It seems only appropriate to start off with some background information and an all-inclusive caveat (excuse? backtrack?) to all the information to come. First off, if you are looking for evidence-based studies or wisdom in the proper way to raise perfect, well-rounded, healthy children, you have come to the wrong place. I have almost no wisdom in that regard. I do have training and understanding in health and child development. If you came to my clinic with questions about what the proper guidelines for healthy and safe children are, I would tell you the right answers. You would go home feeling as though you had learned a lot and feel good about your parenting skills. I would likely tell you that you are doing all the right things: limiting screen time, serving balanced and healthy meal options, the proper sleep schedules, and that your child is doing well in their growth charts and overall health. Or I would give you a prescription to take care of various bacterial infections, like strep throat or an earache, or how to take care of your vomiting child…you get the picture. I might even refer you to a behavioral specialist or prescribe you an antidepressant, if needs be. This blog is none of that.
This is a blog representing my path; my journey through motherhood and the lessons I have learned along the way, or maybe the lessons I have tried to teach because I have learned them. It may be equally relevant for fatherhood, but I cannot speak to that since I am not, nor ever will be, a father. Maybe it is the same; some of it surely applies. So, while I say mother or mom, you could potentially transpose father or dad, or whatever it is you identify as (aunt, uncle, caregiver…) let’s just say parent. I have no belief that moms are better than dads or anything like that, just so we are clear.
I’d also like to add that I, in no way, think I have found all the answers or truths for every person. I have simply found some for myself in my journey. My hope is that some of it will ring true for someone else. I hope in some small way, or maybe a big one, you will find peace and joy with your journey, even when it may be wrought with seemingly impossible and unbearable obstacles. For the most part, my journey is still very incomplete and half of what I have learned is arguably wrong, subject to interpretation and perspective. I have also learned more from my children than I could ever have taught them.