Lost hope, continued...

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If you follow my column you are probably aware that I am in year 2 of my Master’s degree for Mental Health Counseling. This past week I have spent some time in the Children’s Psychiatric Ward at a local hospital.

As I looked into the eyes of some very sad children, I could feel their pain. I also saw some parents who seemed to be exhausted both emotionally and physically; teeter-tottering in their child’s darkness (dipping into hopelessness while trying very hard to hold on).

Experienced staff offered hope and tried to instill strength by serving this population from the heart hopeful they will see the light and open a path to healing. The energy was daunting because the stay for each child is brief while the work critical to combat the severity of suicidal tendency.

It was hard to interface in this environment but as a shift took place and I saw the brightness of the spirit come alive within, hope was once again ignited.

I believe the path of each of these children will be difficult but with loving support at home and community help, I have hope this experience is one of growth that will be overcome and left in the past.

I applaud anyone who works with adolescents in Mental Health Counseling. Thank you for your contribution to our world!

Parenthood and its journey, continued...

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I was a person who didn't want kids. I liked them from a far. I was on birth control and married for several years when I went to the dentist and was put on antibiotics for a root canal. Little did I know that this medicine would trump my birth control and soon my life would change and for the better.

My son was only a few months old when I wanted another. I think I got pregnant on the first try. I really wanted 2 so they would have the company of each other. Their lives have motivated me to reach levels of success I probably would have never attempted without them. I worry each and every day but I know at this point in their teens they have minds of their own. I have to continue to loosen my grip little by little as they mature and become more responsible. Soon they won't be looking back as they march off to college.

Parenting reaps the worst and best of times, I couldn't imagine my life without them nor would I want to! What are your thoughts about kids? Do they fit in your life? Leave me a comment.

Good parenting, continued...

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I thank God everyday for my boys who are now 14 & 15 years old. Yes, they are teenagers and, at times, I get sarcasm but overall, we have healthy relationships. I'm proud of them and I'm proud of how respectful they are to others. I must have done something right although most of their young lives, I raised them as a single parent and I questioned myself often.

I've learned to pick my battles and to make sure I'm not being a control freak. For example, my youngest doesn't like to have a clean cut hair style. He likes the shaggy unkept look that I think looks horrible. But, because he gets good grades and, for the most part, does what I ask, I let him wear the style he likes.

My boys have been doing chores since they were little and I originally taught them to clean my way but as they have matured, they've found their own way of cleaning. Of course, it isn't a good as mine but as long as they've made a real effort, I thank them for their help and I'm grateful that it is one less thing on my list that I have to do.

I credit my success so far to our honest, loving and loyal relationship, my expectations and the structure I've created and the fact that I treat them with respect. Of course, I thank God but I also realize I have to be grateful for 1 day at a time especially during their teen years.

Do you have any parenting tips you can share? What are your thoughts?

Lisa Hein's passion is to mentor parents through her own life lessons, continued...

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Lisa called me after reading an article I wrote that was published in WE Magazine in Florida this past winter. She made contact to interview me on her Parenting radio show to discuss "Adult Orphans" as she had coined it. I'm pre-recording with her on June 14 and the show will be airing in July. I'll post the link prior to and after the show airs.

It didn't take me long to realize that Lisa is truly a very interesting person who is on a mission to help young parents. Her efforts are genuine and they are very much needed in today's parenting world. Most of us really do not realize the consequences of spoiling our children until it is too late. She has a lot of work ahead of her but if each of us can embrace her message and pass it forward it we might be able to save our future after all!