Our next TeleSeminar is right around the corner. Dr. Adena Zlochower will be speaking on: Understanding And Preventing Eating Disorders. It is a little more serious topic than usual for us. I know that it is an important issue facing parents today and I am glad that we are offering this class.
Dr. Adena Zlochower is a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders at the Cleveland Clinic.
I interviewed her before our class because I wanted you to get to know her a little bit:
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am the mother of three sons ranging in age from 7 to almost 14. Because I grew up with brothers, I was ready for my boys’ creative (and frankly dangerous) physical games with the inevitable trips to the ER! I can also appreciate scatological bathroom) humor!
What is the most important thing parents should know about parenting?
Parenting is challenging: trust your instincts, seek guidance, and learn from your experiences. Parenting is not a competitive sport. Enjoy the anecdotes your friends post on Facebook but try not to judge yourself or your children by them. You don’t really know what goes on offline.
What is your basic parenting philosophy?
Seek to understand first. Everyone wants to be heard and validated. I strive to understand my kids’ needs and wishes. That does not mean I will or can give them what they want!
What do you love most about being a parent?
It is both philosophy in action and a humbling experience. My first child was and is incredibly easy going. Before I had my second child, I assumed that my child was so “chill” because I was an awesome parent! My second child revealed to me that parenting follows an interactional model (his personality and mine)! I love that being a parent enables me to grow as a person.
Being a psychologist puts you in the position of helping parents all the time. What is the biggest problem that parents have today?
I know a number of presenters have addressed these issues for the general parent population. Remember that in working with families who have a child recovering from an eating disorder, the acute problem is related to returning their child to health. Of course, with a sick child, challenges are going to be different than for “everyday” problems facing families today. I have a great deal of respect for all parents. My job is to empower parents to face these challenges and trust their intuition (with coaching). Parents know their child the best and they are the head of the treatment team. Of course, once their child is restored to health, other family issues may need to be addressed. I think it is important for parents to realize that young people today are faced with different challenges than their parents did growing up. Kids have to navigate their social world in real time and online.
What do you love most about what you do?
Often times I first meet teenagers and their families when they are in acute distress. Undernourishment has a profound effect on a child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive well being. I meet and work with teenagers who are very irritable. My greatest joy is “meeting” these same young people after they have been refed and their true personalities reemerge!
I am really looking forward to this TeleSeminar!
You can sign up here: