As a parent and clinician (who treats children), I am here to validate that Parenting is HARD! Although, it can be (key word CAN) one of the most rewarding experiences in life, there is no manual or guidelines on how to do parenting. If you are finding it hard, it’s NOT because you are a bad parent (of course this excludes the outlier cases of dysfunctional parenting). The great writer Ann Douglas put it bluntly- ” The way things stand right now, parenting is not just hard; it’s impossibly hard- and for reasons that have little to do with parenting”- Ann Douglas, author of Happy Parents Happy Kids.

 

The pandemic has amplified the hardships that come with parenting. To throw a wrench into these hardships, raising a child or children on the LGBTQI and Neurodivergent Spectrums, can feel like traversing uncharted waters. As a parent of 2 healthy diversely gifted children; a neurodivergent child who is also exceptionally gifted intellectually, and a nonbinary child (They/Them) I can empathize and may also relate to some of the challenges you face.

 

My Blog/Newsletter “Courageous Conversations” in rooted in my experiences as a parent,  as well as my work with families from various backgrounds. By no means am I presenting myself as an expert on these subjects, however I know that my experiences on both ends have equipped me with the tools and language to articulate most parents’ needs. In fact, I often find myself completing their sentences. My desire is to create a community, where we can ALL standby each other; disempower SHAME and GUILT, while supporting ourselves. Just maybe, we can find solace and comfort in parenting our children without losing who we are. If the above information resonates with you, please drop your contact information below, I will add you to our quarterly Blog/Newsletter recipients. Of course, the interaction is meant to be healthy and respectful dialogue. I welcome feedback, suggestions, and kind criticisms. Welcome to our community of parenting exceptionally and differently gifted humans.