Calm to the Storm- an introduction

Parenthood can be magical.  Cuddles with your newborn, days at the beach watching your toddler play with the waves, pumpkin patch adventures, or muddy puddle walks; These are the moments many of us look forward to when we welcome our first child.

The reality of parenthood

If you already have children, you know that there is another side of parenting.  It is often messy, exhausting, and demoralising.  Parenting can bring out the very best in us, but often also our worst.

Since I became a mother, I have found a side of me that is kind, resilient and resourceful.  I have also discovered how grumpy, controlling, and impatient I can become.  It is easier to be a nice person when you have had sleep and hot coffee, and you aren’t trying to tame a tempestuous two-year-old in the middle of a grocery store.

Children have the potential to rage through our homes, our days and our souls leaving a trail of destruction, frustration, and Lego.  They are not unlike a tropical storm.  Just slightly noisier, and they want more snacks.

Bringing calm to the storm

Our children may test every boundary and push us to our limits. They rarely, however, act with malicious intent. That is, they break us by accident, not on purpose.

They are trying to find their way in a world that they do not understand and to follow rules that they don’t yet know.  We tell them to control their emotions, but sometimes their emotions feel bigger than they are.

As parents, we have a wonderful opportunity.  We have the potential to be a refuge for our little ones. A light for them when things grow murky.   We can bring calm to their storm.   Even more, we can begin to teach them, through example, how to find their own peace.

The purpose of Calm to the Storm is to explore practical ways to be a joyful, effective and calm parent.  As well as looking at creative solutions to parenting dilemmas, we will look at parenting from a scientific and psychological perspective.  When you understand the ways that your child learns and develops you can make more informed choices that benefit your child.

As well as parenting, we will also look at self-care and ways to safeguard your own mental health.  After all, if we want to be our child’s anchor of peace in the storm, we must first ground ourselves.   

About me

My name is Hannah, and I am the mother of two.  I am also an author with a passion for child psychology. 

I was raised in the age when authoritarian parenting was seen as the only viable option.  When my eldest was born I tried the same parenting techniques that were used on me as a child. They did not work.  I tried to use the same techniques a little harder, which in truth just meant raising my voice and threatening bigger punishments. It still did not work.  

Thus began my 10-year journey into looking for parenting methods that did work.  It started with reading books and articles by leading child psychologists.  As my interest in the subject grew, I returned to college and took courses on child psychology and children’s mental health.   I know so much more now than I did at the start.  However, the more that I learn the more I realise how limited my understanding is. Every child is so unique and is a mini universe unto themselves.  I hope to continue learning, and I hope that you will learn alongside me. 

A final note

There are many ways to learn. Science and psychology have a lot to teach us. So does experience. When we come together and share our lived or second hand experiences we can’t help but become a little wiser. Therefore I would love to hear from anyone reading this. Feel free to comment or email.

I wish you all the peace,

Hannah