Parenting Our Kids with Depression with Kristina Kuzmic
Jun 24, 2024
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Motivational speaker and author Kristina Kuzmic discusses parenting a child with mental health challenges, emphasizing the shift from fear to connection. She shares insights on vulnerability, communication, and breaking stigma to promote mental health awareness and deeper parent-child bonds.
Shifting focus from control to connection benefits in supporting children with mental health challenges.
Encouraging open conversations about mental health struggles fosters trust and healthy coping mechanisms.
Consistently expressing care and offering support without judgment builds trust and encourages children to seek help.
Deep dives
Understanding the Impact of Fear on Parenting and Mental Health Support
Coming from a place of fear can worsen the situation, as perceived by the child as vulnerability and uncertainty. Shifting the focus from control to connection proved beneficial in navigating mental health challenges. Connecting with the child, asking open-ended questions, and creating a non-judgmental atmosphere were essential in supporting the child's journey.
Effective Communication in Parenting Struggles
Encouraging open conversations with children about mental health struggles and self-harm can foster trust and understanding. Creating a safe space for dialogue, acknowledging the child's feelings, and offering support without judgment can facilitate healthier coping mechanisms and communication.
Empowering Children Through Respectful Communication
Reiterating availability for support and maintaining open lines of communication, even when faced with resistance, can build trust and encourage children to seek help when needed. Consistency in expressing care and understanding reinforces the child's confidence in seeking help during challenging times.
Importance of Connecting over Controlling
Choosing to connect with a struggling child instead of controlling their behavior can lead to stronger relationships. It was highlighted that attempts to control only led to negative outcomes like explosions or isolation, emphasizing the need for parents to focus on connection over control. By standing in awe of their child's story and approaching conversations with curiosity rather than agenda, parents can foster a healthier dynamic based on support and guidance rather than control.
Overcoming Shame and Prioritizing Self-care
The stigma surrounding mental health struggles and shame was discussed, highlighting the importance of stepping out of the shadows and embracing authenticity. The guest shared a personal story where celebrating her 40th birthday despite her son's hospitalization later proved to be a favor to him, lifting potential guilt off him. The message underscored that self-care is crucial for parents, advocating for kindness towards oneself and the significance of not allowing shame to hinder personal well-being and parenting efforts.
Kristina Kuzmic is a motivational speaker, comedian, and author celebrated for her relatable and humorous take on parenting and life. Through her viral videos and social media presence, she shares candid and uplifting messages, encouraging people to embrace their imperfections and find joy in everyday chaos.
Today, Kristina delves into the struggles she faced when her son began experiencing mental health issues, including depression and suicidal ideation. She candidly discusses the initial reactions of fear and control that she grappled with as a parent, highlighting the shift towards connection and curiosity as a more effective approach to supporting her child.
Through her book, "I Can Fix This: And Other Lies I've Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child," Kristina emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, open communication, and standing in awe of her son's story. She shares valuable insights on overcoming shame and guilt as a parent, ultimately fostering a deeper connection with her child and promoting mental health awareness.
Kristina's story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of approaching parenting with empathy, understanding, and a willingness to learn from our children's experiences. Her journey highlights the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health struggles and fostering a supportive environment for families facing similar challenges.
