In this episode, hosts Teri and Catherine share their personal journeys as trauma-informed parents navigating the challenges of raising teens in crisis. They discuss the importance of connection, understanding mental health issues, and the tools they have learned to support their children. Catherine shares her profound experiences with her daughter, highlighting the need for acceptance and the shift from fear-based parenting to love-based interactions. The conversation emphasizes the significance of seeing the essence of children beyond their behaviors and the ongoing journey of healing and growth for both parents and children.

Key takeaways:

The Power of Connection: Catherine discusses the critical importance of connection before correction, emphasizing that true healing comes from a place of unconditional love and acceptance, not from trying to "fix" behaviors.
 
The Fear-Based Parenting Trap: Catherine and Teri explore how fear-based parenting can often worsen the situation, leading to more control and less connection. They share tools and insights on how to parent from a place of love and trust, not fear.

The Essence of Our Children: One of the most powerful realizations shared is the importance of seeing beyond a child’s challenging behaviors to the essence of who they are. Catherine emphasizes that a child's value is never diminished by their struggles.

Tools for Parents in Crisis: From using the pause to allowing space for both parent and child to regulate, to asking "What would love do?" instead of reacting from fear, Catherine and Teri offer practical tools for navigating the emotional intensity of parenting through crisis.

The Journey to Healing: Through all the ups and downs, Catherine ultimately learned that true healing comes from trust, connection, and allowing space for her daughter to find her own path, without the weight of unrealistic expectations.
 
As always, Teri and Catherine emphasize the importance of doing your own work as a parent. By nurturing your own growth, you bring wisdom, presence, and possibility to your relationship with your child.

The importance of emotional regulation and self-care for parents
Whether you’re currently navigating a crisis with your own teen or seeking to understand how to create a more connected and compassionate environment at home, this episode offers invaluable insights and hope. You

TERI
Website: https://teripotter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teripottercoach/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teripottercoach

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

• United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
• United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
• Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
• Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
• International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
• https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.