How Does Social Media Affect Your Parenting Style? By Nabiha Hasan

Social media undoubtedly has its pros as well as its cons. As a mental health therapist, a mother, and pretty much considering the multiple roles that I play, I personally have my reservations about social media and don’t hesitate to explore these considerations with my clients if they mention feeling unsure or are somehow affected by social media. As parents, there are several things which can influence our parenting styles, and the tricky thing about social media is that what you see is not always what’s behind the photo or post. Social media has an impact on parenting in several different shapes, forms, and fashions - read on to find out more about how so.

Picture perfect. Instagram posts, TikToks, Snapchat stories, and whatever else is in between are catered to show you only the ultimately perfect side of people’s lives and homes. Anyone who is a parent, however, knows that there is no part of parenting which is perfect - it can get messy, real, and just a bit complicated. Taking part in observing or trying to mimic this perfection is unhealthy, unrealistic, and can lead to damaging expectations as a parent. Noticing another mom’s spotless living room on camera, untouched kitchen, or daily color coordinated outfits with her mini me’s can cause one to rethink about priorities and possibilities. 

The end goal. Ultimately, what is your role as a parent? What are some of your aspirations, goals, and hopes for your child? If you’re like most parents, the closing at the end of a long day with your little ones is not defined by whether or not your house is clean, your outfits are perfectly matching, or the number of likes you got on your most recent post - as parents, we are all striving and on this rollercoaster of parenthood together in our own separate ways in efforts to raise strong, confident, and intelligent human beings who will positively impact society and repeat the beautiful cycle of life.

You are the parent of your child. Social media parents are only parents to their own children, not to the children of the world. You know your child better than anyone else on earth, and you also know which approaches work best for her or him. A parent of three who uses the love and logic or 1-2-3 parenting style may not work for you as a parent of one, because your child’s personality and temperament are different and unique.

If you feel that social media is affecting your ability to parent or is causing you to second your capabilities as a mother or father, contact any of our therapists at Niyyah Counseling for support or to help you walk through your emotions. You are also more than welcome to check out our blog posts here on our website to read more about articles our team has written regarding the various aspects of parenting. Our therapists are trained in child development and have worked with parents of children of all ages - therapy is just a click away.

What To Do If Lifted Mask Mandates Make You Nervous By Amanda Young, LCSW

Can you say a Pandemic? What is that? What does that mean? All of these questions came to mind when we first heard the news about the pandemic. The last two years have been hard for everyone. The world coming to a complete stop, our lives being turned upside down and adjusting to the new normal can have a negative impact on everyone. We as human beings do not like to be forced to do things that we do not have a say in or chose to do. Having to stay in shelter, work from home, helping the kids stay in tune with school, sanitize or wash your hands and having to wear an uncomfortable mask when you venture out was a little  too much to handle physically but most importantly mentally.

Braving the stores while dodging sneezing and wiping down everything we touch to avoid contracting covid while trying to maintain our composure was difficult. Then it happens, hesitancy to go places, nervous about a cough or a running nose or even thinking that we have covid. Anxiety during the pandemic was at an all time high. I believe that it is safe to say that the majority if not all suffered from anxiety. Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. So we went through all of that and had a front row seat for two years from complete to partial to our world opening all the way back up.  

Now the world we live in has opened back up and we are starting to go out with the knowledge that covid still exists, there is still a bit of uneasiness. Mask mandates are lifted but there are people who prefer to continue to wear their mask whereas some have dumped them with no hesitancy. We all are having to learn how to live with the new normal which does not help our anxiety. When going out into the world some things we can do to reduce our anxiety are as follows:

• Continuing to wear your mask-If this is what you are most comfortable with at this time, this is perfectly ok.

• Staying updated on CDC news-Center of Disease and Control gives us updates on the guidelines for the virus that's science based and tips to navigate the world with the virus.

• Consider getting the shot and booster- the shot is the best protection of the virus. The likelihood of you becoming seriously ill is low.

• Live your life as you know fits-this is your life and everyone lives differently. Do what makes you comfortable and not try to be apart or do things that don’t make you comfortable. 

• Gaining insight into your anxiety-understanding your triggers or the root cause of your anxiety will help you become more equipped with handling it. 

