An Open Letter to Parents from A Truthful Therapist

Believe in yourself, because you have it in you

Dear Parents, 

I don’t envy you. Being a parent now is not easy. We are living in unprecedented times. Children are bombarded with negative influences from so many different sources that we can’t even track them all. In the past, when you needed help, you may have consulted your family doctor, a teacher or a therapist. At the very least, you probably believed that these experts were out there for you if you ever needed guidance.  But if you are reading this, you likely know by now that very few of these people can be trusted. You likely have figured out that these so-called experts, intentionally or not, may be working against your family’s best interest. You may feel confused, lost and doubtful of your abilities as a parent. How can you know what to do if there is so much conflicting advice out there? How can you go against the beliefs of a professional who has years of training and fancy letters behind their name? I’ll tell you how: because you are the parent of your child and you know and love your child better than anyone else. 

I am here to remind the loving and decent parents out there that they are smart, intuitive, and know more than they often give themselves credit for.  Our culture has given too much power to experts. It’s time for parents to remember that they are the best people to make decisions for their children and no expert will ever love a child the way their parents do. 

Your children long for your leadership, guidance and wisdom. YOU have that. In this chaotic world, you are their anchor. You are the one they need to provide reason and stability when things get shaky. You were chosen to be the mom and dad of your kids, no one else was.

If you have doubts in yourself, that’s normal. However, remember that courage isn’t about being fearless, it’s about fighting for what you know is right, despite that fear. Your children need you to dig deep and believe in yourself. They need your stability; despite all of the challenges your family is facing. They need you to remember that you are the best person to make decisions for your child’s physical and emotional well-being. 

I can’t tell you how to parent. All I can do is remind you that you can do it. I have spent countless hours giving parents ideas and information on what they could do when their child believes they are trans and other circumstances. However, in the end, you must figure out what will help your family. Look inside yourself and unearth the strength that you already have.  

Tap those ruby red slippers because “You’ve always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.”

Warmly,

Pamela

Pamela Garfield-Jaeger is a licensed clinical social worker in California. She completed her MSW in 1999 from New York University. She has a variety of experience in schools, group homes, hospitals and community-based organizations as a clinician and supervisor. Pamela has dedicated herself to educate parents and embolden other mental health professionals to challenge the ideological capture of her profession. www.thetruthfultherapist.org.

Pamela is the author of the new book,"A Practical Response to Gender Distress" , available on Amazon.

Genspect's review of Pam's book