Mentors

I had to share with you all that I lost a mentor of mine this past December. Her words of encouragement and wisdom still ring in my ears. I am so thankful that Dr. Barbara Brunworth was a part of my life. She was an inspiration to many people, including myself and will always be missed.

I also just found out today that someone I admired and respected on the radio, Tom Dooley, passed away this past fall. I had no idea. I just remembered what an encourager he was as I listened to him early in the morning when I would get ready for work. I still remember the joy and happiness in his voice...how he reminded me to be thankful for today, to let go of negativity, forgive those who hurt you, pray for those around you. I was fortunate to hear him speak and meet him. He was just a happy, uplifting person doing God's work. I know he is missed by many as well.

As I reflect on the mentors that have been a part of my life, I am reminded again to not only be thankful for today but to reach out and let others know how important they are in my life.

I love the quote, "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why we call it 'The Present'" — Eleanor Roosevelt

I just wanted to share that... :)

Dr. Nina

Validate, validate, validate!

Today I was playing with my daughter on the family room floor. She was a little tired but overall doing okay. She began looking at an "American Girl" magazine, which always has cute things in it. She then says to me, "I want to look at another magazine like this one." I said, "Sorry dear, we don't have another one." She then repeats her request and I repeat my response. Needlesstosay, she was getting more frustrated and my response was not helping.

I was forgetting what she needed and that was validation! Dr. Nina wasn't validating that she was upset becuase she wanted to look at another magazine like the one she had.

Then I said to her, "You really want another magazine like this one...right." "Uh-huh" she said. Then I said, "It makes you sad because you don't have another one like this and that makes me sad too because I wish I had one to give you." She say's, "uh-huh or um-hmm..." and her frustration has now dissipated and she is now climbing on my back! :)

I share this story because it's sometimes difficult to stop and think about what our kids are feeling. We are just responding as we would with adults. Kids need more from us. They need us to help them through their feelings and label the emotions they are experiencing. You will be amazed and how they respond!

All the best,
Dr. Nina

Update on Book - Need your input

Hi Everyone,

We are currently putting our book together for teens about sexual abuse. We would like to incorporate statements from other sexual abuse survivors in our book. If you would like us to email you with a question we may have, please email me at drninalpc@aol.com. We appreciate your support.

Thanks so much!

Dr. Nina