Among the many lessons I learned (or relearned) as a new parent were:

This is a soul stretching journey for which we need layers of support! And yet we live in a culture that often leaves new parents, whether by birth or adoption, isolated.

How do we show regard or make a shift from a mindset of expecting or demanding respect from our children to shifting towards showing regard and what the value is in doing that.

So for those of you preparing for gatherings big and small with a bit of apprehension or anxiety about how your children or your parenting will be received, I offer these thoughts and strategies: