HaltonParents

Considering the collapse of parenting: We’re just trying to survive

Posted on February 22, 2016 by Andrea Scott RN

This blog is the third in a series about the so-called collapse of parenting. First, my colleague did a great job summing up what most parenting experts do agree on, and last week I wrote about the parent-child relationship.

I’m in the thick of it right now. My kids are little and I’m dealing with the very tantrums the “experts” are debating. I don’t know whether there is a true collapse of parenting, but I will say this: many parents today, including myself, are stressed and exhausted. Many are working full-time and are struggling with running a house, functioning at work and caring for their children. Continue reading →

Posted in Children & Tweens, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Child/Tween, Parenting, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Toddler & Preschooler, Toddlers & Preschoolers | Tagged busy, collapse of parenting, preschoolers, stress, survive, working mom, working parents | 2 Comments

Considering the collapse of parenting: Are we really parenting?

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Andrea Scott RN

At the moment there’s a huge debate swirling about the so-called collapse of parenting. My colleague did a great job summing up what most parenting experts do agree on, part of which is strengthening the parent-child relationship. But what does that look like?

It’s easy to parent when everyone is calm, but what about when our child is acting out or when they have a temper tantrum that goes on and on? Let’s be honest – it is easier to give in, isn’t it? (Help me out here!) Continue reading →

Posted in Children & Tweens, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Child/Tween, Parenting, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Toddler & Preschooler, Toddlers & Preschoolers | Tagged collapse of parenting, crying, how to be a better parent, how to parent, parenting is hard, preschoolers, pressure, stress, tantrums | 1 Comment

We are not a match

Posted on February 16, 2016 by Sarah Flynn RN

I am not sure what it was, but I knew the moment my second child was born that my parenting journey was going to be much different this time around. At first, I couldn’t pinpoint exactly why I felt this way (mother’s intuition maybe?) but three years later I understand what my gut was telling me – my daughter and I are not a match, in temperament that is. Oh, she is a super imaginative child with a strong will, fierce determination and a fearless sense of adventure; in all truthfulness I am in awe of her most of the time. But, this ‘awe’ has also created a parenting challenge I had not experienced with my firstborn or even my third child. Continue reading →

Posted in Babies, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Child/Tween, Parenting, Parenting Your Baby, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Toddler & Preschooler, Play, Growth & Development, Play, Growth & Development for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers | Tagged babies, child development, child temperament, connected parents, Mental Health, Physical Health, positive behaviour, positive parenting, preschoolers, school, strong willed child, teens, Toddlers & Preschoolers, tweens | 1 Comment

Why your circle of support is so important after baby

Posted on February 10, 2016 by Carolyn Wilkie, RN

As a nurse I’ve had the privilege of working with new parents in the early days after their child is born. I often get to hear stories about their birth experiences: the beautiful, upsetting, and the “not what I was expecting.”

But beyond the actual birth it’s the early transition into parenthood that parents find really tough, like “boot camp” tough! The first major shocker is the lack of sleep, then the loss of ‘me time’, worries about how to be a great parent, and changes in relationships. New parents often tell me, they had had NO idea! Continue reading →

Posted in Babies, Babies with Special Needs, Before Pregnancy, Breastfeeding Your Baby, Depression & Anxiety After Birth, Depression & Anxiety During Pregnancy, Parenting, Parenting Your Baby, Pregnancy, Prenatal Health, Preparing to Breastfeed | Tagged Birth plan, circle of support, community supports, doula, midwife, new parents, public health nurse, support for new parents, support people during birth | 5 Comments

The Still Face Experiment: Never doubt how important you are as a parent

Posted on February 9, 2016 by Karen Hay, RN

Have you heard of the Still Face Experiment? It’s a must watch if you haven’t seen it.

I have viewed this powerful video dozens of times in my career and it still impacts me every single time I see it. The message of the experiment is overwhelming. To me, when I watch this video, the critical importance of my role as a parent crashes over me like a pounding wave. The wave hits me hard and I am reminded that even the smallest interactions with my children impact them immensely. Continue reading →