It’s Family Friday!

I was with a client earlier this week.  This client truly suffered in childhood and was raised in a toxic, unhealthy home.  There was significant emotional and psychological abuse, leading to a sense of self-worth that their only role in life is to take care of others. 

This brought them to me because this view of themself contributed to marrying someone who was also emotionally, psychologically, and financially abusive.  The spouse convinced them they had a personality disorder, that all the problems they faced were their fault and made it impossible for my client to have access to significant financial resources.

The other day, as we talked about the abuse growing up, I realized they had no sense of what healthy parenting involved.  Because of this, they also were unsure of what healthy adult friendships and romantic relationships involved.

As we ended the session, it made me think about Family Friday.  I want to help people understand what healthy parenting involves.  This is the cornerstone of both physical and mental health.

Since my thoughts are racing, I am going to take time to put some information together.  In the meantime, I do want to share the Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto Brené Brown wrote in 2012.  It is a good starting point.

I hope this gets you thinking.  Feel free to comment below with your thoughts about what children deserve and have the right to expect from their parents.

Happy New Year

and I hope you enjoy spending relaxing, fun, quality time with your family!

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