Unlocking Parental Happiness: Building Strong Foundations for Children's Well-being

by Claudia Faierman Shulman | View Bio

Claudia Faierman Shulman

Claudia Faierman-Shulman is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in International Business, Marketing, and Management. Previously, she served as the Vice President for Être Belle North America, where she represented the company on National Television at the Shopping Channel. After becoming a mother, Claudia made the decision to dedicate herself fully to motherhood, a role she felt enthusiastic and passionate about.

When one of her own children experienced a language delay, Claudia immersed herself in the world of special needs and education. She delved into conferences, workshops, and lectures on Autism, Sensory Integration, Social Skills Training, Behaviour Analysis and Feeding Management. Through extensive research and connections with renowned clinicians, Claudia recognized the significance of learning through play.

With talent and creativity, Claudia developed unique games to engage her children and tackle challenging concepts in a fun and effortless manner. In 2010, she created the My Feelings game with the purpose of helping her child identify feelings in himself and others and cope with emotions in a positive way.

Encouraged by the positive responses from respected clinicians, Claudia embarked on the monumental task of developing and producing the My Feelings game to make it accessible to all children. In 2012, she founded Sensational Learners Inc., a company dedicated to crafting fun educational games for kids of all abilities. Through collaboration with Dr. Lucy J. Miller, a pioneer in Sensory Integration and Self-Regulation, Claudia's My Feelings game gained international recognition.

Since its launch in 2015, the My Feelings game has gained global success, providing parents with a fun and insightful tool to connect with their children. By engaging in playful interactions centered around emotions, children of all abilities develop a deeper understanding of their own feelings and those of others. Through fun play, children can learn to identify and articulate their feelings, navigate challenges, manage emotions, and build healthy relationships with the grown-ups in their lives.

The My Feelings game creates a unique opportunity for bonding between parents and children, fostering a deeper connection and strengthening the parent-child relationship. It transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries, promoting inclusivity and empathy. Claudia's My Feelings game empowers all children to express themselves, understand their emotions, and cultivate essential social and emotional skills. By embracing the joy of learning through play, parents and children embark on a shared journey of exploration, connection, and growth.

Claudia continues doing workshops and presentations at schools, clinics, and major retailers, aiming to make the revolutionary My Feelings game accessible to all. Her ultimate goal is to empower parents to fully enjoy their children and to empower children to fully enjoy their childhood.

Children need happy parents!

This fundamental truth becomes even more crucial when it comes to children with special needs or those facing challenging behaviors, like anxiety and other complex conditions. It's a conundrum that many parents face: "How can we find happiness while raising a child with such demanding circumstances?" Well, let me tell you, it's not an easy road, but it is an entirely achievable one.

Let's begin by granting ourselves the gift of forgiveness for what we perceive as our shortcomings. As parents, we experience a whirlwind of emotions, both positive and negative, and it's essential to acknowledge and embrace them. Recognize that caring deeply for our children is a testament to our love and devotion. Once we extend compassion towards ourselves, we can shift our focus to understanding our children's perspective and engaging in effective problem-solving.

It is important to show our children that we care deeply for them and are always there to support them, regardless of their difficulties. Through effective problem-solving, a sense of confidence will fill our hearts with pride and joy, paving the way for magical moments to emerge. One smile can lead to another, and suddenly, true happiness is within reach.

Dr. Stanley Greenspan and Dr. Serena Wieder, in their book "Engaging Autism," rightly said, "You cannot give what you don't have." Parental happiness is essential for nurturing a child's happiness. When we are content, we can brighten our child's world. By adopting an optimistic outlook, equipping ourselves with knowledge and strategies, and believing in our capabilities, we can become happier parents. Dreaming of our child's success, envisioning their appropriate self-expression, and their enjoyment of a meaningful life can have a profound impact on our confidence as parents.

Building confidence as parents starts with nurturing positive thoughts and self-belief. True happiness doesn't arise from the absence of problems but from the faith in our ability to overcome them. Embracing an optimistic perspective, equipping ourselves with empowering strategies, and realizing our unlimited potential are the stepping stones towards lasting happiness. This newfound happiness can extend to our children, as they can flourish in an environment filled with positivity and confidence.

With the lofty goal of connecting parents and children through fun play. I created the My Feelings game. This groundbreaking game aims to bring joy into your home while equipping both parents and kids with valuable problem-solving strategies and a sense of empowerment and confidence. As you play the My Feelings game, watch your bond grow stronger, gain insight into your child's thoughts and emotions, and witness the blossoming of self-assurance in both of you. The indescribable satisfaction that comes from feeling truly connected to your child is priceless and can provide the validation you may need.

As we navigate the labyrinth of parenthood, it is paramount that we prioritize our own happiness. In the spirit of Mental Health Awareness, let us remember the significance of our well-being. By understanding our children, nurturing our own happiness, and promoting learning through play, we create an environment of understanding, connection, and unwavering confidence. Let us celebrate the extraordinary journey of parenting by embracing our well-being and nurturing our child’s.

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