Empowering Framework From Parenting Expert Albiona Rakipi
As parents, we’re no strangers to the daily whirlwind of challenges that come with raising children. From navigating temper tantrums and homework battles to mastering the art of potty training, it often feels like a never-ending juggle. And amidst all these struggles, there’s the additional hurdle of dealing with our children’s eczema and overall health issues, which can bring its own set of complexities and worries. But what if I told you that this seemingly daunting challenge could be reframed into a source of empowerment and joy?
Enter Albiona Rakipi of The Parenting Reframe, a seasoned expert in the parenting realm with over two decades of experience working with children and families. As a pediatric speech and language pathologist, mother of two, and accomplished writer, Albiona brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to the table. Through her expertise, Albiona helps us uncover practical tips and strategies that empower parents to navigate not only the challenges of eczema but also the myriad of hurdles that come with raising children of all ages.
Albiona’s guidance is invaluable as she shares actionable advice tailored to embrace our unique challenges, no matter where you feel there are opportunities for growth. whether it’s managing eczema flare-ups or tackling other aspects of parenting. With her expertise, parents can find solace in knowing that they’re not alone in their journey and gain the confidence to navigate parenthood with resilience and grace. So, join us as we delve into Albiona’s wisdom, unraveling the secrets to not just surviving but thriving in the beautiful chaos of raising our little ones.
Listen Below For The Entire Episode on The Eczema Kids Podcast
PARR: Pause, Acknowledge, Respond and Reflect
So, how can we turn our parenting challenges into opportunities for growth? Albiona shares some practical tips and strategies using her PARR method, which stands for Pause, Acknowledge, Respond and Reflect:
Pause
As parents, witnessing our child go through hardships can be incredibly challenging, stirring a range of emotions from worry to helplessness. However, it’s essential to have a plan in place to maintain composure and empathy while supporting our child through their emotional journey. Co-regulation, the process by which a caregiver helps a child manage their emotions by regulating their own emotional state, is vital in these moments. This involves staying calm and composed ourselves to provide the support and understanding our child needs as they navigate their feelings.
To effectively co-regulate with our children during times of hardship, we can start by acknowledging and managing our own emotions. Deep breathing exercises can help calm our nervous system, while positive self-talk can shift our mindset towards being capable and present. By modeling calm behavior and practicing empathy, we create a safe space for our child to express their emotions without judgment. Co-regulation is an ongoing process that requires practice and patience, but by staying calm and empathetic, we can strengthen our bond with our child and navigate challenges together.
Acknowledge
When faced with our child’s expression of sadness, it’s natural to experience a surge of emotions ourselves. Yet, cultivating awareness in these moments is crucial. Just as we carve out time to address our own feelings of sadness or anger, we must extend the same awareness to our child’s emotional landscape. It’s a challenging feat to set aside our immediate reactions and create space to understand our child’s emotions empathetically. Similarly, when it comes to sacrificing something we enjoy for the sake of our child’s well-being, the struggle is universal. It takes a conscious effort to recognize our responses and be willing to examine them for effective change.
This awareness is a journey of self-discovery and empathy-building. By acknowledging and understanding our own emotions, we become better equipped to support our children through theirs. It’s a process of pausing, reflecting, and responding with compassion, ultimately fostering a deeper connection and mutual understanding between parent and child. So, next time your child expresses sadness, take a moment to reflect on your own response, and remember that cultivating awareness is the first step towards creating positive change in both yourself and your child.
Respond
Moving from reactiveness to responsiveness in parenting requires a toolbox of strategies and a shift in mindset. It’s natural to feel compelled to pour all our energy into fixing every problem our children face, but sometimes, the best response is not to fix, but to empathize and hold space for their emotions. This transition can be challenging, especially when faced with moments of exhaustion or prolonged crying episodes from our children. When confronted with such situations, it’s crucial to acknowledge our own feelings and reactions. Are we feeling overwhelmed or drained? Recognizing our own emotional state allows us to respond more thoughtfully and effectively to our child’s needs.
Parenting often entails setting boundaries that our children may resist or dislike. Whether it’s enforcing bedtime or limiting screen time, establishing and maintaining these boundaries requires consistency and empathy. It’s about calmly communicating the boundary, acknowledging our child’s feelings, and holding firm while providing support. While it may be difficult in the moment, responding with empathy and consistency helps create a sense of safety and security for our children, ultimately fostering healthy emotional development and strengthening the parent-child bond.
