My Parenting Philosophy

As a mother, occupational therapist, and shadow coach, I believe that parenting and healing are deeply intertwined. The journey of raising children is not just about nurturing them—it’s also about healing the parts of ourselves that need parenting. In my experience, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to raising children. Each child, just like each parent, is unique, and the answers we seek often lie within ourselves, waiting to be trusted.

Here’s the heart of my philosophy on parenting and healing:

You Know Your Child Best

In a world full of advice, parenting books, and expert opinions, it’s easy to feel like someone else has all the answers. But at the end of the day, you are the one who knows your child best. Every child is different, and what works for one family may not work for another.

While research and advice can be helpful, your relationship with your child is unique. You are the expert on your child’s needs, temperament, and growth. When you allow yourself to trust your instincts, you’re better able to respond to your child in a way that’s aligned with their true nature, not a set of external expectations.

There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Approach

Every family dynamic is different, and there’s no universal parenting method that works for everyone. What works for one family might be the opposite of what works for another, and that’s okay. The pressure to fit into a specific parenting mold can be overwhelming, but it’s important to embrace flexibility and adapt your approach based on your unique family needs.

In my work, I often encourage parents to get curious about their children rather than follow rigid rules. When we tune in to our child’s individual personality, preferences, and challenges, we can parent from a place of responsiveness rather than perfectionism. Parenting is not about getting it “right”—it’s about being present and engaged in a way that honors who your child truly is.

Intuition Matters More Than Studies

We live in an age where there’s no shortage of information about how to parent “correctly.” From developmental studies to the latest parenting trends, it’s easy to feel like we need data to back up our decisions. But in reality, intuition matters just as much—if not more—than research.

You don’t need a study to confirm what you already know in your bones. When we honor our intuition, we’re able to respond to our children with authenticity, deep understanding, and love. Parenting isn’t a science; it’s an art that relies on our innate wisdom.

While I absolutely believe in the importance of understanding child development and psychology, I also believe that we must balance that knowledge with trust in our own internal compass. You can read every book and follow every study, but no one knows your child like you do. Your inner voice is a powerful guide—don’t be afraid to listen to it.

Parenting Is Also About Healing Ourselves

As parents, we often find that our children bring out parts of ourselves that we didn’t even know were there. Old wounds, unresolved feelings, and hidden insecurities can rise to the surface in the process of raising kids. This is where healing comes in.

Parenting can be one of the most profound personal growth journeys you will ever embark on. Our children are often mirrors, reflecting back the parts of ourselves that need attention, healing, and love. Sometimes, the greatest gift we can give our children is to heal the parts of ourselves that are still hurting.

I believe that as we grow as parents, we also have the opportunity to reparent ourselves—to give ourselves the care, compassion, and understanding that we may not have received in our own childhoods. When we heal, we break cycles of pain and create a more nurturing and supportive environment for our children.

Small Changes Lead to Big Shifts

One of the things I love most about my work is helping parents realize that they don’t need to make huge, sweeping changes to be effective. Healing and growth are not about perfection—they’re about making small, consistent shifts that lead to lasting transformation.

Whether it’s incorporating more presence into your day, finding moments of stillness amidst the chaos, or learning to soften the way you speak to yourself, these small changes can have a profound impact on both your parenting and your healing journey. It’s often the simplest shifts that create the biggest ripple effects in our lives and in the lives of our children.

You Are Enough, Just as You Are

At the core of my philosophy is the belief that you are enough. Motherhood is full of moments where we feel like we’re not doing enough or that we’re falling short. But the truth is, you are exactly the parent your child needs. You have the wisdom, the intuition, and the love required to raise your child in the way that’s right for them—and for you.

Healing happens when we give ourselves permission to show up as we are, imperfections and all. The more we embrace our own humanity, the more we teach our children to do the same.

Embracing the Journey

Parenting and healing are lifelong journeys, not destinations. There will always be challenges, but there will also always be moments of profound connection, growth, and love. Trusting yourself, embracing your intuition, and being willing to heal your own wounds as you parent your children is a path of deep transformation—for both you and your family.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of where to start, remember that you’re not alone. Parenting doesn’t have to be perfect, and neither do you. You have everything you need inside of you to navigate this journey with grace, resilience, and love.