Parenting: From Tight Rope to Toolbox

Do you feel overwhelmed by the pressure of parenting? Let’s have a mini-mindset shift.

Real Talk. Parenting is not for the faint of heart. In fact, it can sometimes feel like walking on a tightrope in high wind, holding onto a balancing pole with every ounce of strength you have left.  If you are nodding your head in agreement, this is for you!

Perfect parenting doesn’t exist. That is an unattainable goal that we must rid ourselves of immediately. But, as parents, we can do “better”. By better I do not mean a cleaner house or more activities on the calendar. We must instead focus on connecting with our kids, being their safe space to share their emotions with without becoming triggered ourselves. This can be difficult for parents who tend to become defensive, shut down emotionally during times of stress, or who struggle to share their personal struggles with others.

The good news is therapy can help. If you are struggling as a parent, a therapist can help you to process past hurts, to better understand the importance of the parent-child relationship, and to learn lifelong skills or “tools” to help during trying times. I tell my clients we are building up a toolbox that they will have access to for a lifetime, and as they model these skills for their children, they too will have access to that same toolbox. How amazing is that?