Parenting
Parenting across the lifespan
Parenting is a journey that takes many twists and turns as we invest our energy into nurturing others. Understanding the developmental process is key to effective parenting and positive communication within any relationship. Linda Powers, RN, LCMHC, a clinician on our staff, is the author of a newly published book entitled “Parenting Across the Life Span”, in which she addresses developmental stages from infancy across the life span to the older years.
The word “parent” means to nurture and care for, to oversee and provide for. Throughout our lives we parent people other than our own children with caring, nurturing, and mentoring. Through role modeling and advocating, we set examples for others. Some of us have “parented” our own parents as they became elderly and less independent. We realize, at some point, we need to “parent” ourselves, with self-care and nurturance. Parenting can be considered a career, as we face the ongoing challenges and ever changing situations in life.
Infants enter the world as unique individuals, presenting parents and caregivers with ongoing challenges and ever changing events. The quest for independence in toddlerhood can be challenging as parents strive to maintain a consistent, nurturing environment, while at the same time providing discipline in the form of teaching and guiding. Preschool children learn through play and pretend, as well as observation and experience, requiring parents and caregivers to adapt, while continuing to provide a nurturing and consistent environment. School age children earn more freedom and responsibility as they assimilate and continue learning, sometimes surprising us with their abilities and insight. Our relationships evolve as we continue our role as parents and our children grow into adulthood. Communication may be different, but we are still parents. With increasing independence, adolescents may often think they do not need their parents, but they still need nurturing and guidance. Providing a consistent and nurturing environment as we guide others in their journeys to be healthy, autonomous individuals who can think independently, yet also function within relationships and the guidelines of society, can often feel like an overwhelming task. This ongoing challenge can be fatiguing and stressful, often raising questions about doing our best. In “Parenting Across the Life Span,” Ms. Powers discusses developmental theories, pointing out that individual development varies from person to person, with a range of what is normal and appropriate.
Life is a continuous process with continuity of past, present, and future. Through adulthood, we continue to adapt and cope with changes, as we maintain functioning and relationships. Communication, respect, and boundaries are important in any relationship. Understanding developmental stages and challenges people may face, can give us insight into behaviors. Everyone, children and adults alike, may regress during times of stress, illness, or fatigue. Understanding when some regression is normal, and when it reaches a point of needing help, is important for all of us, and an objective listener can help us gain insight to solutions. “Parenting Across the Life Span” addresses the stages of adult development, offering information on recent thoughts about the extension of middle age.
In her book, Ms. Powers offers insight into navigating the parenting journey, as well as support and insight into our individual journeys, as we face decisions, stressors and obstacles along the way. She offers suggestions for coping skills to manage our emotions and stress in every day life. Ms. Powers sees clients for individual and family therapy by appointment. The following insurances are accepted: Anthem (Blue Cross/Blue Shield), Harvard Pilgrim, Cigna, United Behavioral Health, NH Healthy Families, and Well Sense. Private Pay is an option. To schedule an appointment with Ms. Powers, call (603) 716-4516 for support and insight into your journey.
Ms. Powers’ book is available from these providers:
Gibson’s Bookstore (Concord, NH)
and can also be purchased directly from Ms. Powers.