BEWARE - I was having major technical difficulties during this conversation, but it's still a highly valuable one to listen to! I did my absolute best to fix/minimize the issues in post/editing. There's only so much I know how to do!
This episode is a must-listen for parents, guardians, and anyone who cares about supporting kids’ mental health, as we tackle the real-life challenges of accepting children as they are and building genuine, lasting connections.
More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/wayne-brown
In this episode of ETFA, MommaFoxFire interviews Wayne Brown, a clinical social worker and advocate, on the topic of accepting children as they are. Wayne shares his journey from inner-city teaching to social work, emphasizing his commitment to helping individuals facing diverse challenges, such as addiction, gender identity, and rare medical conditions. Wayne’s unique perspective stems from his personal experiences, including his diagnosis of acromegaly and a rare thyroid condition as an infant, which taught him resilience and adaptability.
Throughout the conversation, Wayne discusses the importance of meeting children where they are emotionally and listening to them without judgment or distractions. He highlights how showing genuine interest in children's seemingly small stories can build trust, allowing children to feel heard and valued. This foundation of trust is especially important as children age and face complex issues like gender identity, mental health, and social pressure. Wayne underscores that fostering open communication from an early age encourages children to share significant life challenges with their parents as they grow older.
Wayne also shares practical advice for parents who work from home or have busy schedules. He recommends establishing clear boundaries, like keeping the door closed when working, while ensuring children receive undivided attention during designated family time. Intentional time together and respectful boundaries are essential to balancing work and family while maintaining meaningful connections.
The conversation covers common misconceptions about children’s resilience. Wayne asserts that resilience requires nurturing through supportive relationships rather than assuming kids will simply "bounce back." Children need consistent validation and support to navigate struggles, especially with issues tied to self-esteem and identity. Wayne shares a key technique for parents: listen to kids when they are young, as this builds the trust that enables them to confide in you about tougher subjects in adolescence.
When discussing ways parents can navigate their children’s unique struggles, Wayne shares specific strategies, including using "SMART" goals to help kids set achievable objectives. He also addresses the value of modeling emotional openness and vulnerability with children. Wayne stresses that children are intuitive and sensitive to their parents’ emotions, so maintaining a calm and accepting demeanor is crucial when addressing sensitive issues like gender identity, peer pressure, or mental health challenges.
As the interview progresses, Wayne emphasizes that parents’ engagement in politics and social issues is equally valuable for modeling an active, well-rounded life. He encourages families to educate themselves on current events and make informed choices, reinforcing critical thinking skills in their children. Wayne advocates for parents to allow children space to form their own beliefs, noting that respecting children’s developing opinions helps build self-confidence and autonomy.
The episode concludes with a discussion on the value of therapy as a means of fostering self-acceptance and resilience, which Wayne views as essential for everyone, including parents. He emphasizes that mental health conversations should be open and stigma-free, empowering families to seek help and support one another on their journeys.
