Train the Brain 2020: Parenting Can Feel Impossible Right Now
Palm Health Foundation • October 29, 2020
Parenting is a tough job – throw in all that 2020 has offered, and it can feel nearly impossible. During Train the Brain, we've discussed coping strategies for the fear and anxiety that many of us feel this year. Many parents are managing these emotions while also tending to the worries and fears of their children, which can be overwhelming.
So, how can parents/guardians help themselves and their kids cope? Here are some ideas:
- Acknowledge their struggles in front of their kids. This is difficult and might feel uncomfortable, but by sharing the way they are feeling, parents are modeling healthy behavior. Children are perceptive and can already tell when something is wrong, so teach them that it’s okay to talk about it!
- Use age-appropriate words when talking about mental health. Depending on the age of the child, words like “anxiety” and “depression” might be hard to understand. For younger kids, “sad” and “scared” might be better choices.
- Practice Self-Care. Parents often think that they need to put their kids before themselves, always. But, it’s really hard to be unwell and fully present for a child. Parents: It’s not selfish to take care of yourself first. Call a friend, take a long bath, take time off work, listen to music or talk to a therapist. Your children are always watching, so model the self-care behaviors that you want them to mimic throughout their lives.
Dr. Roger L. Duncan III and Elisa Cramer join board of trustees; Dr. Paul Rashid appointed to Community Investment Committee
The Mike McNamara Scholarship Fund at Palm Health Foundation became her lifeline.
"Connected Along the Brain Coast" campaign brings brain science out of the lab and into Palm Beach County communities this October
New initiative activates South Florida's Brain Coast to help close 17-year gap between scientific discovery and impact.
Aspen Institute spotlighted BeWellPBC , a Palm Beach County behavioral health movement supported by Palm Health Foundation, and their Community Connectors , a group of advocates that help improve the health and wellbeing of their neighborhoods by serving as a bridge between residents and private and public health services. These Community Connectors are deeply trusted and have helped their communities navigate complex health challenges – like when one neighbor didn’t know what to do when her husband was admitted to a nursing home as his dementia worsened.
Palm Health Foundation hosted an educational session for the Palm Beach County Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and Healthcare Council , themed, “Brain Health Across the Lifespan.” This council serves as a countywide collaborative focused on improving health outcomes through shared priorities, cross-sector partnership, and coordinated action. Our brain health-focused session spotlighted how the Brain Coast Vision is translating brain science into practice through workforce development , shared learning , and community partnerships . Session presenters included: Patrick McNamara, LCSW, President and CEO, Palm Health Foundation Bama Lutes Deal, PhD, Palm Beach County NeuroArts Collaborative Deborah Germain, MPH, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Last year, Palm Health Foundation supported a cohort from our Culture of Health Network to attend the Help Conference , a regional event focused on health equity through plant-forward initiatives to improve the lives of those living with diet related diseases. Attendees included representatives from American Heart Association , Healthier Boynton Beach , and Healthier Glades . This opportunity strengthened relationships between local organizations committed to health equity and provided invaluable learning.
This month, Palm Health Foundation convened 11 initiatives from across the Culture of Health Network for a full day focused on leadership, relationship building and community change efforts. The gathering was designed to strengthen local leadership structures while also creating space to learn across communities and initiatives. Participants explored how to build lasting change using the resources and relationships already present within our communities. This was a wonderful opportunity to see who is “with us” in the shared effort to lead change for better health across Palm Beach County.
Palm Health Foundation is proud to have Dr. Naelys Luna, founding dean and professor at the FAU College of Social Work and Criminal Justice, on our esteemed Board of Trustees. Dr. Luna’s journey to her current position as leader, advocate, and educator is beyond inspiring, from political persecution in Cuba to becoming nationally recognized for her impact on the field of social work and higher education. Her story is a reminder of the power of hope, education, and resilience:
Palm Health Foundation proudly supports paid practicum experiences for FAU’s Sandler School of Social Work MSW students. Through this support, we’re removing financial barriers to education and growing a capable behavioral health workforce in our community. One of FAU’s outstanding MSW students, Amy Ferguson, was placed with the Palm Health Foundation team for her learning, and provided a reflection on her experience:
