#Parenting support

[mantareidraws]

Giving battinson the big birb hug he so desperately needs 🫂

[tchaikovsgay]

my step mom was asking me more questions about the nonbinary thing and after talking to me for a bit, she said "oh, so youre a rosé! not a chardonnay transitioning to a merlot, just your own unique type" which was such a middle aged white woman way to frame it, but i cannot lie gang. it did make me want to cry

[carlthemuse]

The Rollercoaster Ride of Parenting: A Journey Through Every Emotion

Photo by Josh Willink on Pexels.com Parenting is an epic journey, filled with moments as intensely rewarding as they are demanding. It’s a path laden with the highest peaks of heartwarming joy and the deepest valleys of heartbreak, wrapped in a whirlwind of emotions that only those who have walked this path truly understand. Imagine giving away pieces of your heart to these little beings who…

[lifebydesign66]

Triggers by Child Behavior

Parenting is one of the hardest jobs in the world. It’s completely normal to be triggered by your child, it doesn’t make you a bad parent! Children are learning how to navigate life, they are starting from scratch and look to you to help them regulate.

However, as they navigate this learning phase, their behavior could end up triggering you. Having awareness of the reasons for being triggered can help you navigate them and ground yourself.

If you would like to learn grounding tools, go to the link in our bio to download our free e-book, The Mind-Body Toolkit.

[lovehealgrow]

Helping Your Child Cope with the Sunday Scaries

Does your kid dread the start of the school week? Are they fine on Saturday night, but Sunday night sees them worried and whimpering? If so, they might be dealing with the “Sunday Scaries.” The end of the weekend and the start of a new week of school can be a lot for a kid to deal with, and they can easily get overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety and worry. And the Sunday Scaries aren’t just for kids– it’s a pattern of anxious feelings that can impact us grownups, too! So today, let’s take a look at the Sunday Scaries and see how we can help our kiddos overcome them.

Why Is Sunday Scary?

It’s no secret that kids today are feeling more anxious than ever before, and the Sunday Scaries may have something to do with that. But even kids who aren’t normally anxious can still feel a foreboding sense of gloom and doom before going back to school on Monday. Imagine being a kid again to see why. You get home from school on Friday, and because you are a child and time feels stretched out, it seems as if you have a world of freedom ahead of you. The weekend means possibilities; it means freedom and fun. But then, as the sun sets on Sunday, a subtle shift occurs. Suddenly, the carefree atmosphere is tinged with a sense of unease, a knot of anxiety that tightens in your stomach. These are the Sunday Scaries.

For many kids, the Sunday Scaries manifest as a mixture of emotions – anticipation, dread, and apprehension all rolled into one. Monday morning is a looming threat of obligations, responsibilities, and uncertainties. Thoughts swirl in kids’ minds: Will I finish my homework on time? What if I have a test I’m not prepared for? Will my friends still want to play with me?

The Sunday Scaries aren’t just about the academic or social aspects of school; they’re about what school represents. A routine they didn’t choose, learning information they didn’t choose, and not having a choice in leaving home. For a lot of kids, it feels like the weekends are their time– the place where they can express their choices and autonomy. School takes that away from them. For other kids who experience the Sunday Scaries, the problem lies with the separation from the comfort of home and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Even for the most resilient of children, the transition from the freedom of the weekend to the structure of the school week can be jarring and anxiety-inducing.

Is My Child Dealing with the Sunday Scaries?

Now, it’s important to remember that kids are still learning how to process their emotions and have lots of big feelings about many different things. An upset child on Sunday might not be feeling anxious about school! There’s lots of other things they may be concerned about, like conflict with a friend or sibling.

The best way to find out if your child is going through the Sunday Scaries? Talk to them! Just sit down and have a frank, honest conversation. Start by inviting them to share– think along the lines of “Hey, kiddo! You seem a little anxious. Are you worried about school next week?” Then, actively listen to what they have to say. It might take some time to get them to open up about their big, unsettling feelings, but once they know you’re safe to talk to and understanding, you can start solving the problem together.

Tips For Helping Kids Through the Sunday Scaries

So what can you do to help kids through their anxiety? Here are some of our best tips for talking to kids about school anxiety.

