Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Artushin.
Hi Heather, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
When I was a teenager, I walked through a time of intense anxiety. Working with a therapist, who happened to be a clinical social worker, was transformative. I found courage and confidence that I never possessed before, and I immediately knew that I wanted to be a child therapist to help other kids find their strength too.
Fast forward to my mid-20s, when I was an intensely focused graduate student in the clinical social work program at the University of Michigan, seeing my first clients at the University Center for the Child and Family (UCCF) training clinic. I loved working with the children, but supporting their parents rattled my nerves. I quickly began to realize how much early childhood therapeutic intervention needs to be accomplished with parents – parents really do hold the greatest influence and power in their little ones’ lives, and when parents make positive changes, their children follow suit.
It wasn’t until I became a parent myself when my oldest son was born four years ago, that I fell in love with this special parent-child relationship, and my passion for parenthood was ignited. I took to studying the science of parenting as I felt my way through the first few years of my own mothering journey, becoming a Positive Discipline Parent Educator, Attached at the Heart Parenting Educator, and Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator. I recently completed the RIE Foundations course, rooted in the work of Magda Gerber.
I feel like my personal learning journey has just begun, and I can’t wait to go deeper into all things parenting as I continue along with my own experience with my children, and this growth mindset sets the foundation for Southern Parent, “where parents go to grow.” My philosophy is that parenthood requires us to show up every day, evolve, self-reflect, and grow along with our children.
If only we could read one book or take one parenting class that would equip us for the entire journey – any attention we give to our growth as parents is beneficial, but being present and receptive to the ways we can stretch ourselves, to be the best that we can be for our one-of-a-kind children who are in a state of constant change not only helps us to be engaged in this role as parents but also happens to shape who we are as people in ways we never could have imagined.
My heart is for parents to get curious, vulnerable, and engaged in their personal growth so that every child can have a parent who is thoughtful, intentional, and connected, and who values their relationship.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Southern Parent is an endeavor that I have been contemplating deeply for three years and finally have felt the time is right to share it with the community. Getting the word out is always a challenge, and I’m constantly looking for ways to connect with parents who are ready to grow.
Balancing motherhood, homeschooling and my professional passion is always the biggest challenge. Someone once told me that balance is an active state, not something we achieve but something we are always engaged in maintaining.
We’ve been impressed with Southern Parent, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Southern Parent offers research-based classes, individualized support, and inspiration for parents who want to continue learning, growing, and connecting with like-minded parents in the community.
Class offerings include:
– Positive Discipline: Six empowering, interactive online sessions to reimagine parenting using Positive Discipline tools. Experience parenting from the eyes of your child and walk away with practical ideas you can implement today.
– Attached at the Heart Parenting Education Program: Attached at the Heart Parenting Education Program classes cover pregnancy, birth, and planning for parenting, attachment, childcare, feeding, sleep, babywearing, discipline, balance, and more. (10 weekly 90-minute sessions).
– Circle of Security Parenting: Dive deep into the blueprint for all human relationships – secure attachment. Learn to observe, notice, and reflect on your relationship with your child in a deeply personal way. Explore your own history of being parented and how it impacts your role as a parent today. Walk away with a stronger, more secure relationship with your child that will last a lifetime! (8 weekly, 90-minute sessions).
– Laughter for Families: Laugh together with other families to strengthen your bond, release stress, oxygenate the body, release endorphins, boost your immune system and enjoy the many benefits of laughter. Be ready to laugh out loud, be silly and play! Registration includes all family members in your household – all ages are welcome.
Southern Parent also offers individual support to parents wanting to dive deeper into reflection and collaborative problem-solving around their specific parenting challenges.
All of Southern Parent’s offerings are collaborative, dynamic, and interactive. As a mom of young children myself, I am in the trenches with my clients! There is something valuable and unique about being wholly invested in this season of life together, and having a deep appreciation for the challenges today’s parents are facing.
What does success mean to you?
Success is not marked by a single achievement – it is found in celebrating the many achievements we experience along the journey of life, in whatever we pursue, whether it be in business or parenting, or another facet of life. For me, growth and progress define success.
Being fully present, aware, and attuned makes me feel successful. Showing up as an intentional, connected parent, and supporter of other parents is a success. For me, this perspective supports the growth mindset that is at the core of my values. Perhaps living according to our values, however, we happen to define them, is at the heart of success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.southernparent.com
- Instagram: @southernparent
- Facebook: @southernparent
Image Credits
David Artushin, COSP, and Circle of Security International
