Let's Normalize Asking for Help
Today, I want to chat about something that's near and dear to my heart: asking for help. Yep, you heard me right! Let's make it the new normal.
You see, as parents, we often put tremendous pressure on ourselves to have all the answers, to be the superhero in our child's life 24/7. But let's take a step back and remember something crucial: it's okay not to know it all. It's okay to seek support when we need it most.
Here's the thing: if your little one is sick, where do you turn? You head straight to the doctor, right? It's a no-brainer. So why should it be any different when it comes to other challenges our children face, like sleep issues or feeding struggles?
Your role as a parent is not to do it all yourself. It's not about having a magical manual that gives you all the answers. No, your job is to get your child what they need, plain and simple. And sometimes, what they need is the expertise of someone who's been there, done that, and has the strategies to help.
So, let's ditch the shame and guilt that often comes with asking for help.
Seeking guidance from a sleep coach, lactation consultant, or child psychologist doesn't mean you're failing as a parent. It means you're doing everything in your power to support your child's well-being.
Think of it this way: finding an expert who can lend a hand is a powerful act of love. It's saying, "Hey, I care so much about you that I'm going to bring in someone who can help us navigate this challenge together."
And guess what? This doesn't take away from your abilities as a parent. Not one bit. In fact, it shows just how committed you are to being the best parent you can be.
As our children grow older, our role as their support system evolves too. Just think about when they're gearing up for college applications or preparing for that first big job interview. We don't expect them to go it alone, do we? No way! We rally behind them, seeking tutors for that tough calculus class, coaches for the soccer team, advisors for career guidance. It's all part of the journey of helping them become independent, resilient adults. So, just as we don't hesitate to enlist the help of experts for these pivotal moments, let's apply that same mindset to the earlier years. Seeking support isn't a sign of weakness; it's a reflection of our dedication to giving our children the best possible start in life.
So, let's break down those barriers to asking for help. Let's create a community where reaching out for support is not only accepted, but celebrated. Because, at the end of the day, we're all in this wild, beautiful journey of parenthood together.
Here's a list of options for support in the early years, ranging from sleep coaches to various therapists and support groups:
Sleep Coaches: Experts who can provide guidance and strategies for improving your child's sleep habits and routines.
Feeding Therapists: Professionals who specialize in addressing feeding difficulties, whether related to breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or introducing solids or picky eating or issues with food textures..
Lactation Consultants: Certified professionals who provide expert guidance and support for breastfeeding mothers, helping with latch issues, milk supply concerns, and more.
Potty Training Coach: Specialists who can assist with the sometimes tricky process of toilet training, offering personalized strategies and tips.
Vision Therapy: For children experiencing vision-related challenges, vision therapists can provide exercises and interventions to improve visual skills.
Occupational Therapy: Professionals who help children develop the skills needed for daily activities, such as fine motor skills, sensory processing, and self-care routines.
Parent Support Groups: Communities of like-minded parents who come together to share experiences, advice, and emotional support.
Prenatal, Birth, and Postnatal Doula: Trained professionals who offer physical, emotional, and informational support to expectant mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Physical Therapy: Therapists who work with children to improve physical abilities, strength, coordination, and mobility.
Remember, each child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Don't hesitate to explore these options and find the right fit for your child's needs. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness—it's a proactive step towards supporting your child's growth and well-being.
Here's to embracing the power of asking for help, to supporting one another, and, most importantly, to helping our little ones thrive.
So if you current is bedtime battles or many wake-ups at night than you might need some expert sleep support. Let’s start with some accurate and reliable information about the 5 things that kept your child awake last night.
Are you struggling with your child’s sleep? Could you use some support solving it?
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM sleep strategy session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
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