Life Transition: Passing from one stage of development to another

For many people September is a transitional month when we might experience unexpected emotions. Some types of life ransitions we deal with Networks are:

1. Children enter in school for the first time and others leave home for college or a new career. After years of parental supervision, other people will now influence our children. Parents can feel lonely and reluctant to let go.

2. The loss of a job. The resulting financial instability is devastating and often brings up feelings of anger, fear and anxiety.

3. Separation, divorce, prolonged illness or death in the family. Children often struggle to find their place while living with a new blended family or a single parent. Feelings of grief, sadness, loneliness and confusion are common.

4. As children move away from home, parents begin to focus on their own retirement sometimes. Suddenly their own parents and in laws need care. We now become guardians of their parents. This stage can be difficult as it brings up past feelings of joy or grief from our childhood.

Whatever transitions we experience, we need to find healthy outlets. Some people find it through talking to a friend, keeping a journal or even through exercising. Sometimes it helps to express emotions rather than keeping them to ourselves.

If you need additional support to sort through your feelings, professional help is always available.

Living with Teenagers

Parents often feel that their loving and agreeable child has undergone a transformation during the early teenage years. Shifting hormones, increased self-consciousness and other pressures can result in moodiness, irritability, and at times poor judgement. These are trying times for parents. Keeping perspective and a sense of humor are difficult but vital for raising teenagers. While setting limits on unacceptable behavior, parents should let their teenage children know that they care and are willing to listen. If more support/help is needed for you, your teenager or your family, call us at Networks.