PARENTS ON AN EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER- START WITH A FAMILY MEETING

With hundreds of comments and answers to questions it is a challenge knowing where to start.
I had lots of questions about food, diet, supplementation and how to keep your home free of toxins.
These were all important questions and I will answer them later. I will also cover these topics in the webinar series that I am currently working on.
Speaking of which I'd like some feedback to find out who is interested and the times that suit most best. I have had some feedback already that suggests later in the evenings when kids are in bed might be best, maybe around 8.30 ish?
I also had lots of questions about when we were coming to certain areas to do seminars, well my answer to that is if they are not local- SE QLD, we're not travelling this year- hence the webinars.
The webinars are going to be a way that we can get to more people all over the country so more on that later.

One strong message that came from your responses was that many of you feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster, having challenges with children 's behaviour and attitudes and others lack of understanding about what you are all going through.
Trust me I know how difficult it is and how disruptive it can be to your home life, your social life, your relationships and a BIG one at school.

For some it has meant broken marriages, being ostracised within the community, having no social life for parents or children and having children asked to leave schools or worst still being pressured to medicate. Each of these issues are huge and it upsets me to hear so many of you struggling. There is hope but there is no a magic pill that will make it all better. It is going to take work and a real team EFFORT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.
Whether you are a single Mum/child family (and there are a few of those) or whether you have a large family support group I suggest you all do one thing to begin with. So this is my TIP.....

Organise a family meeting to discuss the challenges you are all having, be open and truthful but MOST importantly be supportive of each other. There is nothing to gain from blaming anyone in the family as no one is to blame as such. What you want to gain from the meeting is mutual cooperation (not control). Ask each person what they want and need and how you can help them. Often it is not only the child with the challenges that needs the help, in different ways everyone in the family has their own challenges due to what is happening. Let everyone know that you are all going to share your thoughts or concerns and that it is important that each person listens and does not interrupt.

Let everyone air their thoughts- even a 4 year old can do this!! Remember let them say their bit, do not interrupt them, judge them or their response and take notes of everyone's concerns.
If you have a child that is having particular challenges...... ask them.... "What can I do to help, what do you need?"

This is a good first step for any family as often we don't ask each other what we want and need.
If there are 2 adults in the home discuss further together or otherwise find another adult that can support you, like a parent, sibling or good friend. You are not wanting someone to tell or lecture you just to be a support.

We will chat more about what to do to gain cooperation later so lets try this and perhaps we can share some thoughts or outcomes.
Until next time,
Happy parenting,
Lillian