Let's Talk About Healthy Relationships....

Hands down, parenting is one of the most humbling experiences I’ve had to date. Everything I thought I once knew, literally went out the window when I had my kids. They just turned eight this last month, and I’m still in shock and awe over the ways they challenge me to grow every day.

One of my greatest goals is to model to my children what healthy love looks like. I want them to know how to disagree, repair and move forward. I want them to see my husband and I take time for each other and ourselves.  I want them to see the time and energy my husband and I put into working on our marriage. I want them to know that loving someone is complicated, scary and so darn courageous. I want them to be well versed in saying “I’m sorry” and living their lives in a big way.

At times, that responsibility can feel overwhelming. Because as a parent (and a partner), I’m beyond imperfect.  And don’t get me started on the messages we’re constantly receiving from the media, and each other, that increase feelings of insecurity and uncertainty as parents.  So much of that messaging is fear-based, and at times it’s really hard to ignore.

I work with all sorts of couples in my office, those that are working to improve their marriage, those fighting for their relationship and those that have made the decision to divorce and want to find a healthy way to co-parent.  And, no matter the couple, I see the same look of overwhelm in their eyes….of wanting to know how to model a loving relationship to their children. 

I’m going on record to say, I believe that you can model a healthy relationship to your children, regardless of your relationship status. 

I don’t subscribe to the fear-based belief that our children are only well-loved if they’re raised in a two-parent home. I’m sure I’m going to receive lots of angry emails for putting this in writing, but I’ll weather that storm.

Use this week’s tip as a way to remind yourself that every day is an opportunity to model to your kids what healthy love looks like.

I encourage you to be a role model of love to your children, no matter what the status of your relationship is with their co-parent. You can show them every day what love looks like.

I believe in you!

Yours,

-A

PS. If fear is taking over and making decisions for you, reach out.  I want you to be able to move past fear-based decision making. Feel free to reach out.