If your anxiety is impacting your daily life and things you have put in place are no longer working, you can give us a call. Our therapists at Niyyah Counseling PLLC ,are trained and willing to assist. Please give us a call, we are here to help. https://www.niyyahcounselingpllc.com/our-team

How Disabled or Immunocompromised People Can Manage Growing Anxiety Over Lifted Mask Mandates by Kathleen Chandler, LMSW, PMH-C

First, I want to validate your experience. You are experiencing anxiety from a real threat, not a perceived threat. Mask mandates have lifted, and depending on where you live, transmission may be moderate to high, while variant BA.2. is on the rise. While we can wish the pandemic was handled differently, it is ultimately out of our control. Therefore, it is important that you stay focused on what IS in your control. You still have plenty of options to keep yourself safe!

What can you do?

Stay up to date on vaccination and boosters: immunocompromised people are currently approved for a 2nd booster. Go get that booster!

Continue wearing your N95/KN95 masks, or respirator, when you are around people outside of your household. If someone gives you side-eye, just ignore them, keep that mask on and stay safe!

Have a plan for rapid and PCR testing: ask people to take a rapid test before unmasking indoors with them.

Consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities that are risky and could expose you.

Keep that distance! Continue to stay 6ft away from people in public when you can.

Keep the time short! Remember that time spent in risky situations increases chances of exposure. Doing something risky for 90 minutes is riskier than doing it for 9 minutes.

Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are a good candidate for monoclonal antibodies or oral antivirals.

The past two years have been incredibly challenging, and it is just as important to take care of your mental health, as it is to keep yourself safe. Here are some tips to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and manage stress:

·Find your community and engage at your comfort level. Whether that is on Zoom, an outdoor gathering, or indoors with trusted friends; you get to decide what feels right for you. Figure out what you are comfortable with and then make regular time to be in community. We are social creatures! We need connection! Don’t stay completely isolated! 

Practice self-care! Do things that will benefit you in the long run, even if you don’t feel like it right now. Spend time outdoors daily. Move your body in a way the feels good for you. Eat foods you enjoy and make you feel nourished. Make time to take care of yourself!

Find joy! Try thinking of things that fill your spirit, feel pleasant, and are enjoyable. Make sure these things are in your life! Notice that warm sun radiating on your cheek, really taste that sweet rich decadent chocolate, be aware of how good it feels to laugh with friends. It doesn’t need to be BIG JOY, small doses of daily joy throughout the day very impactful. If you can’t think of the last time you felt joy, schedule time for it, and be mindful of how it feels to experience it.

Practice Gratitude. It is easy to forget the things we are grateful when we are suffering with low mood and anxiety. Think of three things daily that you are grateful for!

Strengthen Coping Skills: Practice breath work, mindfulness, and guided meditations.

Click here to learn specific exercises to help relieve anxiety. https://www.niyyahcounselingpllc.com/blog/specific-exercises-to-help-relieve-anxiety-by-connor-cohen-lmsw  You can also download this free app that was created to help support self-care and overall mental health during the pandemic: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/COVID_coach_app.asp

Reach out for professional help if you need more support during this time! Niyyah Counseling has several therapists ready to help support you. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today! https://www.niyyahcounselingpllc.com/our-team 

Conflict Resolution Tips by Connor Cohen, LMSW

It's normal to fight. It's normal to feel angry. It's normal to get frustrated. It is normal to have conflict. This is especially true when it comes to those that we love. Any time we spend with the same people over and over, we're bound to ruffle some feathers. They can be the best person in the world oh, our favorite person, the love of our life, and yet we can be in conflict with them. Even when we agree 100% (which let's face it, probably doesn't happen)  we can still feel  the flames of conflict creeping up.  So what do we do when we are in conflict with her significant other? Do we yell and scream? Do we bottle it all up and hold it inside only for it to come out one day?  In a perfect world, we would have other ways to deal with this conflict.  We would always know just what to say, we open and upfront with our emotions,  we would be understanding of our partner's perspective and conflicts would feel just like a small bump in the road or if you are just slightly turning the steering wheel to avoid a hazard. And while we may not live in a perfect world, we can still respond to conflict in a way that honors both our self and our partner and each of our perspectives within the conflict.

Step one: Take a step back.  Oftentimes In the heat of the moment when the flames of conflict are highest,  we can forget that the person that we're arguing with is the one that we love.  We forget all those soft and Sweet Moments with them,  we forget how they were there for us in our darkest moments,  we forget how they make us laugh and how they make us smile,  all we see in this moment is the conflict.  We see right and wrong black and white.  Now it's natural to want to be correct, I think we all enjoy being right but sometimes in the moment taking a step back, maybe even physically to remind ourselves that there is more in the relationship than this one moment of conflict can be  super important to helping us navigate the conflict.

