The Power of Presence: Unlocking Your Child's Inner Dialogue
August 9, 2023
Hosted by Lynn McLaughlin
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Guest Information
Episode Description
How can we connect with our children to better understand and be proactive when it comes to their mental health? Extended communication is always our best ally. That adage, "What children need most is our time" couldn't be a better fit to help us understand what our children are feeling. That time is not as long as we think it needs to be. It's about the connection. There is a tremendous correlation between time spent with our child, and your ability to understand what they are thinking and feeling. Can we try to get away from denial and avoidance behaviors? It can be hard for parents to come to terms with their children's anxiety. No one wants this for their child, and as a result, it can be easy to miss. If our child is bringing up a complaint, and they are having a difficult time explaining it to us, there may be another problem. We can expand the conversations into other areas of their life to determine if they're hiding anything. Children don't always express themselves efficiently. This life moves fast, and as a result, anxiety gains momentum quickly. Is it wise to educate our children, even the younger children, about anxiety, what it feels like, and how to talk about it? How does validation positively affect our children and how do we respond when we don't agree with their actions or choices? Always validate what your child is saying. You may not agree with what they're reporting,
Taking the Helm
Weekly Podcast Episodes available on-demand on VoiceAmerica Health and Wellness Channel
My current mission is: To empower children by helping them discover the essential stepping stones they need to strengthen their emotional well-being. The vision is: To cultivate confidence, empathy, responsibility, and self-awareness in children, equipping them with the skills to regulate their emotions in a positive way. Our children deserve to be emotionally healthy as they grow through youth into adulthood. As adults, if we model these behaviors for our children and incorporate them into our own daily lives, imagine the synergy we can create! We have become accustomed to wait for symptoms before we seek help, both emotionally and physically. It's time to change our way of thinking from reactive to proactive. Let's learn what we need to now so kids growing up have skills and strategies to use for life, in this very challenging world.
Lynn McLaughlin
Lynn McLaughlin has served in many roles as an educator … Superintendent, Principal, Vice-Principal, Teacher, and Educational Consultant. As a best-selling and award-winning author, Lynn has now teamed up with her niece, Amber Raymond, to co-author a children’s book series titled, “The Power of Thought”. Both are passionate about being proactive when it comes to children’s mental health. When children learn to manage their emotions at a young age, they learn to problem-solve and find positive solutions to everyday situations. Lynn has hosted the podcast, Taking the Helm for over three years. One of her guests might be the change agent you need in your own life! Lynn’s professional speaking experiences have been local, provincial, and international. She offers virtual and in-person interactive presentations geared toward parents and school communities focusing on emotional well-being. Dedicated to community causes, Lynn is a member of 100 Women Who Care Windsor/Essex and is a Rotarian. As a brain tumour survivor, she works tirelessly to support the goals of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.