Foster Open Communication About Feelings

​​Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their feelings. Encourage them to talk about what’s causing their anxiety and validate their emotions without judgment. Kids need reassurance that it’s normal to feel anxious or nervous about returning to school after the weekend. Share your own experiences of dealing with similar emotions and reassure them that they’re not alone.

Build A Fun Routine

Kids thrive on routines, so creating a routine that’s both enjoyable and relaxing can make Sunday night something to look forward to, not to fear. Engage in calming and enjoyable activities on Sundays to help your child unwind and alleviate stress. This could include family movie nights, outdoor adventures, or creative projects that allow them to express themselves. And make sure the routine involves anticipating school! Be sure to include activities such as setting out clothes for the next day, packing school bags, and reviewing schedules. Also make sure that the routine prioritizes self-care. A Sunday night routine should emphasize the importance of getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.

Create A Support Network

Foster connections with teachers, counselors, and other trusted adults who can offer guidance and support to your child. Knowing that they have someone to turn to can help alleviate anxiety and build resilience. If the Sunday Scaries are really bad, consider seeking guidance from a mental health professional. Therapy can provide tools and strategies tailored to your child’s specific needs. If your child’s anxiety persists or significantly impacts their daily functioning, professional help can make a huge difference.

That’s where we come in! Here at Love Heal Grow, we focus on helping people of all ages explore their emotions and build confidence and resilience. Our solutions to the Sunday Scaries involve compassionate, therapeutic approaches that can resonate with kids of all ages. Schedule with us today if your child is struggling with the Sunday Scaries.

[billsmithsposts]

Conquering Chaos: A Deep Dive into Cooper, Your All-Encompassing Parenting Resource

Exhausted from wading through a sea of conflicting parenting advice? Cooper emerges as a lighthouse, guiding you through the exhilarating yet often overwhelming journey of parenthood. Imagine a haven where reliable information, supportive community, and expert-backed guidance converge – that’s the magic of Cooper. Unveiling the Cooper Advantage Cooper isn’t just another parenting app. It’s your…

[teaktty]

I'm one of the guest speakers at this event

I'll be speaking on, Hearing queer and divergent youth

exciting, and I'll be so nervous

[superheroabasupport]

Tantrums can be challenging for both children and parents, but understanding effective strategies can help navigate these difficult moments. ABA services in Miami Gardens, Florida, offer valuable support for families dealing with tantrums at home. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques focus on identifying triggers and implementing positive behavior interventions🌈 to address tantrum behaviors.

[aropride]

i love cishets and their somewhat ugly pride merch that lets us know they're at least fairly safe to be around i'm serious. like genuinely being like 13 and seeing random adults at the store in black "love is love" shirts where every letter is a different pride flag and the whole thing clashes horribly was the most comforting thing.

[kyri45]

How many shenanigans can I add to interrupt as many confessions as possible? Also bold of you to assume the Dads™️ wouldn’t have heard MK being distressed.

Shadowpeach Bio Parent AU (PREV / FIRST / NEXT)

[anna-scribbles]

emma dupain cheng on the brain😽🎀

more:

[batsyheere]

Bruce tries to adopt Ellie, who is immediately against it. She keeps throwing him off her trail and he keeps tracking her down. She's honestly concerned, and normally she would handle her problems by herself- but this is Batman.

So when Bruce gets a little too close and Ellie is just so tired... she calls for Danny.

"Mom!"

Cue college student, perpetually tired and overworked Danny "High King Phantom" Fenton appearing from the very shadows Batman normally does himself, seeing the situation and going off at this "clearly older man" chasing his daughter in the middle of the night.

Cue the most elaborate "stop trying to adopt my kid before I adopt yours" series of battles

[loveandtrustingcareinc]

The arrival of a newborn brings unparalleled joy, but it also introduces a world of new challenges, particularly for sleep-deprived parents. Enter overnight care for infants, a service designed not only to provide much-needed rest for parents but also to nurture the well-being of the newest member of the family.

[reachtobe]

In life, we garner numerous roles as we grow older—a family member, a friend, a partner, and a parent. Parenting is a beautiful role where you bring a new life into this world and raise and provide for them to ensure that they are well-cared for and, most of all, to grow up where they reach their dreams and achieve their potential.

