Welcome to the Parent Playbook!

When you have been a child therapist for as long as I have (almost 15-years), you often encounter the same comments or phrases from clients and/or caregivers. One of the most common phrases I have encountered since becoming a mom 11 years ago is “I bet your kids are so well behaved.” This always makes me laugh to myself as visions of my three kids pop into my head like them throwing tantrums in public, coloring on our furniture, or fighting over whose turn it is for the TV. Even the best trained, highest licensed providers struggle with parenting at times, so I want you to hear me when I tell you: Parenting is hard! I will say it again to make sure you actually understand: Parenting is HARD!

Think about some of the most complicated and/or difficult experiences you encounter in life whether it’s school, a new job, or even learning to use a new household appliance. Now, think about what all of these things have in common. They all come with some sort of training or manual to help make the experience easier, understandable, and more manageable. Parenting is one of the hardest things you may do in your life, and guess what? No manual, instructions, or playbook comes along with your children. Although it would be nice to have a book of instructions on how to handle your 2-year-old’s 10th tantrum of the day or how to help your 10-year-old deal with bullying at school, unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to our children, and no such manual exists.

So let me introduce Zepf Center’s new blog segment: Parent Playbook. This segment is meant to provide guidance and support to any caregivers who have questions, concerns, or frustrations that they aren’t sure how to handle on their own. This segment is meant to be a resource, not meant to shame or embarrass anyone. Like I mentioned before, being a licensed counselor does not make me immune to my own parenting struggles, and I understand the importance of building a community of support to help get through the harder times. If you have a topic, question, or issue that you would like to learn more about, email [email protected] to connect with me. I look forward to hearing from you and going along this parenting journey together!

Leslie LeFevre, LPCC-S
Clinical Director of Youth Services