Episode 29
#29 How to be a family in split locations - with Dr Laura Anderson
Synopsis:
Dr Laura Anderson is a clinical psychologist and the founder of Common Chord Psychologist Services. She provides consultation services for multi-racial families, adoptive families, and families with gender expansive members, as they overcome barriers, derive strength from their differences and thrive. Additionally, she has a particular area of interest in supporting third culture children and families who may need support with the stresses associated with living out of their countries of origin. Today with Dr. Laura, we're going to be talking about how intercultural dynamics play out when distance is involved, how to be a family when not living under the same roof, and coping with uncertainties, which is very much part of this life when travel date changes, when there are emergencies, or when there's risk involved when the parent is in a hostile in environment.
In This Episode:
- Dr Laura Anderson explains the name Common Chord
- She explains her work among expat families and families in split locations, working with all age ranges.
- She gives practical tips for understanding kid brain and strategies for coping with change.
- She discusses how to talk about feelings and emotions with children and teens.
- Rhoda and Dr Anderson discuss the importance of rituals and of keeping the traveling parent in the loop, as well as how to engage your child in conversation.
- Navigating the return home of the travelling parent.
- Dr Anderson touches on anxiety, and teaches us how to recognize the early symptoms, and how this can help in dealing with the root issues and reacting better.
- Parents in dangerous locations and the importance of explaining in an age appropriate way the situation and the reasons behind the decision.
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