[lovehealgrow]

Parenthood and Its Impact on Your Relationship

Navigating This Journey Together

After marriage, couples are often asked, “When are you having a baby?!”. Once the decision is made to start a family, extensive resources support parents through pregnancy, delivery, and child-rearing milestones. However, amidst these preparations, what about guidance for the relationship itself? Parenthood is a significant transition that can deeply impact the dynamic between a couple. While the arrival of a child brings such happiness and fulfillment, it also presents challenges that can strain even the strongest relationships. Below are some common experiences that can occur when a couple becomes co-parents and information on how to combat them.

Decrease in Relationship Satisfaction

Research indicates that the majority of couples experience a decline in relationship satisfaction after becoming parents. In fact, studies suggest that up to 67% of couples report feeling less satisfied with their relationship within the first few years postpartum. This decline can be attributed to various factors, ranging from sleep deprivation to changes in priorities and responsibilities. As time becomes dispersed between work, child-rearing, and daily survival, connecting with your partner oftentimes becomes increasingly challenging. Many couples find it difficult to dedicate precious downtime to deep conversations, leading unresolved issues to pile higher and higher.

Noticing cycles in disagreements and each partner’s contribution can support reducing escalation and increase feeling heard and valued. One cycle can include having a ‘me vs you mindset’. This could look like a competition between who washes more bottles or changes more dirty diapers. It can help to remember that you both are on the same team and maintaining a ‘we’ mentality can support in having empathy and compassion. Using ‘I’ statements and reflective listening can help prevent difficult conversations from rapidly escalating and decrease the likelihood of defensiveness.

Sexual and Intimacy Concerns

Another common challenge faced by couples after childbirth is a shift in sexual and intimate interactions. Many couples report a decrease in sexual activity during the postpartum period. This can be influenced by physical recovery after childbirth, hormonal changes, and exhaustion. This change can lead to feelings of frustration, disconnect, or guilt from both partners. Additionally, parents can experience feeling ‘touched out’, where the constant physical contact from their child leaves them needing personal space and feeling less of a drive for intimacy from their partner.

As the child grows older and demands on parents evolve, many couples find that their sexual relationship improves. However, navigating this aspect of their relationship requires open communication, patience, and understanding from both partners. Communication about what helps both partners feel connected and loved could support alignment and satisfaction. Additionally, intimacy doesn’t have to mean sexual intercourse. If one partner is not feeling ready to engage in sex, other ways to connect can include increasing non-sexual touch or emotional intimacy.

Postpartum Depression

Parenthood can also exacerbate mental health issues, including the onset of postpartum depression, which impacts 1 in 7 mothers and can also impact fathers. The strain of caring for a newborn, coupled with sleep deprivation and hormonal changes, can contribute to feelings of sadness, anxiety, and detachment. Gaining support from healthcare professionals and loved ones is crucial for navigating these challenges and preserving the relationship.

Co-Parenting Relationship vs. Couple Relationship

One of the most significant shifts couples experience after becoming parents is balancing their roles as romantic partners and co-parents. The focus often shifts from nurturing the couple relationship to managing the day-to-day responsibilities of childcare. This transition can lead to a sense of disconnect as partners struggle to find time for each other amidst their co-parenting duties.

Maintaining a strong co-parenting relationship is essential for the well-being of the child, but it’s equally important to prioritize the couple relationship. Being intentional about the couple relationship could include finding opportunities for quality time together, whether it’s through date nights, shared hobbies, or even simple gestures of appreciation, this helps couples stay romantically connected. Micro-dates are a great way to connect even for just 10 minutes over a glass of wine or relaxing on the couch – no babysitter necessary!

Navigating Parenthood Together

In conclusion, while parenthood transforms a relationship, with its joys and challenges, it also presents couples with an opportunity to grow closer and cultivate a deeper bond as they navigate this shared journey together. By prioritizing communication, empathy, and mutual support, couples can successfully make it through these changes and become stronger as both parents and partners. Talking openly about your fears, dreams, and those hilarious parenting fails will support you in strengthening your connection. Embrace the challenges together, celebrate the small victories, and remember that amidst the chaos, you’re building a foundation of love and resilience that will carry you both through this journey and live on through your children.

At Love Heal Grow, our experienced therapists can help you navigate these challenges and develop a parenting plan that works for your unique situation. Don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment today. Your child’s well-being is worth it.