Pressures of Parenthood

In our everchanging world, the pressures of parenthood are at an all time high.  Being pulled in every direction ... work, school activities, outside school activities, possibly various therapy sessions, marriage, chores, worries about our children at school, on the internet, driving ... Sometimes we need to take a break from the pressure & just take time to enjoy ourselves & our children.

Adult Time-out

In the middle of your child's meltdown one of the hardest things to do is to control your feelings in the moment.  It's ok to give yourself a time-out to think about where your child's meltdown is coming from before reacting.

Handling The Behaviors of Grief in Your Children

Are you seeing behaviors in your children that you haven't before?  Oftentimes these can be the result of grief.  Yes, even years after being home children can experience grief from their earliest of loss (of their birthmother).  You can help your child by being there with them to listen & support.  Don't say that you know how they feel ... you don't.  Don't say that you're there to help fix their feelings ... this implies that they have a problem.  As children grow, their thoughts of their early beginnings change ... they need to know that they're ok.  Their wonderment, anger, thoughts, & feelings are ok & a normal part of the grief process.  Be there ...

Adoption v. Personality

Adoption pre-disposes children to experiences that impact their make up.  What adoptive parents do with that info, & how they react has much to do with enhancing their personality.

Lead by example

Children are like sponges, they take everything in.  If you want your child(ren) to behave in a certain way, you need to model that behavior for them.  Lead by example.  They can learn to follow your example.  It takes a little extra time, but it's well worth the outcome!

Toys, toys, toys!

Now that Christmas has come & all of the toys have been unwrapped, pay attention to your child's favorites.  Put away (for another time) those toys that your child isn't showing much interest in.  This will really help to minimize the over-stimulation & meltdowns.

Meltdowns & Patience

If your child(ren) is/are having meltdowns, your patience would be most helpful to your child(ren). Children typically meltdown when they feel out of control from within.  Sitting with them & letting them know that you're there to help, can go a long way.  It may not be easy in the moment, but patience is warranted.