Episode 136
Learning to Parent with Pride: Empowering Conversations for Uncertain Times
A powerful narrative unfolds as Heather delves into the emotional landscape of recent weeks, describing it as a time of turmoil and uncertainty. The podcast opens with a sincere inquiry into listeners' well-being, setting a tone of empathy and understanding. The heart of the discussion revolves around the stages of grief, emphasizing that acknowledging feelings of denial, anger, and depression is not only normal but necessary. Heather encourages listeners to take time to process these emotions and to seek healing in small, tangible ways. This segment serves as a reminder that vulnerability is a shared experience, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed.
Transitioning from personal reflection to broader societal concerns, the episode highlights the importance of being well-informed in a climate filled with misinformation. Heather advocates for seeking out reliable news sources, suggesting that independent journalism offers a clearer picture of the events shaping our world. By sharing her favorite outlets and podcasts, she empowers listeners to take control of their information consumption and avoid the chaos of sensationalized media. The advice to moderate news intake is particularly relevant, as it addresses the anxiety that excessive exposure to current events can cause.
The episode further explores the theme of connection by introducing 'Learning to Parent with Pride,' a course designed to equip parents with the tools to support their LGBTQ children. Each module of the course builds on the last, providing a comprehensive framework for fostering understanding and communication. This initiative aims to transform the parenting journey into one of empowerment and love, especially during challenging times. Heather's commitment to being a consistent source of support and knowledge for her audience shines through, as she reaffirms that listeners are not alone and encourages them to lean on one another for strength.
Takeaways:
- It's essential to acknowledge the five stages of grief to process tough times effectively.
- Rest and allow yourself the space to heal; it's okay to feel dismayed.
- Educate yourself with reliable sources to stay informed about current events.
- Limit your information intake to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the news cycle.
- Remember, the loudest voices are not necessarily the majority; stay grounded in the facts.
- Participate in supportive communities and courses to strengthen your parenting skills during uncertain times.
Links referenced in this episode:
Independent new sources mentioned in this episode:
- The Guardian
- ProPublica
- The Atlantic
- Politics Girl
- Pod Save America
- No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen
Connect with Heather:
The Perfect Holiday Gift! Give a copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride.
Get Your *free* Holiday Survival Guide
Access the course, Learning to Parent with Pride!
Work with Heather one-on-one or bring her into your organization to speak or run a workshop!
Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!
Email: hh@chrysalismama.com
Transcript
Welcome to Just Breathe.
Speaker A:I am so happy you are here today.
Speaker A:I want to know how you are doing and I really mean that in the most sincere way.
Speaker A:How are you?
Speaker A:It's the understatement of the century to say the past couple of weeks have been tough.
Speaker A:I think we could collectively come up with a thousand more descriptive synonyms, but here are a few that just come to mind.
Speaker A:Shocking, devastating, terrifying, anxiety inducing, noxious, dangerous, and so on.
Speaker A:Add your own.
Speaker A:And while I know we all want answers to how and why, that just leads to spinning and what ifing.
Speaker A:What is perhaps a little more productive is to acknowledge and allow what we can do something about.
Speaker A:We can allow the five stages of grief to feel the denial, the anger, the bargaining, the depression, and finally the acceptance.
Speaker A:Give yourself time.
Speaker A:Look for the lessons and the opportunities to heal.
Speaker A:Rest.
Speaker A:It's okay to be dismayed, but whatever you do, don't give up.
Speaker A:Our voices and actions will make a difference.
Speaker A:As my good friend and former podcast guest Kelly Lubeck says, the world needs you.
Speaker A:Well.
Speaker A:Educate yourself and be clear eyed about what is happening around us.
Speaker A:One of the best way to do that is to make sure your source of information is reliable and accurate.
Speaker A:Stop consuming conspiracy theories and hoping that you'll wake up tomorrow morning to someone saying just kidding.
Speaker A:So the first thing I'd like for you to do, if you haven't already, is to stop listening to or reading any mainstream news source.
Speaker A:They have all been soiled by propaganda.
Speaker A:Independent sources are more accurate and well rounded.
Speaker A:My top three favorite sources are the Guardian, ProPublica and the Atlantic.
Speaker A:And my three favorite podcasts right now are Politics Girl, Pod, Save America and no Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen.
Speaker A:The second thing to do is to titrate your intake of information.
Speaker A:Too much at one time can be daunting.
Speaker A:And the third and perhaps most important thing is to remember that you are not alone.
Speaker A:After all of the votes are counted, the Orange Felon's margin will likely be less than 2 points.
Speaker A:And remember, the vote margin in all seven swing states combined was only approximately 780,000.
Speaker A:They may be very, very loud, but they are not a huge majority.
Speaker A:Long before the election played out this way, I had decided to offer my course Learning to Parent with Pride during the holidays.
Speaker A:It just made sense to offer extra support during a time of year that can sometimes bring uncertainty and difficult interactions.
Speaker A:Learning to Parent with Pride could transform your journey by offering clear steps to help you feel empowered and prepared to support your child with love and knowledge to understand and embrace LGBTQ language so you can communicate with respect and confidence and build a stronger connection with your child through open and healthy communication.
Speaker A:There are six modules and each lesson within the modules is designed to guide you toward confidently supporting your child with compassion and understanding.
Speaker A:The first module is Introduction and Preparation, getting grounded and ready to embrace the journey ahead.
Speaker A:The second module is Learning to Embrace learning how to be present, grounded and on the same page with your child.
Speaker A:Module three is Educating Yourself, unlearning these biases that we all have.
Speaker A:From the coming out process to understanding mental health, you'll gain the knowledge you need to support your child fully.
Speaker A:Module 4 is Empower Step into your role as an ally, an advocate, releasing fear and building positive open communication.
Speaker A:Module five is Love, Explore, self Love, unconditional love for your child and creating a loving family space.
Speaker A:And Module six is Learning to Parent with Pride and it will help you create a personalized toolkit that works for you and provides lasting peace.
Speaker A:Each module also includes worksheets to help you deepen your learning.
Speaker A:As a bonus, I am offering my popular and comprehensive Language of LGBTQIA ebook as a guide to respectful, inclusive communication.
Speaker A:Learning to Parent with Pride is meant to empower you, increase your confidence, and offer tools and strategies to create more authentic connections with your child.
Speaker A:We are entering a time that will require that we are stronger and more connected to those with whom we share the deepest bonds.
Speaker A:In other words, our children, our partners and our friends, and those with whom we share common goals and hopes for the future.
Speaker A:I have always believed that Learning to Parent with Pride is an invaluable tool, but now I also realize it could save you time and prevent tears and deep stress and worry.
Speaker A:We need to be on alert and on our A game to best support our kids as we move into these uncertain times.
Speaker A:My goal has always been to provide you with the best and most accurate information to guide you and to support you and your family on your journeys.
Speaker A:Learning to Parent with Pride accomplishes all of this and right now is the perfect time to add it to your toolbox.
Speaker A:It is my promise to you that I will continue to be here, sharing my knowledge and experience, holding space for you, and offering sources and insight on all news affecting our LGBTQ kids.
Speaker A:The link to access this timely, invaluable course is in the Show Notes.
Speaker A:It can also be found on my website, chrysalismama.com and through the links in my weekly newsletter.
Speaker A:Until next time, remember you are not alone.