Step Two: Remember that it is you and your partner versus the conflict.  As we've already discussed we can often feel as though it is us versus them, their ideas versus ours.  But there's another perspective to take. If we can detach ourselves from the conflict of the heat of the moment of the emotions of the moment,  we can see that both sides  want a resolution. In conflict we both want the same goal, we just have different visions of how to get there.  The sooner we see that we both want the same things,  the sooner we realize we can work together to get those things.  It would be like if you thought the best way to get to work is taking the highway to the left and your partner views the best way as the highway to the right.  The second you realize that you both simply want  to find the easiest way to work,  we can begin to build on mutual ground. 

Step Three:  If needed when emotions are high, set aside time for 5 and 10 minute breaks.  Oftentimes strong emotions bring on strong emotions. Big reactions get even bigger reactions.  If during a conflict or argument feelings are just escalating,  set aside time to step away.  This not only gives each person time to really think about what they're trying to say,  but it also gives time for our logical brain to kick back on after utilizing our emotional brain.  When we fight our emotional brain takes over,  by giving space and time away from the strong emotions and feelings and conflict,  new perspectives can be better appreciated.  In the heat of the moment We may not be open to hearing what our partner believes is the best option but after five or 10 minutes away we may start to consider it or we may even be more open to it than before.

Step four:  If needed, reach out for help.  It's not always easy navigating conflict and arguments and fights.  If conflict was easy I don't think it would be called conflict.  If you and a loved one feel as though your conflicts create tension and displeasure with the relationship,  our wonderful therapist here at Niyyah would be more than happy to provide an impartial and fair helping hand. Reach out today to schedule your session today and learn how to better manage relational conflict.

Tips for Filtering Headlines about COVID-19

It definitely seems like we can’t get enough of talking about Covid-19…right? More than two years into the pandemic, there are just not enough studies, headlines, or changing regulations that have not caught our attention recently. How can we stay grounded despite all of the chaos, though? Arguably so, it does seem never-ending, but there are lots of tips and tricks you can keep in mind to stay grounded and avoid the emotions that come along with the uncertainty of the Covid-19 situation. Read on to consider a few things which may be helpful for you to recognize when sorting through fear mongering headlines that take studies out of context.

Be cautious. At the end of the day, what is the purpose of headlines which make your heart drop? To do just that - instill anxiety and fear among society in order to take action. No joke, news outlets and studies can indeed be very helpful, but they often are catered to cause increased, heightened emotions because that’s how they thrive. Do your best to avoid these headlines whenever you can and whenever possible, because the more you invest in reading about them, having certain feelings about them, and worrying about the future, the more it will impact your mental health.

Do your research. Say that you do come across a headline which has caused you to lose sleep or resulted in an anxiety-driven response - what to do now? Try to research the study which is referenced to in particular. Oftentimes, the sample size (meaning the number of individuals involved in the study) or the method of conducting the research could be skewed - the headlines won’t tell you that! For example, a study done on 20 individuals cannot represent all of society - yes, those 20 individuals come from varying walks of life, backgrounds, and each has a unique story, but that doesn’t justify using it to instill fear in readers. Again, keep in mind that headlines are meant to instill fear and worry amongst society, and any discrepancies in research will NOT be highlighted at all whatsoever. Doing your part to make sure that the study is accurate, viable, and checking to see if there are any nuances in research will help you come to terms with realizing the inaccuracy portrayed in the media.

Stay grounded. Use grounding strategies to keep yourself together, especially after reading a particular article which may have triggered you. Whether that means practicing deep breathing, using the five senses exercise (five things you can see, four things you can hear, three things you can touch, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste), or counting backwards from 100 by 7s, utilizing a grounding technique will help bring you back to the present. If you need further suggestions or ideas on how to practice grounding, check out this link to some helpful resources.

With the Covid-19 pandemic, mental health professionals have seen an influx of symptoms arising and the need for services to increase substantially. If you are interested in reading more about Covid-19 on our website, we have an established blog writing team which you can refer to and check out further posts. Nonetheless, if you feel that you are in need of further support or mental health services, contact us to find out more about our experienced therapists who can guide you and be your bridge to wellness.

