1.
It is painful as a parent to watch our children in pain, or anticipating pain.
And confusing in situations where there is necessary pain and discomfort like in the case of medical care.
The key to helping our children navigate these challenging moments is in staying calm (not taking their anxiety on) and in staying present (feeling empathy for their fear and discomfort but not shutting down).
As adults if we avoid their anxiety and worry it will continue to cycle inside their little bodies and likely come out more intensely.
I always tell myself "this is an opportunity for my child to learn more about their emotions and for me to continue to show them what empathy and support in a relationship feels like".
Hang in there parents, Dentists and Doctors visits are not for the faint of heart 💜❤️💜❤️
The myth that comforting your child will "spoil" them is not only emotionally harmful but also creates an altered brain state that leads to higher levels of stress and mental illness in adulthood, giving them compassion and comfort will only help them develop a healthier brain function.
The most helpful way for a child to understand boundaries is to model it for them, and as parents, we should also honor some of our children's boundaries as well to protect connection and safety, not power.
Learn how to support your kids through the emotional rollercoaster of going to school, especially on tough Mondays, by holding boundaries, offering comfort, and staying compassionate during the transition process.