Avoid Telling Your Kid These Harmful Phrases

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In This Week’s Newsletter:

• Quote of The Week - Parenthood…It's about guiding the next generation, and forgiving the last.” - Peter Krause

• * Update * - New weekly mental health editions coming soon

• Javaree Talks - Avoiding authoritarian dismissive phrases

• In The News - Top stories from last week

INTRODUCING: HAPPY MENTAL HEALTH MONDAYS

Introducing: Happy Mental Health Monday

Fatherhood is an incredible journey full of joy and challenges. As dads, we often focus so much on supporting our families that we sometimes forget to take care of our mental health. But just as we’re here for our children, being there for ourselves is crucial, too.

I’m thrilled to introduce this new weekly edition, HAPPY MENTAL HEALTH MONDAY, dedicated to supporting your mental well-being. This is a space where we can explore ways to care for our mental health and support our children’s emotional development as we build strong, resilient families. Your mental health matters, and this Monday is here to support that.

This October offers some key opportunities to focus on mental health:

• Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 1-7): A week of events and resources to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health conditions. It’s a great time to explore tools and seek support. Remember, you're not alone in this journey.

• National Depression Screening Day (October 5): Depression is more than feeling down. It’s a serious condition that affects many dads. Take this day to check in with yourself and encourage loved ones to do the same. Free screenings are available.

• World Mental Health Day (October 10): A global event dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for mental health. It is a powerful reminder that mental health is a universal concern, and reaching out for support is a testament to our resilience.

• Body Acceptance Week (October 21-25): Our self-image can impact our mental well-being. This week, we’ll talk about body positivity and acceptance, especially in a world full of expectations about what it means to be a “dad.”

Join me as we focus on these themes in the coming weeks. I will provide tools, insights, and resources to help you navigate the highs and lows of fatherhood while caring for your mental health. Remember, being a great dad starts with taking care of yourself. You have the power to make a positive change in your life

JAVAREE TALKS

As parents, we hold a significant role in shaping our children's social and emotional health. Growing up with an authoritarian parent often means hearing dismissive phrases like “Big boys don’t cry” or “Stop crying before I give you something to cry about.” These statements teach our children to suppress their feelings rather than express them, damaging their emotional health and self-worth.

Like adults, kids have valid emotions and deserve to feel heard. When children internalize these dismissals, they may struggle with communication and emotional expression as adults, creating barriers to healthy relationships and self-understanding.

The key is to understand that no emotion is too small or unimportant. Even if a child’s feelings seem exaggerated to us, they are very real to them! By invalidating their feelings, we unknowingly send the message that their emotions are not worth attention, causing them to doubt their inner experiences.

Instead, conscious dads can practice empathetic listening, responding with patience and understanding.

For example, instead of saying, “You shouldn’t feel that way,” try saying, “I see you’re upset. Let’s talk about what’s bothering you.” This approach creates space for open communication and trust, which is the essence of transformational parenting.

When we make mistakes in handling our children’s emotions, it’s crucial to apologize. This act of humility acknowledges our mistakes and teaches our children that it’s okay to be wrong and seek improvement. Apologizing fosters a safe environment where children can admit mistakes, promoting emotional growth. By doing so, parents show that emotions are normal, respected, and understood, creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive socially and emotionally.

IN THE NEWS

DAD JOKE OF THE WEEK

What time was it when the elephant sat on the fence?

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Time to get a new fence!

GET COACHED

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• Discover your core parenting values.

• Learn personalized strategies for growth as a parent.

• Build and maintain a deep connection with your child.

• Establish a self-care and personal growth routine.

We aim to help you feel more fulfilled and confident in your parenting journey.

Reply to this email to book a free consultation if you're ready to work with me!

HERE FOR YOU

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