Most people will never be great at parenting and feelings

When it relates to dealing with parenting and feelings we all have them however too often they are dismissed and/or not dealt with. This can lead to a multitude of problems:

• Defiance
• Depression
• Rage
• Perfectionism
• Detachment
• Dependency ( all forms)
• Anxiety
• Illness
• Low self-esteem

The list goes on.

Parents are the first responders to their children’s feelings. How they respond to their children’s feelings will determine how their children will fare in the world and in relationship to themselves and to others. The way feelings are dealt with and managed in a family will affect the entire family system.

For example, if a child’s feelings are not acknowledged or if they are dismissed the child will feel frustrated.

This child, depending on their character, will either act out or get depressed. Feelings are alive.

They don’t die and go away unless they are acknowledged, experienced and processed. Unprocessed feelings only accumulate.

How to deal with Feelings:

Feelings need to be honored, heard, respected and dealt with in a constructive and positive manner.

Feelings are our internal compass.

They lead us toward love and away from danger unless they have been suppressed, denied or confused.

Then they may harm us as the system is overloaded and/or not available for accurate information.

When we read a child’s feelings and respond to them in a loving manner then the child learns to trust themselves, their feelings and the other.

This allows for feelings to be expressed and released leaving a child to feel free and clear.

This leads to good communication, good health and a happy child.

Please pay attention to feelings as this is the first thing that infants are experiencing.

Through this they can communicate and have their needs met.

Infants and babies need to learn that they are effective and that the special people in their lives are available to help them get their needs met.

When a baby expresses a feeling or a need he/she learns to trust themselves and others.

Parenting is an awesome experience and a position of responsibility and privilege.

Take care of yourself and your children and make therapy for your life part of your life experience.