By reframing our mindset and embracing the challenges of parenting, including eczema, we can find empowerment and joy in our journey. Remember, you’re not alone, and with the right support and strategies, you can navigate these challenges with strength, resilience and calm:)
“The true liberation lies in understanding that maintaining boundaries and composure is enough, without the pressure to find magical solutions or utter perfect words.” -Andra McHugh
Reflect
Reflection is a powerful tool in parenting, allowing us to acknowledge our own emotions and bridge the gap between ourselves and our children. By taking the time to reflect on our reactions and responses, we can better connect with our child’s experiences and needs. This process of self-awareness and introspection is ongoing and essential for growth as parents. We are constantly evolving, learning, and adapting to new challenges and experiences in our journey as caregivers. It’s a testament to our commitment to our children’s well-being that we remain open to learning and improving, regardless of our parenting expertise or experience.
Embracing this mindset of continuous growth requires a willingness to strive for better, no matter the circumstances. It’s about recognizing that there is always room for improvement and being open to new strategies and approaches in our parenting journey. By embracing this mindset of openness and willingness to evolve, we create an environment of growth and development not only for ourselves but also for our children. As we continue to reflect, learn, and grow, we strengthen our connection with our children and become more resilient and empathetic caregivers.
How Do We Help Our Kids to Eat Their Vegetables?
Encouraging kids to eat their vegetables and embrace change requires a thoughtful approach centered on empathy and preparation. Firstly, it’s essential to welcome and allow discomfort with empathy. Acknowledge any resistance or discomfort your child may feel towards vegetables or changes in routine, and respond with understanding rather than frustration. By validating their feelings, you create a safe space for them to express themselves and gradually open up to new experiences.
Secondly, focus on welcoming what you can manage and avoid biting off more than you can chew. Start small by introducing one new vegetable or change at a time, gradually expanding their palate or adjusting routines as they become more comfortable. By taking manageable steps, you prevent overwhelming your child and set them up for success in embracing new habits or experiences.
Finally, ensure you’re set up and prepared to navigate any challenges without feeling triggered or compelled to silence your child. Anticipate potential obstacles and have strategies in place to address them calmly and confidently. By leaning into the situation rather than avoiding or suppressing it, you empower both yourself and your child to navigate change with resilience and positivity. Through empathy, gradual adjustments, and proactive preparation, you can guide your child towards embracing vegetables and any other changes with openness and enthusiasm.
Patience, Empathy and Strategic Planning
Fostering a positive relationship with your child and helping your kids embrace change requires patience, empathy, and strategic planning. As Albiona suggests, bridging antecedents to behaviors with incentives or positive rewards like sticker charts or tickets can be an effective strategy to encourage healthier eating habits and adapt to new routines. This approach extends beyond mealtime challenges to include bedtime battles, recognizing the importance of quality sleep for both children and parents alike.
Implementing practical changes, such as scheduling bath time earlier in the evening, can also have a significant impact. By allowing ample time for a comprehensive eczema-healing skincare routine, including herbal oil, anti-itch spray, and moisturizing eczema cream, parents can address their child’s eczema needs while promoting a calm bedtime routine conducive to restful sleep.
Incorporating these strategies into our parenting toolkit empowers us to navigate challenges with confidence and compassion, ultimately fostering healthier habits and stronger connections with our children. So, let’s embrace change with open hearts and open minds, knowing that with empathy and preparation, we can create a nurturing environment where both vegetables, healthy choices and bedtime routines are welcomed with enthusiasm and joy.
If you’re hoping to continue the conversation surrounding change, tantrums, sleep and other fun parenting challenges, try Positive Parenting Tactics and Skincare or Parenting, Marriage and Eczema.
FAQ
How can I help my child with eczema?
Help your child, no matter their age with healing changes by doing just what Albiona says! Pause, Acknowledge, Respond and Reflect. Know what you want to happen before going into the conversation and have a plan to keep yourself regulated while your child process their emotions. You can do this, feel free to share any experiments, learnings or even failures within our Natural Eczema Solutions for Kids Facebook Group!
