For Colleen Adrian, helping other parents feel capable and confident in their parenting styles, helping them lead “authentic and heart-centred” lives, has become the driving passion in her life.
To further that passion, she’s hosting a monthly Meetup group to bring parents together in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Adrian, a retired nurse with her masters degree and over 20 years experience, has been writing about parenting, hosting workshops and coaching on a one-to-one basis for several years through her company Crystal Clear Living. She added the monthly meeting to “provide a place to create community and support for parents who are trying to do things differently.”
“You can’t always parent children the same way (as others),” she says. “I think we have instincts about that, but there’s a lot of social pressure to do things a certain way. And there’s a lot of pressure for children to conform as well.”
After giving birth to her son 10 years ago, Adrian left nursing to pursue alternative health practices.
She became a Reiki master and trained in specialized kinesiology and non-violent communication to learn to be the parent she had envisioned for herself.
“I really wanted to change things, but I was finding it really hard. I went on quite an intense research journey myself.”
Adrian is able to pass along the fruits of that research now, and teaches parents “how to get some clarity and access their own knowing.”
“Sometimes we can be so hard on ourselves and think we’re bad parents,” she says. “(The meetup) gives a sense of not being alone.”
Adrian focuses on giving parents effective communication and conflict resolution skills to strengthen their relationship with their children.
“It’s about creating open, meaningful relationships with family. And it allows our children to stay connected and open-hearted. It’s about not being afraid to step out and be a Picasso or an Emily Carr. Not being afraid to just get out there and express yourself.”
“We love our children so much and we really want them to live to their full potential.”
The next monthly Meetup will be in the first week of November. Adrian also offers free monthly blog posts with practical tips for day-to-day interactions, as well as workshops and individual coaching.
For more information, visit colleenadrian.com or call 250-744-0207.
acowan@goldstreamgazette.com