Learning from the loons

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​ Loony idea...?

Did you know that mom and dad loons, carry their little ones on their backs?  They do this for the first several weeks to keep the chicks safe and close by. But even as the chicks are getting a bit bigger and are swimming alongside the parents, they may still climb on board for a ride when they're scared, stressed or overwhelmed.
Last summer on a run along a northern Minnesota lake, I came upon a family of loons enjoying the shallow, quiet water. I startled them as I ran past, and the two big chicks scramble onto one parent's back and they all took off to “safer water”.  They only swam a little ways down the shore before the young loons were back in the water swimming and exploring. It got me thinking about parenting...
When our kids are scared, stressed or overwhelmed (even as they get older, and are past the "baby chick" phase), how can we take a lesson from the loons and partner with our kids?  Can we "carry them”  for a short distance, by traveling with our child through the struggle, until we reach safer water?  Then, we can let them swim on their own again. 
 
A struggling child needs our support to co-regulate, when they can't regulate by themselves.  

If you could use some additional support for a season of struggle with your child, reach out to me.  I would love to talk with you.   Tap the "Contact me" 

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