Priscilla Marotta, Ph.D
is Director of the Center and author of “Power and Wisdom: the New Path for Women.”. Former President of Florida Psychological Association, Broward Chapter with 25 years of experience. She specializes in trauma, aging issues, menopause, and life transition challenges. (954) 583-8831 Ext. 300
Parent Survival Tips
The majority of parents love their children and work hard to provide them with life’s opportunities. However, every day parents are swamped with media attention for children taking drugs, children dropping out of school, etc. A parent wakes up daily with worry about their children.
Parents and children need to take a “media break”. Parents and children will always annoy and challenge each other. This is the normal process of growing up and reaching developmental milestones.
Parents need to tap into the JOY of bringing up children. Tips for experiencing joy are the following:
1. Remember children are resilient. You are human and will make mistakes. Mistakes are a learning opportunity, not a life trauma.
2. Children love to laugh and be silly. Laughter and hugs with your children are joyous and precious moments in life.
3. Children become excited with new events and experiences. You have the ability to share in these moments and travel back to a time in your life, when life was more care free.
4. As a parent, when your child experiences an achievement, the happy bubble that bursts inside you is an exceptional life experience.
5. Remember children do get older and this difficult stage will pass. There is always the time factor that works in favor of parents.
6. Utilize professional resources when issues arise. Professionals will help you develop effective problem solving strategies and avoid problems from building.
7. Remember to take adult time without guilt. We love our children but we must also love ourselves.
8. Remember to have couple time. Your children will move out and create their own romantic lives. Keep the romance in your life and consider taking a fun, couple vacation quarterly. Children and parents need to treasure the moments together. Childhood is only one phase of life. I encourage you to embrace the moments and experience the joy
Dr. Marotta is the proud Mother of a twenty year old son, who is presently studying in China. She specializes in empowering families to communicate, problem-solve, and enjoy each other. She is the originator of Psychological Strategic Planning Skills.