“Mommy, it’s okay to have big feelings.” These were the words my six-year-old ever so calmly and wisely whispered to me as he gently climbed up upon his stool to wipe away the tears from my cheeks.
You see, just a day prior, our family lost a dear loved one. The pain being so fresh, raw and real could not be held in as the world continued to spin and move ever forward; All while I tried to keep up with the every day tasks before me, starting with preparing our usual morning breakfast.
Life, especially in the elements that test us most, has a funny way of shining a bright light on irony at the most unexpected times. Just recently I posted a great quote on my timeline by Sue Atkins to fellow parents that said, “There is no such thing as being the perfect parent. So just be a real one.”
How absolutely true and absolutely real was this quote in the moment with my son validating my sad and the reality that it was absolutely 100% okay for me to feel the raw sting of grief in that moment. Thank goodness there is no such thing as the perfect parent! Because keeping it real is a far better, healthier and purposeful posture to consider embracing as we all continue to step bravely and boldly into this brand new year!
As so many families nationwide continue to reel from the ongoing pandemic, concerns surrounding the mental and emotional health of our children is becoming ever more front of mind as teachers and pediatricians, but most of all parents, take note of the unhealthy shifts in our children’s overall health and wellness. Now more than ever, parents are being called to step up and step into being the parent our children need us to be. But what does this look like? Where do we begin?
It begins with Connection. In a time of increased stressed, more responsibilities upon our shoulders, unexpected shifts and changes abounding, a ripple of disconnect can so easily begin to flow through the conversations and interactions we have with our children if we are not mindful and careful. Consider pressing the pause button and assessing the dynamics influencing your relationship with your child at this time.
This assessment begins first and foremost with you! We as parents cannot give on an empty cup. Connection is going to be all the more challenging if we are experiencing a disconnect in the midst of exhaustion, increased stress, heightened emotions and more.
By making the conscious decision to address your overall physical, mental and emotional health and wellness, you are taking a bold step in being able to create space of greater connection with your child because there is now room for that connection to take place. Within this healthful space, consider creating special time with your child, exclusively for yourselves to reconnect. Maybe your date is getting outside to play in the snow or sunshine depending on where you live or doing an art project together as you engage in a heart to heart of how you both are doing.
As I step away from the computer now to enjoy warm snuggles and the movie “Encanto” with my precious boy, I pray you too find the special moments of connection you and you child are needing in this season of life.
If you find yourself struggling in this area of your lives, please don’t hesitate to connect with one of our amazing team members. Our Pediatric Ninja Specialists are standing by to help assist you and your child in prospering physically, mentally, emotionally and socially throughout 2022. It takes a village to raise a child and we are honored to be a part of your incredible life’s journey!
About the Author
Meg Klettke is the proud owner alongside her husband, Alex of Family Strong Sussex, a SKILLZ Lifetime Gold studio in Southeastern Wisconsin. With a background in traditional and alternative therapeutics, Meg is an active advocate for today’s youth. Her passion for supporting and nurturing the whole child resonates through all she does as a Proud Ninja Mom of two boys with special needs, Certified Pediatric Ninja Specialist and Content Creator for SKILLZ Worldwide.
CD Young's Karate in Henderson - Henderson and Las Vegas Skillz Program
CD Young's Karate Blog
#karatenv #bestoflasvegas #hendersonblog #hendersonparents
Author: Jennifer Salama of Skillz Worldwide.
Jennifer is a 4th-degree black belt and has been training in martial arts since 2001. She has a Masters Degree in Child Psychology and has embraced the SKILLZ curriculum because of its focus on child development and using Martial Arts as a vehicle to develop the child as a whole.
A CD Young's Karate Brand
Engage offers a family style martial arts program for students ages 5 and up. With separate classes for adults and kids.
All Rights Reserved | Engage