Harmony House Counseling, LLC
Bringing Harmony to Your Home
May 2021 | Issue 5
Devotion

The Gift of Children

A parent's love for their children is usually endless but the gift of parenthood comes with endless worry and doubt, wondering if we are doing it correctly. We often wonder if we are making the right decisions as we make thousands of choices that can have long lasting effects on our children. As parents we sometimes get caught up in wanting what we believe is best for our children and hoping to control their circumstances in life in order to shelter them from pain and suffering. It can be difficult to navigate the waters of raising Godly children but we must learn to walk with faith and turn to God for guidance & peace.

Remember that your children are unique individuals who are gifts from God (even during tantrums :)). They are separate from you but your love, encouragement, discipline, & compassion can help bring them closer to God, which ensures a fulfilling & prosperous life.
1 Thessalonians says, "As you know, like a father with his own children, we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to live worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom & glory." 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
May is National Mental Health Month & Mother's Day!

Because it is both National Mental Health Awareness Month & Mother's Day, it's only appropriate to focus on the mental heath of moms! As mothers, we often feel the stress and worry of the entire family. Our role, specifically as mothers, comes with huge responsibility; which is often only accounting for a part of who we are.... we totally have time for other stuff, right? The endless anxiety that comes from living in this materialistic world can be difficult to find balance and serenity for mothers who take on many challenges each day. How can mothers find a balance & manage the stress that sometimes can feel overwhelming? How can we ensure that our role of mother is fulfilling our Godly duty to raise children who love Christ? How can we also fulfill Christ's plan for us & use our gifts to serve good while we are also mothers?

Remember, when you are worried or stressed about daily obligations and responsibilities, look to God to provide, for He knows what you need (Luke 12:30).

The Bible guides us through our parenting journey and helps lessen the stress when we follow Christ as He intended.
Model Christ-Like Parenting (from Counseling Through Your Bible Handbook by June Hunt)

Do mold the will without breaking the spirit. Treat them with kindness & respect, without too many rules, overreacting, criticizing, teasing, harsh punishment, etc. (Colossians 3:21)
Do encourage and develop responsibility, allowing your child to make choices and to experience the benefits and consequences of those choices (Proverbs 17:25)
Do reinforce positive behavior. Offer smiles and affection, praise, recognition in front of others, & respect needs. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Do model repentance & forgiveness. When you sin in front of your children, ask forgiveness in front of them. Demonstrate a change in behavior. Admit when you're wrong and ask them for forgiveness when necessary. (Matthew 5:23-24).
Do love your spouse openly and unconditionally to show your children how to relate to others and this also provides security. (Ephesians 5:33)
Do learn to deal with your strong emotions, especially anger so their view of God is not harsh & punishing. (Colossians 3:8)
Do enforce age-appropriate boundaries with rewards & repercussions & be consistent. (1 Thessalonians 4:1)
Do love & listen attentively with your ears and your heart (James 1:19)

Let go of your desire to possess your child.
Let go of your expectations for your child.
Let go of jumping in to save your child from failure.
Let go of seeing harmony at all times.
Let go of your need to be appreciated.
Let go of parenthood as your primary identity.

Remember Moms, finding a balance between who you are, as you are also a gift from God, and who you are as a mother is key to maintaining a healthy and God-like home. We can never be completely free of stress & worry, but when we build a life that is closer to Christ, we alleviate much of the overwhelm and are allowed to welcome joy.
HHC Staff Spotlight
Kimberly Daigle

Kimberly is our Insurance and Finance Director and your go-to for all questions related to your insurance and accounts with Harmony House. She has been with HHC for 3 years.

Kimberly adds organization to our team with clear communication, excelling in efficiently verifying insurance benefits and managing our accounts.
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She and her husband, Brock, enjoy spending time with their 3 handsome boys. 

Staff Reading Suggestion!

The Whole Brain Child is a great parent resource that provides a neurobiology perspective & easy-to-learn strategies that can improve parenting. This easy read gives parents insight into why their children are reacting & having tantrums, as well as, how to approach daily struggles with ease that can improve the parenting experience and lessen conflicts in the home. As a parent myself, this book not only helped me better understand my children and myself, but it also taught me how I can contribute to healthy brain development that allows them to be critical thinkers & healthy decision makers later in life.

We're Hiring !

Looking for Licensed Therapists with either an LCSW or LPC credential.
Visit our Website for more information:
Counseling at HHC
Our practice and philosophy at HHC
are derived from the sciences
of psychology, neurology and biology,
as well as Scriptures, treating the
mind, body and spirit of a person to
bring about wholeness
where there was brokenness.
Our wisdom and gifts come from Him,
and our skills come from training.  


Upcoming Groups


Improving Family Connections: Christian Parenting Seminar
Presented by Harmony House Counseling, LLC,
Hosted at Our Savior's Church in Eunice

Part I: Saturday June 12th, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Part II: Saturday, July 10th, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Lunch Provided

Cost:
$80, Single Parent, Part I or Part II
$100, Couple, Part I or Part II
$150, Single Parent, Part I & Part II
$175, Couple, Part I & Part II
Girls Teen Group: A Healthier Me
9th-12th Grade
June 17th- July 22nd (6 Weeks)
Thursdays @ 3:00-4:30
Cost: $150

Boys Teen Group: A Healthier Me
9th-12th Grade
June 15th-July 20th (6 weeks)
Tuesdays @ 3:00- 4:30
Cost: $150


Call 337/466/3530 to Register!
Harmony House Counseling, LLC likes to wish all the mothers a Happy Belated Mother's Day! We also hope to hear from parents & teens regarding our summer groups! Seasons are changing, & like seasons in life, we are better equipped to learn & grow when we do so with compassion & love.
The Many Hats of Mothers
Do the overlapping roles in life cause stress & worry that become overwhelming?

Has your mother title become your identity?
Can you effectively balance who you are with parenthood in a way that allows you to be both without added overwhelm? In America, it can be said that mothers are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, exhaustion, mood disorders & PTSD when compared to other populations. 15- 20% of women experience more significant symptoms of depression and anxiety after childbirth.

Looking to God can help moms to better fulfill their motherly duties, all the while holding on to their individuality & spunk!
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