Social Anxiety in the Post COVID World

Let's face it, we've been inside for a while. We've adjusted to a new way of life. We work from home, we live from home, we're home a lot. Home has become our movie theaters, our bars, our favorite five star restaurants, and even at some point bread factories.  The pandemic has shown us that we can do a lot at home.  Home has become a safe place for many of us.  With all this staying home, it's very easy to be less social. Meetups of the past in bookstores or cafes have largely been replaced with the zoom calls and Google meetings.  Our social life has become our social media life. Meeting with friends and loved ones behind the screen has been our way of life for a while. 

So as things begin to return to normal, it can be scary.  We live in a world where we don't really have to pay attention to social cues as much.  It was a world of online tests and homework and then you log off.  There's a lot naturally to be missed when we are online.  We don't really have to care as much about how we look which can be a good thing but I for one am guilty of sweatpants and a fancy shirt.  What changes when we go back to normal, I think it's normal to be anxious about that. This is a time when social anxiety will be higher.  We got comfortable with a low social battery.  We didn't have to consider our place amongst a group of people in an open setting for quite some time. Now the thought of doing that again can definitely feel overwhelming.  Anytime were faced with something new or different anxiety is sure to follow.   I think it's really normal for us to be a little weary of the changes that are coming. We may even have to relearn social behaviors. The truth of the matter is there is a difference between the occasional going out during the pandemic, sneaking out so to speak for a few breaths of social air,  and returning to what we hope is normal life. It's naturally going to be an adjustment and it's okay to be worried about that. 

It's okay to not know what to say in group settings or around friends,  it's okay to not know what to say when we interact with people who maybe we haven't interacted with in a while.  To put it into a metaphor it's almost as if we are all used to the dim light of a candle, and here we are finally opening the door to the outside world.  The light is going to be bright, it's going to feel a little overwhelming. We've made friends with the shadows on the wall of the cave, meaning our social life has adapted to survival. We were in this balancing act for years between our need for a social life in staying healthy and safe. There are going to be some rough patches,  some awkward moments, probably some feathers getting ruffled.  We will most certainly get on each other's nerves as we emerge from this.  But that's okay.  It's important to remember that these moments happen regardless of what has happened in the world over the past number of years.  We've had awkward moments before, we have misspoken, we have played a part in people's reactions  and they played a part in ours. Life will go on, it may feel a little different and it may feel a little strange but I think we're all going to be okay. If you or a loved one are struggling with social anxiety as we emerge from the pandemic, our therapists are here to help.  We can help guide you through this process and teach new ways to cope.  Schedule your session today and begin a journey towards healing.

What Does It Mean to Outgrow a Relationship by Amanda Young, LCSW

Relationships are a wonderful union between individuals who choose to share their worlds. When we find that special someone to build a relationship with, we look to develop a deeper connection. We seem to connect with them for several reasons and we tend to get wrapped up in the bliss of the relationship. In the beginning everything tends to go well and we are stuck to each other's hips. Fun right? We are in love and not paying attention to the red flags that are right in our face. Then BAM!, one day we are feeling like this relationship is stuck in the park gear and not fun anymore. This is when the honeymoon phase has subsided and reality has set in. You might find that you guys are having frequent arguments over things that weren't important at the beginning. You might think to yourself what is going on? After some much needed self reflection and evaluation of your relationship, you come to the conclusion that you are just not connecting anymore. 

We never get in relationships to think that we will outgrow the person we are with but it happens. The tension in the relationship, the tug and war, the depletion can be all signs of the relationship has run its course. So what do we do? Do I stay or do I go? Do we try harder and explore other things? Or do we let each other grow so we can continue to grow as individuals. So many questions to ask yourself but the real question is, what do you think will make you happy? Staying in a dead end relationship where there is no room for growth or moving on? These are all tough questions to ask, especially since you never imagine life without this person. Some signs to look for that would possibly indicate that you have outgrown your partner and the relationship are below.

Signs that you might have outgrown your relationship:

1. You are no longer excited about the relationship-it is more of a dreadful feeling anticipating what will happen today.

2. You no longer challenge each other-might feel that no matter what you do to help the other person grow, it feels like wasted energy, so why bother.

3. You get no fulfillment from the relationship-there is something missing and you seek fulfillment from other sources.

4. The person isn’t the same-things they did in the beginning, they are no longer interested in doing. 

5. There is no connection or passion anymore-it just seems like you are just there. 

Although this is not an exhaustive list of signs, you can normally tell when things have shifted in your relationship. If you find yourself feeling stuck or drained from your relationship, you might want to talk to someone to help you explore the changes. It can be scary to change or you might feel guilty for feeling the way you feel and that is normal. Niyyah Counseling PLLC has therapists who are willing to help without the judgment, just give us a call today.

Seasonal Depression in Spring? by Kara Bradford, LCDC, LMSW

It makes more sense to struggle with seasonal depression, or seasonal affect disorder (SAD), in the months that cut down sunlight hours and activities during the winter, right? Sure; however, this does not mean that SAD cannot be experienced in the spring and summer months as well. 

First, we need to understand what SAD is, beginning with the fact that it is a form of depression. As we know, depression symptoms most often include: insomnia or oversleeping, unintended weight loss or weight gain, loss of interest in things once enjoyed, difficulty concentrating, feelings of low energy, and feelings of hopelessness. The thing that makes this type of depression SAD and not major depressive disorder (MDD) is that these symptoms are experienced at the beginning of a certain season and dissipate at the same time each year. 

While it is most common to experience SAD during the winter months, it is also possible to experience SAD during the spring and summer months for other reasons. In some areas of the world, spring and summer months bring things that may cause people to become less active despite longer periods of sunlight; such as seasonal allergies due to pollen, high temperatures, and schedule changes. 

Seasonal allergies can cause itchy and/or watery eyes, runny nose, sore throat, and what can seem like constant sneezing, which can negatively affect a person’s mood. Allergies can also cause people to sleep more, eat less, and stay inside most of the day to avoid pollen, which all have the possibility of fueling depression symptoms. 

High temperatures, especially in areas that reach triple digits, can make outdoor activities less enjoyable with having to constantly apply and reapply sunscreen, having to drink more water or other fluids to stay hydrated (not to mention increased potty breaks that accompany this), easily experiencing heat exhaustion, and then add the possibility of high humidity on top of that–FORGET IT–people may end up spending more time indoors to avoid the heat. More time indoors with less exposure to sunlight can also contribute to SAD. 

In most areas, summer months bring other challenges like changes in daily routines, such as children being home from school, earlier work hours, and increase in traveling. Sometimes, depression symptoms can sneak up on us when we experience difficulty adjusting to changes in our daily routines or schedules. For example, with children home from school, some parents have to make arrangements for child care, provide 2 to 3 additional meals per day, and attend seasonal activities their children are involved in. Difficulty adjusting to brief schedule changes can cause increased stress (due to scheduling and finances), which can contribute to depression symptoms. 

Another thing that may contribute to SAD symptoms during spring and summer months are cognitive distortions surrounding poor body image and self-esteem. Some people may be triggered by the thought of putting on a swimsuit and being in public, causing social isolation, which can also contribute to depression symptoms. 

Whether you or someone you know deals with SAD during fall and winter months or spring and summer months, our therapists at Niyyah can help! Our therapists are trained in many different treatment modalities to address issues of depression, anxiety, and cognitive distortions surrounding circumstances and activities in any and all seasons. You deserve to be the best version of yourself, no matter how many hours of sunlight you have in a day. 

How to Talk to Teens about Sexuality by Kathleen Chandler, LMSW, PMH-C

It is important to keep the lines of communication open with your teen. You want them to know you are always in their corner; they can come to you for anything! The best approach is to begin talking to your kids about sexuality prior to the onset of puberty. The more time you spend discussing sexual matters, the more comfortable you will both be when they are teenagers.

These talks should start as early as birth through toddler years. Teach them to correctly identify and label genitals. Read them developmentally appropriate books (I’ll provide suggestions below). As they start to explore their body, you can teach them that it is normal (it is developmentally appropriate) and let them know, when and where, is an acceptable place to do so. Do not shame your child for bodily exploration; it is natural. Read books that include different types of family structures; and let them know that love is what makes a family.

As they get a little older (2-5) discuss consent, give them autonomy to make decisions regarding their body. Talk to them about boundaries and give them permission to say yes or no to tickling, hugs, and kisses. Talk to your child about appropriate touch and let them know it is safe to come to you if anyone ever touches them in a way that makes them uncomfortable.

As they enter school age, you want your child to already have boundaries in place, be confident in saying yes or no to bodily touch and have a general understanding of different family structures. During this time frame, and up until puberty, you’ll want to have regular discussions about sexuality and challenge any misinformation your child might be receiving. You can use examples from books, media, family, school etc. You should also revisit the body and make sure your child has learned about reproductive parts; what they are and how they function. Children with vaginas can start puberty as early as 9 years old, you want to make sure your child is knowledgeable about what will come.

