The Unknown

It is my personal belief that silence is the breeding ground for insecure emotions, anxiety, and relational dis-ease.  It was once said, “silence is so loud.”  This simple statement is profoundly true.

As we find ourselves navigating a world saturated with so many questions, there are a few general concepts to keep at the forefront of our awareness.  First, we must overcome silence and not allow our own fear and worry to paralyze us.  Secondly, welcome emotional exploration and expression for yourself and your family members (this includes children).  Thirdly, allow your light-heartedness to be your guide. 

Step one:  Overcome silence.  Children are intuitive observers and as adults, we often don’t give them enough credit for their way of being in the world.  With that said, as the adult in the relationship it is our responsibility to modify our communication style to the appropriate level of our children.  Plainly explain for your child(ren) what you do know about the unknown variable, transition, or question that you’re presently facing.  If you find starting the conversation to be overwhelming, there are plenty of children’s books on Amazon that can be a helpful conversation starter. 

Step Two:  Welcome emotional exploration and expression for both you and your child.  If you take the time to pause and check-in with yourself, you avoid the risk of becoming swept up by your emotional experience.  As a result, you’ll be able to be fully present with your child and help them to explore and express how they feel about their circumstances, whatever those may be.

Step Three:  Stay in your light-heartedness.  Allowing your light-heartedness to be your guide will allow you to find the good despite your stressful circumstances.  How do I apply this practically?  By remaining playful, humorous, and curious you are neurobiologically able to access your genius.  Ideas will be able to download into your consciousness that would otherwise not if you stay in a stressed response.            

With so much uncertainty surrounding outcomes and long-term effects from 2020, it is imperative that we, as parents, and caregivers to our children constantly remind them of the certainty of our love for them.  And although you may not have the answers to all the questions, you are equipped to show up each minute and each day to love them.  That I am certain.     

In Wellness,