Protea Preventie

Parenting is an incredible journey, but let’s be real—it’s not always a walk in the park, especially when we’re navigating through different environments alongside our kids. Picture it like this: the relationship between a parent and child is akin to a kaleidoscope, ever-changing with each turn, influenced by angles and light.

In this colorful journey, we encounter varying rules, routines, people, stimuli, and cultures. It’s like holding that kaleidoscope in your hands—your reactions can shape what you see. Sometimes, in our efforts to find the right techniques and tools, we forget to allow for the flexibility and time they need to work.

Take a spill, for example. One morning, as I carried a bowl of cereal, the inevitable happened—the milk poured onto the floor. But instead of fussing, my child surprised me. It asked how I was feeling, rushed to get paper towels, and kept reassuring me, “It’s okay.” In that moment, I realized the impact we have on every little mishap, choosing positive discipline and understanding in our multilingual, multicultural family.

So, what’s the secret sauce to this parenting gig? It’s simple yet profound: kindness, empathy, observation, time, and knowing when to seek help. In our parent support group, we’ve adopted the metaphor of the kaleidoscope to embrace each family’s unique journey.

Someone once asked me if I act like a family therapist with my child, and it got me thinking. My goal isn’t to swoop in and fix everything—I want to be Mom, to be there actively, allowing my child to explore the world while offering support along the way.

After all, kids need to learn to adapt and adjust, and we’re here to cheer them on.