We’re excited to introduce part of our Child(ish) Advice family. Patti is our Social Media and Web Manager, and now a monthly blog contributor. Here’s a little bit about her:

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Growing up, I was not part of a stable household. My parents had multiple divorces between them, and I never lived in one place for more than a couple years. From high school to college to young adulthood, I could see the positive and negative repercussions of my upbringing and I still grapple with it from time to time. I think we all make mental notes at some point or another, “I won’t be like that when I have a kid…”.

My husband and I went through 18 months of infertility before becoming pregnant with twins via IUI. In that time, I did a lot of self-reflection on the roles of my parents and step-parents. Then, I made a command decision that changed everything.

I read books, searched blogs, went to therapy, and finally decided that I was going to build my own style of parenting. A complete start-from-scratch. I don’t have to abide by rules or schedules or gender roles that don’t work for my family. I don’t have to do what my mom and dad did. I can try new and different parenting suggestions/styles/tips and if they work, great! If they don’t, I can move along.

I am a Millennial, and I have so many tools and outlets available to me. Google, parenting blogs and forums, scientific reports, podcasts; just think of how much more we know about parenting and raising great kids compared to 10, 15, 35 years ago. In addition, we have advances in neuroscience, learning development, and mental health. Not to mention, modern dads are more active than any previous generation. The parenting game will always be a challenge, but it helps knowing you’ve got resources.

I’m grateful to Mary for letting me partner with her, to help marry Occupational Therapy science to Modern Parenting. It’s my hope we can provide useful information that is not only accessible, but also easily adaptable for you and your family.

Thank you and stay childish,