Case Summary
Caring for children is a complex task that requires much attention and competencies. However, it might require specific strategies to educate adults and ensure they use the correct practices and tools to achieve the best results. Thus, the situation becomes especially complex when working with parents with their first children with a problematic background.
In the case discussed in Chapter Three of Perry & Winfrey’s book, Mama P. employs a set of approaches that help Gloria and Tilly cooperate and develop skills they might need in the future. These include motivation, the specificity of the human brain, the use of adequate motivation, and the consideration of the impact of childhood trauma. It became a critical step for helping the young mother and her daughter.
Importance of the Parenting Strategy
Thus, the importance of Mama P.’s strategy can be explained by several factors. First of all, it takes into account individuals’ current peculiarities and needs. Gloria, a young mother who became pregnant at 19, lacked the experience necessary to become a good mother; she was also using drugs and alcohol (Perry & Winfrey, 2021).
For this reason, strong motivation was critical to helping her stop drinking and fulfill her role as a mother (Gressler et al., 2019). Gloria was allowed to participate in her daughter’s life until her daughter was not drinking, which served as a potent stimulus. It was a critical step towards reconsidering and understanding her life.
Furthermore, Mama P. correctly realized the influence of childhood trauma on Gloria’s life. The phenomenon refers to negative experiences that substantially affected a child, leading to changes in their behavior and mental processes that persist into adulthood (Roche et al., 2019). For Gloria, a safe and stable environment was as important as for her daughter (Perry & Winfrey, 2021). For this reason, the chance to be together, to nurture her, and to avoid fears stemming from safety concerns became one of the central factors in their recovery and their ability to reintegrate with society, live normal lives, and forget the label of being problematic.
Finally, Mama P. employs the concepts of neuroplasticity and specificity. This means that the change in the brain can be attained only by activation (Perry & Winfrey, 2021). From this perspective, engaging Gloria in caring about her daughter was crucial. It helped to acquire the necessary skills and motivation.
However, it is more important for a person who was never loved to learn to love others, as the part of the brain responsible for this function is underdeveloped. That is why Mama P.’s strategy was extremely effective. It stimulated the parts of the brain responsible for strong feelings, transforming Gloria into a caring mother and giving her the added incentive to live and protect her daughter.
Application in Future Practice
Altogether, Mama P.’s strategy can also be used in my future practice. First, it is essential to motivate a person to change. It might require a better understanding of an individual, their current needs, and traumas.
Second, it is critical to ensure that the ideas of neuroplasticity and specification are utilized. A person who does not know the experience that might be beneficial to them should be given the chance to practice it in real life. It would help to promote positive changes and guarantee that additional motivation for cooperation and positive change will emerge.
References
Gressler, L. E., Natafgi, N. M., DeForge, B. R., Shaneman-Robinson, B., Welsh, C., & Shaya, F. T. (2019). What motivates people with substance use disorders to pursue treatment? A patient-centered approach to understanding patient experiences and patient-provider interactions. Journal of Substance Use, 24(6), 587–599.
Perry, B., & Winfrey, O. (2021). What happened to you? Flatiron Books.
Roche, A. I., Kroska, E. B., Miller, M. L., Kroska, S. K., & O’Hara, M. W. (2019). Childhood trauma and problem behavior: Examining the mediating roles of experiential avoidance and mindfulness processes. Journal of American College Health, 67(1), 17–26.