Meredith Silversmith Archives - Mothering in the Middle

It Must Be Me (Living With Parental Self-Doubt)

by Meredith Silversmith

Do you ever feel like it shouldn’t be this hard? Like it’s not normal to face the challenges, aggression, opposition, and tears every day?

Do you sometimes feel like it must be you?

There are reasons for this.

Our kids’ behavior is very personal. Their actions don’t happen lightheartedly or in an attempt to achieve a particular, short-term outcome. Intense emotions, often from past experiences, are driving their more challenging behaviors. We sense this intensity, especially when it’s directed at us. Sometimes, the anger, shame, or sadness is projected onto you – the parent, the closest person to them, the safety net. […]

Don’t Go it Alone (The Creation of Project Bond – For Adoptive Families)

by Barbara DiGangi and Meredith Silversmith

If your child has challenging behavior, where do you turn? Typically, we look to professionals at school or in the community. You might start with an evaluation, enroll your child in a program, or even qualify for in-home services, depending upon where you live.

But, what happens when the professionals don’t help? When they think they know what to do, but are actually making things worse? What if what works for some kids doesn’t work for yours?

That’s what Barbara and I asked ourselves. Every day. For four years. […]