What Young Children
Need You to Know
How to see them so you know what to do for them
Are you the parent of a cherished young child, and tired, possibly frustrated, and even doubting yourself—or them? Are you worried about their behaviour or feeling unsure of how to support them? What makes young children do the things they do? Will they ever grow out of it?
Bridgett offers parents an extraordinary bridge connecting developmental science with conscious parenting.
Joyful parenting
Bridgett believes that joyful parenting is a journey of both the head and the heart and her emphasis is on supporting parents to bring their childrearing practices into alignment with their heartfelt intentions. By expanding on their current understanding of child development she supports parents to be more mindful about their parenting choices and guides them to become more conscious in their everyday interactions with their children.
Parent Child Relationships
Firmly grounded in her academic study of human behaviour and countless personal interactions with children, Bridgett shares her knowledge and experience with caring adults wanting to make developmental sense of the children in their lives. She assists parents to uncover what may be driving their children’s behaviour and makes practical suggestions to address their concerns while keeping the focus on nurturing a long term loving relationship between parent and child.
Dear Friends,
If you’ve been here a while, you’ll know that my Facebook account is dedicated to sharing developmental insights and parenting insights.
When we connect with others on social media we meet in a carefully curated world. Seldom do we know what else is happening in the lives of others. Behind the inspiring quotes, pretty pictures and smiling faces there’s often more going on than meets the eye.
Today, I’m going to share some of what’s been happening in my family with you. As vulnerable as it is for me to put our current reality into words and pictures, it’s important for to me to be open and honest with you for a few reasons.
Firstly, although we may think certain “good or bad” things only happen to other people, this is a reminder that they can and do happen to ordinary people like us.
Secondly, when devastating things that seem to make no sense happen, we also need to remember to notice how many caring and lovely people show up in so many different ways.
Thirdly, it can push us towards asking for help when we need it, even when our norm might be to shy away from asking or accepting help from others.
Lastly, speaking our truth out loud in public can make us real, more human and known to others which creates a deeper connection between us.
I’m sure there are lots more reasons that will come to light in time but for now, I’ll leave it there.
The fundraising account I’ve linked to this post is my brother, Tony's story. As you’ll discover when you read it, he was an incredible man. Hard working, generous, kind, much loved and always looking on the bright side.
On September 14th he was tragically killed in a car collision in South Africa leaving behind his wife and daughter. He is no longer here to help them through their darkest days but we can.
You can read their story here www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/farmer-tonys-family-need-your-help and if you feel moved to, can donate to their care fund. Any amount big or small will make a huge difference to them and mean the world to me.
With love and appreciation,
Bridgett ❤️
PS Please consider sharing this post with other caring hearts.
When we only focus on the surface behaviour of the child (or person) who’s lashing out, we’re often blind to seeing the being inside of them who is hurting. That’s where we need to put most of our attention.
Who they are is always more important that what they are doing or saying.
That’s not to imply that we do nothing or have no personal boundaries.
It is to say that we do our best in that very moment to hear them, hold space for their big feelings and if necessary, express ourselves in a way that doesn’t hurt them more.
After the incident, when emotions have settled and their connection with us has been restored, that’s when we can talk more about what happened.
With love,
Bridgett ❤️