Fear Being There For Your Child?

So many times parents bring their children to counselors only
to discover their own issues or likeness to their children in their
formative years. This can lead to good outcomes with all receiving
informtation and tools to assist with their lives. The flip side however is
many times the parent goes into denial only to continue berating the child or blaming others for the child's issues or diagnosis, (ADD,ADHD,Aspergers,etc.).

Our kids don't come with an owner's munual or directions....neither
did we when our parents welcomed us into the world. Somehow
many adults feel such guilt over carrying on genetic traits
that they will run away from help not only for themselves, but
their children as well who are dealing with an increasing fast moving
informational and educational world. This only disables
them further if they have learning or social issues in
addition to denying them a parent who may have traveled down
a similar road as a youth.... who could give them a wonderful model of success
to follow, giving the child strength to deal with life.

Encouragement from our parents along with what we do, (not what we say) are
the most powerful blueprints for our children to follow. If you have a child with
concerns does it make sense to rob them of their most precious resource if you experienced similar issues growing up? Might sharing your experiences and demonstrating to your child help them cope with challenges in life?

Let your children come to you with their struggles and their triumphs, share yours from when you grew up as well. You are your child's best example. Don't run, blame or deny...you will only suffer guilt of not being there for them and deny yourself healing as well.


Jodi H. Underhill MEd. LMHC Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Certified K-12 Guidance Counselor License #MH9166 Phone: 386.747.7148 Fax: 407.264.8289 www.junderhilltherapy.com