MOMents with Lori & Lee Ann- Supporting Loved Ones with Mental Illness

Once a month, Lori and Lee Ann will discuss complex topics regarding parenting and disciplining. Lori Wildenberg is a national speaker, a licensed parent-family educator of over 25 years, and an award-winning author of six Christian parenting books. Lori also leads the popular Moms Together Facebook Community Page and Group.

During this episode of MOMents, both ladies explore the crucial topic of supporting family members through mental illness. Lori offers valuable insights and practical advice for parents, guardians, and grandparents dealing with children and loved ones facing mental health challenges. From fostering open communication to recognizing the different levels of mental illness, you will hopefully gain valuable wisdom to help support your family members.

Key Takeaways:

Normalizing the struggle of mental illness to validate a child’s experience.
Avoid toxic positivity and provide a safe space for the child to express their feelings.
Offer different perspectives on struggles during moments of peace and calm.
Encourage open communication and understanding rather than lecturing.
Recognize and address different levels of mental illness, seeking professional help when necessary.
Educate siblings on the struggles of their brother or sister without breaching confidentiality.
Foster a supportive and cooperative sibling relationship.
Encourage understanding, cooperation, and the celebration of each other’s uniqueness to prevent competition.
Avoid comparing or pitting siblings against each other, which can heighten mental illness.
Avoid shaming or guilt-tripping when addressing mental illness.
Grandparents should be supportive and encourage open communication, especially when grandchildren share serious concerns.
Establish trust by respecting confidentiality and offering empathy if unable to sympathize directly with the situation.
The importance of embracing the messy nature of life and parenting.