Changes

I Was Thinking…

The crisp breeze and the leaves beginning to change colors really gets me in the mood for fall. It is always amazing to me how the change of seasons brings on real emotion. On one hand there is exhilaration and on the other there is dread. I like the change in temperatures and all that comes along with that. On the other hand, winter always comes quickly on the heels of fall and it is a long hard season. Not only emotions are stirred, memories flood in too. Memories of people, places and life events. I am totally triggered by the change in seasons.   

My being triggered reminds me to take into account these things for my kids as well. It is an important way to look at their “whole” self. Being triggered by the change of seasons, much less any change, is a common hurdle that challenges them. Triggers can be positive and bring comfort, like smelling cinnamon rolls baking and thinking fondly of your grandma.  However, triggers can be very upsetting as well. Some make sense and some don’t! We can learn to avoid some and others we never see coming!  Some kids are triggered multiple times a day and some multiple times a week. It is a part of the journey!  

SO, as we experience this change of seasons we are reminded of a few Intentional Parent techniques:

1. Treat the emotion “behind” the behavior because lots of time the behavior is the result of being triggered! 

2. Keep transitions to a minimum whenever possible.

3. See your “whole” child as you parent him - his gifts and deficits, his past and present, his trauma and his healing.

Happy Fall!