How to feel like a confident parent

Transcription:

I think one of the most important thing for parents to feel is some sense of confidence. There are hundreds of books out there that teach parents about a variety of parenting issues and child developmental issues. And I think some parents have approached me with the sense that they need to read everything that there is out there in order to be an effective parent. I actually believe that we are all born with an innate capacity to provide love and nurturing to children. And I think that what can be helpful to parents sometimes is to know that there often aren't any right or wrong answers. Parenthood is a puzzle and if we can help them to get curious about what's going on for their children and for themselves, and to know that it's really the process, rather than the outcome that is more important. And the process is about the relationship, being able to be present in the moment with your child and to really draws on your own internal resources, rather than feeling that there is an absolute right or wrong way, is the most important I think, for parents to feel.

Video Categories: ALL PARENTS, Parenting, Building Self-Esteem

John Grienenberger, PhD Family Psychologist, shares advice for parents on having the right thought process in order to feel like a confident parent

Transcript

Expert Bio

John Grienenberger, PhD

Family Psychologist

John Grienenberger, PhD, is a psychologist, attachment researcher, and Co-Executive Director of the non-profit Center for Reflective Communities in Los Angeles. He is also a Founder, Executive Director and Clinical Director of Community West, a psychological treatment center for adolescents and young adults in Los Angeles. He has extensive experience in family work, and has trained hundreds of therapists in his mentalization-based approach to working with families. He has authored numerous papers, presentations, and training programs in the areas of psychotherapy, attachment, mentalization, and parenting, and has conducted trainings and presentations both nationally and internationally. He has a part-time private practice in West Los Angeles conducting psychological and psychoeducational testing as well as providing psychotherapy to children, adults, families, and couples. Along with spending time with his children, John also enjoys backpacking, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking.