An exasperated parent flops down on my couch. For the next hour they tell me how their child isn’t sleeping, isn’t listening, throws fits in stores, and the list goes on. They end by saying, “We have tried EVERYTHING!” I see the defeat on their faces, and it’s heartbreaking. I think about all the million and one things they have tried in the name of being good parents. The basic thought for many parents is: “I am supposed to know how to do this.” When things aren’t working well, no matter how hard they try, parents can secretly feel shame. Often plagued by thoughts such as: “Something is wrong with me.” “I’m not good enough.” Or, “I failed at the one thing I am supposed to innately know how to do.” Below is what I recommend to help get you through those difficult parenting moments.
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