Smooth Transitions Psychotherapy

This really resonated with me. What and how we speak to our kids becomes their inner voice. If we push, stress out, hold expectations that are too high, and shame our kids, this is how they will talk to themselves. Anxiety and depression are rooted in both our genes AND our environment. Please remember this 🙏🏼

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Thanks, via We Nurture Collective

MENTAL HEALTH “FIRST AID”: Understanding Trauma and the Steps You Can Take to Start Healing

⬆️ A free class for anyone impacted by the recent Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

❤️‍🩹 Specifically designed to help folks understand normal responses to a traumatic event, ways to mitigate against chronic mental health issues, and warning signs that one may benefit from the help of a trained professional.

❤️‍🩹 Informative and educational in nature

❤️‍🩹 Should not be viewed as a replacement for therapy.

Contact Heather Demir via WhatsApp at 0534 930 6175 to join.

As my children grow, they give me subtle signs that their belief in Santa is waning. They both already have theorized (actually: “it’s a fact” 😂) that “mall” Santas are “Santa’s helpers”, and that the Santa they zoomed with last year isn’t “the real thing” either. Several years ago, I came across this post which I found so helpful, and especially relevant as my children grow: how to support that process while still holding to the magic - the “spirit” - of this special time of the year despite the loss.

This process has been a gradual one, and I have helped support them by introducing the concept of becoming “Santa’s helper” with our special neighbors and with family members as we consider what they may like or need for Christmas. We have read about the historical St. Nicholas, and the myth of Santa Claus. And we have talked about Christmas as a season of “good deeds.”

If you find yourself in the same place this year, read this piece from the Huffington Post: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/a-lovely-non-traumatizing-way-to-break-the-news-about-santa-to-your-kids_n_5845b3c6e4b028b323389153.

I never knew how hard parenting could be until my son turned 8. Or nearly. Stuck between a small child and a pr***en, he has been pushing hard for more freedom this year. It’s been a struggle. And because he and his younger sister are so close, she’s looking to join him.

Like many parents, especially those raising their children in a large city, I have basic concerns about letting them go to the park, go to the market, or on to a neighbors apartment down the road without an adult. Here in Istanbul, people do not expect to see children unaccompanied, and so crossing the street alone could be a real danger for them. There are no crossing guards, so I don’t trust that they will be safe walking to school, despite it being only about 1.5 miles away.

Reading this book has been helpful in affirming that it is okay to let go, to expand freedoms as children age. That the possibility of kidnappings and accidents are really very minimal. That most people really are helpful. And that kids really do learn and develop only when given the freedom to succeed or fail which comes with a certain amount of freedom.

I still will not let my 8 and 5 year olds cross a major road here in Istanbul, but they did have a major life experience buying cream cheese at the korner market this morning.❤️

(This book is available from my lending library to Istanbul residents. Please DM for details.)