What if you have a teenager and you haven’t discussed any of this?

It’s not too late! Here is how you can talk to your teen about sexuality:

First, it is important you address the awkward or uncomfortable feelings you may have about the topic. You might disclose that your parents never had this talk with you, or how it was super awkward for you when they did.  

Second, ask them what they already know. You’ll be surprised to learn how much knowledge they’ve acquired on the topic. If your teen denies knowing much, let them know that it’s normal to not want to discuss this with you but you’re going to start having regular conversations (not lectures) on the topic.  

Third, Now is your opportunity to challenge any misinformation they shared and provide them with factual based knowledge.

Fourth, talk to them regularly about it. Ask about their friend’s dating lives. Ask them if they have a crush on anybody, don’t assign gender to who you think they may like; instead, get to know who they like. The more you do it, the easier it will get. Share stories about what it was like for you to date as a teenager. Share stories of your friends. Educate on safe sex practices, schedule them a doctor’s appointment where they can provide access to condoms and birth control. Don’t just share stories of fear and consequences, sexuality is exciting and pleasurable. You want to empower your teens to make healthy choices with consent and safe practices.

READING RESOURCES

 Preschool:

What Makes a Baby by Cory Silverberg

The Family Book by Todd Parr

Yes and No by Megan Madison

Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer

Amazing You by Gail Saltz

Elementary:

Sex is a Funny Word by Cory Silverberg

It’s So Amazing by Robbie H. Harris

Middle School:

It’s Perfectly Normal by Robbie Harris

Wait, What? A Comic Book Guide to relationships, bodies, and growing up by Heather Corinna

Teenager:

S.E.X.: The All-You-Need-To-Know Sexuality Guide to Get You Through Your Teens and Twenties by Heather Corinna
Let’s Talk About It: The Teen’s Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human by Erika Moen

Reconciling a Different In Parenting Styles with Your Partner by Nabiha Hasan, LMSW

Parenting styles are things we pick up from a variety of sources, such as: parenting books, social media posts, podcasts, YouTube videos, and maybe our own parents/family members. When and if we make the decision to start our own families, the realization that it takes two to parent can be one that is eye opening and may have the ability to cause conflicts between partners. Today’s focus is going to be on how to reconcile a difference in parenting styles with your partner/spouse.

Acceptance. First things first…accept that you two are different individuals, who were raised by a different set of parents, who potentially grew up in different parts of the world (as in my situation), and will undoubtedly parent in very different ways. Going into parenthood with the notion that you and your partner will be child rearing in sync is very unrealistic and can be damaging to your relationship. Take the time to meditate if needed, particularly when you are faced with your partner doing a big parenting no-no, and approach it with a grain of salt. With some patience and communication, remember that you will do your best to be able to explain your rationale and method of parenting nonetheless, as well as how you can approach it together.

Communicate. As simple as it sounds, communicating is something that we often may put to the side or not achieve in the best way possible. Obviously, if we’re not communicating with our partner that we feel a need to discuss child rearing procedures and methods, how will we ever come to a resolution? Communicating with your partner that you feel a difference in the way you two parent your kid(s) should definitely be done in a moment of calm, not in a heightened state while your toddler is throwing a full blown tantrum because you peeled her banana and she wanted to do it herself (been there, done that!). Getting your message across is not as simple as it seems, however; you and your partner may come from varying cultural backgrounds, walks of life, and have parents who had very different ways of raising their children. Having a one-on-one conversation of how you would or would not like to tag team in parenting your children should be a very conscious one done at the proper time and in the appropriate situation.

All in all, if you are a single parent relying on family/friends for support, having this conversation with others who assist with childcare and/or child rearing can be a bit more challenging; at the end of the day, it really does take a village to raise a child. Parenting does not come with a handbook, as much as we wish it did, and the decision to have children is one that we as human beings make in very different ways according to a variety of factors, such as: finances, age, and stage of life, among other things. You are welcome to reference to any of our other articles published in the past regarding child rearing and parenting, and are always open to reaching out to any of our therapists for additional support and guidance with parenting, child development, and/or couple’s counseling if you feel that child rearing differences are affecting your relationship with your partner. Remember to use this link to reach out to us and leave your contact information so we can get back to you regarding availability and which therapist would be a good fit. We are a click away!