No One Gave Me a Manual, Either
I remember being a first-time mum and feeling completely overwhelmed. No one gives you a manual on how to work a baby! We become swamped with advice from well-meaning relatives and health visitors. We read the most ridiculous books, clinging to the hope of a magic solution.
I remember one book in particular about a rigid routine. I honestly thought that if I could just get my baby into this routine, he would sleep through the night. Did it work? Did it heck as like. It went on like that as my firstborn grew. I was constantly searching for a magic fix.
Over time, and with the joy of five children, I became more relaxed. I accepted that every child has their own unique needs and there is no one-size-fits-all way to be a parent. You know your child better than anyone. And yes, this stuff is hard. We don't always get it right, and no one is a perfect parent. We get it wrong, we feel and carry the guilt, but you are doing your best, and that is enough.
My biggest piece of advice for you? Find your way and have people support your way. Talk about the issues you're facing, but accept there are no miracle solutions. It’s all trial and error for each unique child.
You Are the Leader of Your Family
This is where my journey took a turn. My background is in supporting leaders, coaching them to get the best from their teams. And I realised something fundamental: as a parent, you are the leader of your family.
This same principle applies everywhere. A leader of a team, an educator in a classroom, or a carer in a care home - you are all working with unique individuals who don't fit into a one-size-fits-all box. This is why more and more professionals are looking for an online educational leadership program to help them navigate these challenges. The old way of giving instructions and expecting compliance is outdated, whether you're trying to get a toddler to eat their vegetables or a team to meet a deadline. The core challenge is always the same: how do we connect with and understand the people we're responsible for?
As a psychologist with a keen interest in development and mental health, and as a mum of five children with wonderfully diverse needs, I know first-hand that there is no 'perfect' playbook. From my teen who struggles with anxiety to my youngest with his ADHD diagnosis, there is never a dull moment. My experiences have taught me the power of emotional intelligence to coach and support the uniqueness of each individual, whether in my home or in a professional setting.
A Framework for Human Connection
I want to share my experiences with others who may feel isolated, alone, or simply don't have an outlet. This is why I've created my own framework—a way to support parents, leaders, and carers to understand the unique strengths we all have to offer, and establish myself as a thought leader in this space. It's time to move away from a one-size-fits-all mentality.
Human relationships are everything. Connection and feeling understood and supported offers us the strength and hope we need to keep going.
This is why I've created a framework that joins the dots from parenting to educating and caring professions, and into leading teams in organisations. This framework can even be a key part of any online educational leadership program.
Suppose I can make a small difference in my lifetime to make the world a better place. In that case, I will have left a small piece of my heart and my wish for people to have the emotional intelligence and communication skills to be accepting of our uniqueness throughout our lives.
If you're ready to find your way and get the support you need, join my community. We're a supportive community of parents, educators, and leaders, all on a journey to develop emotional intelligence and stronger parenting connections.
Click here to join or email me at hello@thehrologist.co.uk, or simply hit reply.
Have a great day,
Best regards,
Naomi Withers
Founder of The HRologist. | AmbiSense | HAPPYCHAMPS
Book Your Power Hour Call for just £299
Unlike typical consultations, this service provides immediate sense, clarity and actionable steps implementable the same day with tools provided.
