I don't always have all the parenting answers (gasp!), but I do know this...if we want respectful, flourishing, kind young adults we must parent with kindness and respect while we model how to flourish in life. Not with perfection - just persistence! It is not our job to make everything perfect, but it is our job to help children own their own worth. Our behavior and our words need to create an environment that says to a child (or children) "you are enough." This life may be tough sometimes, but that's okay because you are enough.

Just be kind,

Dr. Kelli 

 Beyond just the physical aspects of having a newborn – lack of sleep, biochemistry havoc, healing from a c-section – I was miserable. I knew I needed to do something to feel better, but I didn’t know where to start. The experience reminded me of a time I decided I wanted to wear a necklace I had loved when I was much younger. I went searching for the necklace to find it entangled with a bunch of other jewelry that hadn’t been worn in years. The jewelry was so entangled that I considered giving up. Where to even start with that mess? And did I really need to wear that necklace? Now it seemed my hormones and the rest of my body were a tangled up mess and I didn’t know where to begin. I started the same way you loosen jewels – patiently, gently, persistently.

Finding supportive health professionals has been a key component – although frustrating at times – to my overall wellbeing. I remember thinking, “it does not matter where you start, just start.” However, when you are miserable it is extremely difficult to “start”.  Western trained medical professionals tend to find many of us frustrating simply because all testing will yield nothing in terms of explaining our symptoms. The information provided in “within normal limits” sucks when you’re suffering. And while I am generally a fan of research – how many 4’ 11” females do you think they include in those studies to generate data regarding “normal limits”. I had to keep searching for the support I needed. My advice is that while the way to a peaceful existence is an inward journey – be persistent and thoughtful when building your support system. Your answers are within you, AND it can be very helpful to have a team of supportive folks helping you discover your own answers.

Namaste'

Dr. Kelli

I have decided to challenge myself with a weekly blog entry every Monday morning specifically addressing the journey towards peace. Peace of mind. Peaceful action and certainly peaceful parenting are the objectives. I'm not sure that anyone actually reads my blog. Perhaps a few friends graciously read the blog every now and again. This makes it somewhat easier (or at least appear safer) to write about the journey here. 

I remember sitting on the beach under an umbrella with my newborn sleeping peacefully while my husband and older son played in the water. I had this unbelievably anxious feeling. Intellectually I realized I should be relaxed and enjoying the beach. I used what cognitive therapy strategies I thought might help - change your thoughts and change your experience. Sounds easy right now. But at the time, I simply could not make myself enjoy the moment. I decided that day to actively work towards a peaceful existence. It is one thing to want to be a peaceful person. It is, at least in my mind, even more essential to be a peaceful parent. These babies are looking to us to guide them. I intend to guide them to the best of my ability. I understand that I will not be perfect. I accept that some days will be more challenging than others. I have come to realize I will often not have an answer. However, my goal is to reach for excellence not perfection. 

My children are now 8 and 5. I am on the peaceful parent journey. I get closer to where I want to be with each daily practice. I will share (and possibly explode) every Monday a small piece of the journey as it continues to unfold. I look forward to comments from others on their own journey.

Namaste'

Dr. Kelli

Cost is $120/person or $200/couple

 6:00 - 8:00pm

“The Way of the Peaceful Parent”

Lunch and Learn Workshop

Saturday, June 5 

10:00am – 2:00pm

Special Price $40

(includes delicious, fresh lunch & workshop)

With

 Effective Parenting Founder, Dr. Kelli Ritter and

Author of “The Power of Choice”, Rev. Carole O’Connell

• Tools for Practicing Peacefulness this Summer
  
• 3 Essentials for Happiness in this Life
  
• Passing the Peacefulness on to our Children 

Workshops are held in a beautiful private home, “Whitehall Manor”, located in the Buckhead area of Atlanta

Space is limited and workshop is for adults

To register please use the workshop page of this website or call 404-202-2015

Great approach to parenting, February 24, 2009

By	J. Thomas -

This review is from: Come Play with Me! Effective Parent-Child Play:Using structured playtime to interact with young children and practice useful parenting skills (Perfect Paperback)

"I attended a talk by Dr. Ritter and it was great. Her approach to parenting seems like it will really work. Her main goal is to help you build a better relationship with your child and help them to become courageous, confident people. The book is a great synopsis of her approach which utilizes play therapy techniques. It was a very easy read and talks about things you can start doing immediately to make your relationship with your child better. I would highly recommend this book."

"Simple Ways to Build Courage & Confidence in Children”

with

Play therapy & Parenting expert,

Dr. Kelli Ritter

May 3rd

6:30-8:00pm

Mary Lin Elementary School

Auditorium

Free to the community

No Childcare provided for this workshop

For Parents, Grandparents and Caregivers of Young Children

"Setting-up and Organizing the Playroom"

(And getting ready for summer play!)

April 27th

11:30am -1:00pm

$40 (includes lunch)

Whitehall Manor in Buckhead

Play therapy expert, Dr. Kelli Ritter & professional organizer, Michelle Grey team up to offer this helpful workshop. 

• What to include in a playroom
• How to keep it all organized
• Portable playroom/play kits
• Nifty products and where to find them

 Details for registration can be found on the workshop page of this website. Payment must be received to secure a seat/lunch for all workshops. These workshops are fun, helpful and include a fresh lunch. Treat yourself!

Join us!