Talking About Mental Health: May 2021

Posted May 1, 2021

Let’s talk about AUTONOMY

Autonomy, our theme for May, is our ability to make decisions and have a say in the direction of our lives.  Autonomy helps with the development of independence and trust and is an important part of our individual growth and development.  As a parent nurturing autonomy, we aim to create a cooperative bond between ourselves and our children while also paying attention to secure and reasonable boundaries and expectations. Autonomy goes beyond teaching independence and is about supporting our children in a way that allows them a sense of comfort in themselves.

Why is autonomy important?

  • Helps to create a sense of mastery – over body, mind and environment
  • Supports independent and critical thinking
  • Encourages intrinsic motivations
  • Inspires confidence
  • Allows for individuality and uniqueness to emerge

So what can you do? (adapted from Dr. Shenfield, What is Autonomy Supportive Parenting and How to Practice It, 2019, article)

  • Involve your child/ren in household decision making – age appropriately of course!
  • Give your child the opportunity to have input in their daily routine when possible
  • Help your child to express their own emotions and opinions within safe boundaries
  • Keep loving them! Let them know through you actions and words that you love them.
  • Respect their preferences and choices when possible. And when they can’t be met you can still acknowledge that you heard their preference/choice.
  • Really listen to your child and help them label and express their feelings.

Social Justice

You can use this month’s focus to look at what your child/family are interested in in terms of the broader community. What is important to each of you? Where do they see that they could make a difference? Be creative and have fun while making a difference.

I think there’s great potential for autonomy, but we have to remember that we live in a world where people may have free will but have not invented their circumstances. Thomas Frank

Thanks to Edge Mutual for their support of the Umbrella Project at UGDSB

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