Overcoming Being Overwhelmed is personal for me.
When my boys were young, there were always so many things happening — caring for our family, driving to Little League practice, volunteering in the community, working inside and outside the home.
There was always so much to do. I lived the overwhelmed life. I just did not know it.
I thought, “This is just how family life is.”
Being overwhelmed did not help me to be a better parent, though. I thought that doing everything would.
And, I was blessed. I had a very supportive husband and family. Family life was still too busy and still overwhelming to me.
On the busiest days, I would become emotional from being so overwhelmed. I tended to “react” to the issue at hand and not “respond.”
I know now that when I felt emotional about being so busy, I was not thinking straight. I was in my “emotion brain,” not my “thinking brain.” And I needed to get to my “thinking brain” because that was where my best parenting plans were.
For over 20 years I have been working with hundreds and hundreds of parents and their families in parenting classes and as a parent coach.
Over the years, I have learned that even if you have the best parenting information and a devoted coach to guide you, there can still be hurdles to parenting the way one you want to. I have discovered that being overwhelmed is a huge hurdle.
Jennifer Watanabe
- Former Bellevue College Parent Education Instructor – retired October 2021 after 24 years of teaching
- Certified PCI Parent Coach through Seattle Pacific University’s Parent Coaching Institute since 2007
- Certified Positive Discipline Parenting Educator since 2011
Testimonials
This class “offers an approach that is from the heart and respectful. . . I’ve remained calmer as a parent.”
“This has been a wonderful experience for me as a mom and as a person.“
“Learning about my child’s behavior and his reasons behind it have helped a lot.“
“We understand our son more. I think he feels that and has responded by fighting less; he seems more happy.”
“I feel that I am more patient, [and I] yell less.”
“I love this class. I have more self-esteem as a parent and feel more confident in myself.”
“Thank you so much for all of your insight, suggestions and the thoughtful way you presented the wonderful parenting and development information…It has made such a difference in both my life and [my son]’s life”
“I always felt so encouraged.”
“I have learned so much from this class. I was able to apply the things I have learned in my everyday life. I very grateful for everything.”
“I so appreciated all the information you presented on child development and parenting choices and also the encouragement you provided.”
“I love how you succeeded in providing a non-judgmental atmosphere.”
“Thank you for all the knowledge you’ve shared…with such a caring and kind attitude…it’s been invaluable’
“I feel blessed to have met you. You are a true coach.”
And from a child, as told to the parent after the class, “I think I love you more.”