Family Education Blog
For the past two and a half years, I’ve been writing reflections for the ECLS’ monthly family newsletter, feeling out which topics parents and caregivers are interested in reading about. This year, I’ve begun to highlight the challenges that, while universal, likely create a sense of isolation for the parents experiencing them.
In sharing about parents’ struggles (always, always, ALWAYS anonymously), I believe that other parents will recognize that:
- They are not alone/flawed/hopeless/helpless/insert emotional descriptor here.
- Support and resources exist to help them or their child emerge from a challenging cycle of behavior.
- When parents overcome one challenge (while another always arises), they are able to approach the next with a greater understanding of their child, of themselves, and of their incredibly dynamic relationship with their child, which indicates that growth has occurred! At the ECLS, we are big fans of growth– not only amongst the children who spend their days with us, but their parents, too, and especially ourselves!
I’ve been asked to share these reflections more widely, thus the creation of this blog. You need not be a parent with a child enrolled in the ECLS to find it relevant to your life as a parent. I welcome you to use these writings as an invitation to reflect on your own beliefs, values, and actions related to parenting. They can serve as a springboard for conversations with your parenting partner, your child’s grandparent, a good friend, or a group of parents meeting to support one another while your children play. Perhaps you will read them to simply confirm that you are doing a great job as a parent! (You all are, by the way, regardless of the challenges you face!)
As always, as is relevant, I will link research and resources that inform the concepts included. I will also consider writing about any topics you may be experiencing. Fill out the topic request form if you hope to read about a topic not already listed here.
