When Connection Feels Impossible: Parenting Through the Disconnection Feeling disconnected from your child? This Huddle Wisdom podcast episode with Dr. Davin Tan explores why kids withdraw and offers practical parenting strategies for staying grounded and fostering connection, even when it feels impossible. Learn the power of presence and how to navigate those challenging moments of silence and emotional distance.

Key Discussion Points:

• Understanding the frustration and pain of feeling disconnected from your child.
• Recognising that disconnection isn't always personal rejection but can be a sign of a child's internal struggles.
• The counterintuitive power of "being there" without demanding a response.
• Why pushing for conversation or resorting to control can backfire.
• The importance of creating a safe, non-judgmental space for children to open up when they are ready.
• The concept of "containment" – offering a steady and emotionally regulated presence.
• Acknowledging the difficulty of remaining present and patient during disconnection.
• Reframing connection as an ongoing process built through consistent, small acts of support.
• The enduring impact of a parent's unwavering love and availability, even in silence.

Resources Mentioned:

• Courses: Parenting for Anxious Children, Making Sense of Anxious Children

Actionable Advice:

• Focus on consistent presence rather than forcing interaction.
• Offer a calm and reassuring energy in shared spaces.
• Resist the urge to ask accusatory questions or demand explanations.
• Practice patience and create a safe space for future communication.
• Be a steady anchor point, allowing your child to process their emotions.
• Remember that your consistent support is making a difference, even if it's not immediately visible.

About Dr. Davin Tan:

Dr. Davin Tan is a youth forensic psychiatrist and the host of the Huddle Wisdom podcast, dedicated to providing insightful guidance and support for parents navigating the complexities of raising children and teenagers.