Reflections and thoughts
Dating in Captivity – Having fun as a couple while raising kids
Embarking on the journey of parenthood is a monumental shift that brings joy, challenges, and a profound transformation to a couple’s life. As the pitter-patter of little feet fills your home, it’s easy to get swept away by the demands of parenting and lose sight of the connection that brought you together in the first place. In this blog post, we’ll explore the delicate dance of dating when you have small kids and the importance of maintaining intimacy as a …
Waldorf-inspired Parenting to Change the World
21 December 2023 by Julie Behnken What I call “Waldorf-inspired parenting” is based on the ideas and writings of Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher and founder of Waldorf education. It’s called “Waldorf” because in 1919, Emil Molt, the manager of the Waldorf-Astoria Cigarette Factory in Stuttgart, Germany, asked Rudolf Steiner to create a new kind of school for his child and the children of the factory workers. In the devastated culture of post-WWI Europe, Waldorf education was created for healing. …
Why is Self-Regulation so important for Co-Regulation?
As we navigate the intricate dance of raising our children, one essential skill emerges as a guiding light: self-regulation. In this blog post, we’ll explore why mastering our own emotional responses is not just a personal endeavor but a cornerstone for nurturing healthy co-regulation with our children. Understanding Self-Regulation Self-regulation, the ability to manage one’s own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, forms the bedrock of effective parenting. It’s not about suppressing emotions but rather acknowledging and responding to them in a …
Navigating the Scribble Struggle: Unraveling Handwriting Challenges in Kids
Welcome to the wonderful world of kids and handwriting—a journey often filled with adorable scribbles, backward letters, and sometimes, a bit of frustration. As children embark on the adventure of mastering the art of writing, they encounter a range of challenges that can make parents and educators scratch their heads. In this blog post, we’ll explore common handwriting challenges kids face and discuss practical tips and strategies to help them navigate this important developmental milestone. 1. Motor Skills Matters: One …
Roots and Wings: Navigating the Adoptive Parent Journey
Adopting a child is a beautiful and transformative journey, but like any parenting experience, it comes with its unique set of challenges. In this blog post, I’ll delve into the various hurdles that adoptive parents often face and explore ways to navigate them with resilience and grace. These suggestions and tips are a short summary of the work I do with parents, and are not an extensive list, and should not replace therapy or coaching. If you are looking for …
How to not constantly fight with each other when becoming parents
Having children can bring significant changes to a relationship, both positive and challenging. I’ve been there.. we’ve been there and I understand the burden on a relationship. Here are some of the most common reasons I see in my practice: To address these challenges and maintain a healthy and loving relationship, it’s essential for both of you to communicate openly, support each other, and find ways to balance your roles as parents with your roles as partners. Seeking help from …
What is Brainworking Recursive Therapy?
… and how can it help me to improve my mental health in pregnancy, birth and parenting? BrainWorking Recursive Therapy (BWRT) is a relatively new type of therapy that was developed by UK therapist Terence Watts in 2011. It is a form of psychotherapy that aims to create rapid and lasting changes in the brain’s neural pathways to help individuals overcome emotional and psychological difficulties. BWRT uses a non-hypnotic approach to therapy that is grounded in neuroscience and the latest …
How to make the 10-min per day quality time work
But first, let’s look at the WHY of one-on-one time – this is where I get back to when I am tired, annoyed, drained, and absolutely don’t feel like spending time with my child but just want to go to the couch and scroll IG. (Yes, I am a normal mom and also feel that way once in a while). Going back to why I am dedicated to spending quality time with each of my kids get me out of …
The role of the birth partner – and their hospital bag!
The birth partner, also known as a labor support person, is an important member of the birth team who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to the person giving birth during labor and delivery. Your birth partner could be your husband, your wife, your girlfriend, or your boyfriend, it could be your mother, your sister, your best friend, or your doula. The most important is, that your birth partner supports you and your choices, and knows your preferences so that …
How to prepare my child for school?
As an expat family living in Denmark, the education system here is very different from our countries of origin, Austria, and Portugal. I feel very blessed to be raising my children in a country, where their emotional wellbeing is a priority. And that trust and fun, feeling safe and cared for are considered important corner stones of academic success in the future. After all, nobody can learn when afraid and in fight or flight mode. The Danish education system is …
