I love this. I've had some moments as Mimi to listen to my grands fears and stressors and have even had a few "DTM" moments with them. (Nothing risky, you understand.) I have also had several moments with students that left me in tears because I felt useless to help. The world is so rough, and any help you can get with children, relationships, and even dinner is such a blessing!
Thanks for this Serena. Your email has been sitting unopened in my inbox for a while as I have been so behind with work and this evening I have been working through the backlog and read your email. Perfect timing as I was struggling to decide just this afternoon would you believe, if I did the right thing by taking my 13-year-old daughter to therapy which she asked for and is embracing. The therapist is distant with me, understandably but as long as my daughter is feeling helped, I am ok with that. But the protective part of me worries that we found the right person and if she is good for my daughter. It is unchartered territory and I felt so conflicted today until I read your email. Thank you so much for what you shared.
Wow, @Michelle Foulia, thanks for sharing this! So glad the post affirmed you in your wise choice. I totally understand the struggle you described - I’ve been there in doubting myself and my choices, even to pursue therapy with a certain individual. But I’m so glad you moved through it and felt affirmed. Way to go on supporting your kid - and yourself! :)
I love this: "Inviting others to mentor our children, whether officially or unofficially, is a sign of humility. It reminds us we aren’t invincible and that sometimes, making space for another adult in our teen’s life is the best choice."
Such a great way to contextualize what so many parents think to themselves but probably rarely say out loud. We all talk about needing a village and this is related but it goes deeper than that.
I serve with preschoolers at our church on Sunday and Wednesday.. Yes, the church needs the help but I do it because I know the importance of having adults, who are not relatives, pour into kids at every age. I intend to be there for them when they are little kids on up through middle school, high school, and college..
I love this. I've had some moments as Mimi to listen to my grands fears and stressors and have even had a few "DTM" moments with them. (Nothing risky, you understand.) I have also had several moments with students that left me in tears because I felt useless to help. The world is so rough, and any help you can get with children, relationships, and even dinner is such a blessing!
It sounds like you invest so deeply in your grandchildren and students - that you care so much! I’m so glad they have you in their corner!
Thanks for this Serena. Your email has been sitting unopened in my inbox for a while as I have been so behind with work and this evening I have been working through the backlog and read your email. Perfect timing as I was struggling to decide just this afternoon would you believe, if I did the right thing by taking my 13-year-old daughter to therapy which she asked for and is embracing. The therapist is distant with me, understandably but as long as my daughter is feeling helped, I am ok with that. But the protective part of me worries that we found the right person and if she is good for my daughter. It is unchartered territory and I felt so conflicted today until I read your email. Thank you so much for what you shared.
Wow, @Michelle Foulia, thanks for sharing this! So glad the post affirmed you in your wise choice. I totally understand the struggle you described - I’ve been there in doubting myself and my choices, even to pursue therapy with a certain individual. But I’m so glad you moved through it and felt affirmed. Way to go on supporting your kid - and yourself! :)
I love this: "Inviting others to mentor our children, whether officially or unofficially, is a sign of humility. It reminds us we aren’t invincible and that sometimes, making space for another adult in our teen’s life is the best choice."
Thanks, Margaret Ann! This has been a harder one for me to learn, honestly, but it's been rewarding to embrace it!
Such a great way to contextualize what so many parents think to themselves but probably rarely say out loud. We all talk about needing a village and this is related but it goes deeper than that.
Thanks, @Lisa Tea. I feel like it’s easier to say that we need a village but harder sometimes to really step into it. What do you think?
You have covered so many important points about how people can be involved in each others lives coming alongside and supporting each other.
Thanks Jane!
I serve with preschoolers at our church on Sunday and Wednesday.. Yes, the church needs the help but I do it because I know the importance of having adults, who are not relatives, pour into kids at every age. I intend to be there for them when they are little kids on up through middle school, high school, and college..
That's amazing, Jane! And it's so true - it means a lot to have caring adults like you investing in kids at each age. What a gift you are giving!