Today Marks a Milestone for Consciously Parenting
Today, we celebrate the anniversary of Consciously Parenting, which began in 2007. However, the story of Consciously Parenting truly began five years earlier, on September 21, 2002—a day I had no idea would become so significant in my work.
[Trigger warning- pregnancy loss]
The idea for Consciously Parenting first emerged during my pregnancy with my first child in 1998. However, it wasn’t until after the loss of my second child in 2002 that the seeds were planted for a long, dark gestation that would last many years before they began to sprout.
On this day, September 21, 2002, my second child was born at 10 AM and died in my arms at 12 PM due to a neural tube defect. He was born at home, and we made every choice possible with the support of our doctor and midwives to ensure it was as peaceful as it could be for all of us. Yet, the birth was traumatic, and we didn’t fully understand how this loss would affect our entire family—especially my oldest son, who was just 3.5 years old at the time.
In November 2003, I had my rainbow baby, my youngest child. While we were still deep in disconnection and grief, adding another baby to our family might not have been the best decision at the time. Still, I am incredibly grateful for my youngest and all we’ve learned from each other.
It was through healing from this loss and parenting a baby so different from his older brother that I began to understand my older son’s behavior—and, even more so, my own. I started to heal transgenerational patterns that had been affecting my parenting and keeping us from reconnecting and being present with one another. I didn’t initially know how to support him or understand the story he was showing me. But as I learned, everything shifted.
I didn’t embark on this journey alone. I met people who helped me realize that my story needed to be seen, felt, and processed to make room for my son’s story. I began my own healing, and things began to change.
As my son’s behavior became more intense, I turned to mainstream parenting advice, thinking it might help. However, these strategies backfired and worsened the situation. I started to understand that his behaviors were communicating his distress and need for connection with me. When I moved back toward him with this understanding, he responded.
This realization changed everything for me. I knew I was ready to start Consciously Parenting. I wanted families to have the information I had learned, to give hope to those feeling disconnected that healing is possible. I launched Consciously Parenting on September 21, 2007, in memory of my son Jacob. It felt right.
Today marks 23 years since Jacob was born and died, and 18 years since I started Consciously Parenting. Thousands of families have learned from us, read our books, participated in our membership communities, and grown more connected to their family members. There are families who have healed together—couples who repaired their relationships after affairs, families who navigated traumatic births, accidents, illness, and loss, finding their way together. Many individuals have embarked on their own healing journeys when those around them were unwilling or unable to engage in the healing process together.
As we look to the future, I am excited about the next chapter of Consciously Parenting. We are expanding our services to reach even more families in need of support and healing. The stories of the families we will help in the coming years inspire me to keep going. I believe that healing is possible, and I want to support families to have the information they need to navigate the challenges they face.
Thank you for being here and for being a part of the journey. Together we are stronger and we can remind each other that healing is possible. Yes, even for you.
Much love,
Rebecca
P.S. If you’d like to stay connected and be part of this journey, I invite you to join my newsletter. By subscribing, you’ll receive updates, insights, and resources designed to support you and your family on your healing journey. Together, we can create a community of connection and understanding. I hope you’ll join us!
