Feel despondent?

I'll never forget that feeling of despondency.

Seeing my son cowering in the foot-well of the car as yet again I battled to get him into school. We used to walk to school – it was only a 10 – 15 minute walk, and when my son started to refuse to leave the house for school, the prospect of fighting all the way was simply overwhelming. So, I started to take him into the car. Somehow I got him into the car, mainly because he was terrified of being left at home on his own, and at the other end he refused to get out.

As a parent, it’s heartbreaking, knowing that you are asking your child to do something they are petrified to do. I used to explain how I had to send him to school, and that if he didn’t go, I would get into trouble. I was caught, between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, I was obliged to send him to school, and on the other, I was making my child do something that was clearly causing him extreme distress.

So, how did I get out from between the rock and the hard place?

I kept talking to people. And finally, I found somebody who really heard what I had to say, and who, in listening to me and asking questions gave me clarity of perspective that had previously been missing.

If you find yourself in this situation, and I hope you don’t. The way to get out is to keep talking. Even though you may feel isolated, even though you really don’t want to admit what is going on for you, your child and your family. Keep talking. Eventually, you’ll find somebody that really listens, and who can help you take the next step in a direction that feels right for you.

PS Whenever you're ready here are three ways I can help you to advocate for your child and put a smile back on their face.

1. Like the "How to Be Heard" page on Facebook to get tips on how to better support your child.

2. Sign up for my newsletter to hear about workshops running in your area. 

3. Attend a forthcoming workshop and join our growing community of parents who have found somebody to listen.