A Meaningful Reflection
Reflecting can create opportunities for family connection.
By: Elizabeth Burk, MS AMFT#122958
Rather than creating new year’s resolutions, families can connect through meaningful reflections from the previous year. Writing these memories down allows families to revisit these moments every year, thus connecting to meaningful shared experiences. Additionally, reflections like these help instill gratitude, which ultimately bond families and help alleviate distress.
The Power of Support
Leaning in to care and connection.
Parenthood can feel particularly isolating, but community support can minimize the strains of parenting in solitude. Where do we start?
Connecting with other caregivers at a similar stage in the parenting process can feel deeply affirming. There are parent groups on social media; walking groups in neighborhoods; and “parent and me” park gatherings. Groups like these create space for parents to relate to each other and can be a valuable source of resources, like referrals for babysitters. The flexibility and minimal expense of these groups are also a benefit.
Groups that cater to socializing baby can also offer parents an avenue of connective support. For example, music classes and baby swim classes, while more structured, nurture bonding with baby in shared experiences that can widen the network of support for parents. These types of classes create opportunities for fun with the possibility of friendships.
Therapeutic support groups can also be an option for creating community during early parenthood. These safe spaces create judgement free opportunities to talk freely about the joys and challenges that come with caregiving of young children. In support of this, please see this flyer for my current support group that will begin in mid-February, focusing on the transition to parenthood.
As we welcome in 2023, I hope this year offers us all deeper connections to support systems. Accessing community resources is just one path to meaningful support circles. Ultimately, may we find comfort in supporting each other through all that parenthood has to offer.
