I recently wrote about the topic of parenting, where I discussed a range of experiences and emotions. During the post, I shared a story of having yelled at my Toddler, which resulted in a sense of guilt that I couldn't shake off.
For years, I had been struggling with my temper, particularly when it came to my then-2-year-old child. Yelling was something that I had engaged in regularly, as a means to assert authority and show my resolve. However, upon reflection, I realized that my behavior was unreasonable, and it had deeply impacted my child.
When I had been yelling at my child, I had been expressing frustration and anger towards his lack of cooperation or desire to follow rules. But in doing so, I had failed to consider his feelings, the impact that such behavior would have, and the negative lessons that it would teach him.
I was aware that my behavior had been unreasonable, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt and shame. I had wondered if my actions were contributing to a cycle of negative behaviors in my child, and how I could break this cycle. As a parent, I constantly strive to instill positive values, and it pained me deeply to see them threatened by my own actions.
I knew that I needed to make a change, but I wasn't sure how to approach this challenging task. It took me some time to reflect on my actions and their consequences, and to recognize that my behavior could not continue.
Ultimately, I decided to seek professional help, as I recognized the need for guidance and support in making amends and improving my parenting skills. I reached out toMatthew Jenkins, Clinical Director at the Bridge Foundation, who provided guidance and therapy to help me navigate the complexities of my emotions and relationships.
With his assistance, I began to recognize the impact of my behavior on my child, and the importance of using positive reinforcement and communication techniques to improve our relationship and foster a healthier home environment.
Through therapy sessions, I learned about the damage that my anger and frustration had caused my child, and the importance of empathy, understanding, and open communication. I also discovered the impact that witnessing domestic violence as a child could have on a person's ability to form healthy relationships and cope with stress.
With this realization, I actively worked to change my behavior, replacing my temper with empathy and emotional regulation techniques. I practiced active listening, empathy, and open communication, and designed activities and interactions that supported my child's development and allowed him to express himself in a safe and supportive environment.
I am grateful for the support and guidance I received from Matthew Jenkins and the Bridge Foundation, as they helped me recognize and address the root causes of my behavior. As a result, my relationship with my child has vastly improved, and I feel more confident in my ability to provide a loving and nurturing environment for him.
I am grateful for the opportunity to share my experiences and learn from others. Parenting is a complex and challenging task, but I believe that with help and support, we can improve our skills and build healthier, more meaningful relationships with our children.
I hope that my story can serve as a reminder that parenting is an ongoing journey of learning and growth. We are all prone to making mistakes and having impulsive moments, but the key is to acknowledge these mistakes, seek support, and work diligently to improve our relationships and our abilities as parents.