a really tough job. As a consequence, they make it harder than it needs to be. They do so by overcomplicating a task that has been done successfully for generations by people with no uncommon knowledge or particular skill. How do they overcomplicate it? Here are several ways: They trouble themselves with too many concerns about their children. The focus of yesterday's parents was on children's behavior. They concerned themselves with children's conduct, with the development of their
character, and the encouragement of personal responsibility. Today's parents are more likely to be interested in less tangible concerns like whether or not the child is happy, or has good self-esteem, or has a good relationship with the parent. These modern concerns muddy the parental waters. They have too much information. Again, while yesterday's parents had a small handful of concerns, modern parents are deluged with information regarding children, parenting and child development from experts of various stripes. This extra knowledge has produced uncertainty rather than direction, anxiety rather than assurance, and confusion instead
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 9 years experience working with children, adolescents, young adults and adults, mainly in the area of grief and loss. Through my work at Brooke's Place for Grieving Young People, www.brookesplace.org, I have been taught by countless numbers of individuals, ranging in ages 3 - adults, about grieving the death of someone significant. Death is the ultimate loss. However, each loss in life is significant. My practice provides a safe place for you to work through any loss or relationship issue. Other areas I work with include depression, anxiety and self esteem. Grieving is natural and is your unique way of experiencing any loss. Choosing to grieve any loss is a courageous step. I will walk with you in your grief journey, at your speed and duration. How you choose to express your story is up to you. I will offer you acceptance while sharing your story. Are you experiencing loss through death, relationship, experiences from childhood, career choices, children transitioning, or other losses? Do you yearn for greater intimacy in relationships? Where there is death or loss, there is life, love, faith, hope and joy. Doing the work of grief is not easy; it IS REAL! And, you are worth it.
If you have experienced a recent challenge, change or loss you may benefit from compassionate and caring support. Loss, change and conflict often generate disabling emotional and physical pain, anger, sadness, loneliness, anxiety, guilt, shame and confusion. These common reactions may follow the death of a loved one, a relationship breakup, divorce, parent-child conflict, infertility issues, chronic illness, job loss, and conflicts at work, school or church. Individuals, couples, families, children and teens may benefit from professional help when resolution fails to materialize. Read the following questions and ask yourself if any of these behaviors are similar to what you are experiencing. Are you constantly thinking about what has occurred and can't get focused on routine tasks? Have you noticed you no longer enjoy familiar activities or being around people that once lifted your spirits? Are you crying or on the verge of tears weeks after the change or loss occurred? Have your sleeping patterns and eating habits shifted significantly? Have you thought about using alcohol or other substances to numb your pain? Are you experiencing hopelessness and frequently think that life isn't worth living any longer? If you answered yes to three or more of the questions it may be time to take action and create a plan of healthy self-care. Call today for one free assessment, 317-753-9030 or contact me at
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Compassionate Care helps you discover your strengths and in turn equips you to design solutions until hope emerges and you can embrace the future more confidently.
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