Seeing my patients struggle with similar things as my kids gave me perspective. It also reminded me of how I felt growing up.
The article by Dr. Lisa Damour, a clinical psychologist and parent, discusses the unique challenges and insights she gains from working with younger patients while raising her own teenagers. Dr. Damour highlights how her professional experience with children and adolescents informs her parenting, particularly in understanding the emotional and psychological pressures faced by today's youth. She shares that her younger patients often provide her with a broader perspective on what her own children might be experiencing, from the impact of social media to the pressures of academic performance and identity exploration. This dual role allows her to empathize more deeply with her children's struggles, offering them guidance that is both informed by clinical knowledge and personal understanding. Dr. Damour emphasizes the importance of listening to children, validating their feelings, and providing a supportive environment that acknowledges the complexities of growing up in the modern world.