I spend a lot of time exploring a discussing the importance of connecting with our children and how this impacts our child as well as our parenting. A conversation that I had earlier today with a friend of mine, who is also a mom, reminded me how important it is to connect in other ways too. As a parent it is easy to get caught up in our family, lives, and the day to day grind. It is easy to feel like you are the only one struggling with XYZ. It is easy to forget that you need to engage in activities that fill you up and to connect with friends.
As our conversation progressed, I realized that neither of us are alone in our struggles or successes. We are able to lean on each other and learn from each other. In a world where we no longer have villages like we used to, it is even more important to create your own version of a village to offer you a feeling of connection, belonging, and, of course, support. Having others join you in your parenting journey will make it all that much more enjoyable and give you the feeling that you have others in your boat with you. Feeling connected and fulfilled will give you the strength and energy to manage those tougher parenting situations.
Below are 3 quick ways you can start to grow you connection with other parents:
1) Reach out to friends and make it a priority to connect with them. If they live far away maybe it is biweekly phone dates.
2) Social media can be a great way to find like minded parents. There are endless amounts of groups. I recently went to a meetup that a group held and it was a wonderful way to meet fellow parents that have similar interests.
3)Participating in activities that interest you. Whether it is going to the gym, tennis, scrap booking, art, or any other number of activities, these a re a great way to meet other parents. This one allows you to do something for yourself as well as build connections.
Claudia Glassman is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Play Therapist, and Parent Coach. Mighty Oak Parenting was started as a way for her to share all the things she learned from being a therapist as well as a parent. Her vision is to share her knowledge and bring awareness to the importance of the relationship that we have with our children.