The Empathy Connection: Why every parent needs an empath friend

Let’s talk about something that might just become your secret parenting superpower – having an empath friend. You know, that friend who gets you, truly gets you, even when you’re knee-deep in the parenting chaos. In this post, we will look into why having an empath friend in your corner can be a game changer for your parenting journey.

Friendships come in many flavours, and each type serves a unique purpose in our lives. We have the fun friend who always knows where the best weekend hangouts are, the reliable friend who’s there with a listening ear during tough times, and the adventurous friend who encourages us to step out of our comfort zones. But then there’s that one friend, the empath friend, who transcends all roles and becomes an essential lifeline.

Empathy is the super glue that binds friendships together. It’s the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. Having an empath friend is like having an emotional anchor, a safe haven where you can be unapologetically you, without the fear of judgement. Raise your hand if parenting sometimes feels like you’re stranded on a deserted island. Having an empath friend is like getting rescued from isolation. Suddenly, you’re not alone in your messy, amazing, challenging experiences anymore.

We all have those moments when we’re overwhelmed, frustrated, or just plain confused about this parenting gig. With an empath friend, you can lay it all out there. Vent, laugh, cry – whatever you need. It’s a bit like emotional decluttering, and trust me, it feels amazing. While all friendships are valuable, the empath friend stands out. They offer a unique blend of understanding, compassion and genuine concern. They don’t offer solutions; instead, they offer a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on and a heart that truly cares.

Finding an empath friend can be found in places you might not expect. Online communities and local groups, like parenting forums, Facebook groups and parenting programs can all be avenues to connect with someone who truly gets it. Parenting workshops and classes offer more than just education. They can connect you with like-minded parents who are open to forming genuine connections. Attend playdates and social events to connect with fellow parents who might just become your empath friend. Online platforms specifically deigned to connect parents seeking understanding in a judgment free zone, provide a safe space for sharing and discussing.

Alicja Chaba, the founder of Friendly Dummy, started her journey as a new parent with a mission. Her open and bubbly personality made it easy for her to talk to other parents, but she realised that not everyone felt comfortable opening up. She understood the universal fear of feeling disconnected after the baby stage. The lack of genuine connection led her to create a platform that values empathy and provides a judgement free zone for parents to share their journey. Alicja shared, “Feeling lonely can have serious consequences and by all means, I am not medically trained to even begin to understand postpartum depression, but I know how I felt; alone, sad and with no understanding of how my life had changed. I needed connection”.

Created by a fellow parent who knows the value of having someone to lean on, Friendly Dummy organises meetups for new parents, offering a chance to sit, talk and learn from one another. They dream of having ‘mumbassadors’ across Australia, organising meetups everywhere, creating a nationwide network of support. Recently, they hosted a meetup with a sleep consultant, providing free advice and support. Check out their service and online community to experience a unique form of connection and empathy.

Your Reflection Corner

Have you ever felt the need for more genuine conversations about your feelings and challenges in parenting? How did you cope with it?

Imagine having a conversation with an empath friend about your recent parenting challenges. How might their understanding change your perspective?

Consider this idea: When you’re emotionally balanced, your child benefits too. How might this change your approach to social supports in your parenting?

Believe it or not, the support you get from your empath friend doesn’t stop with you. It ripples out to your child. As you become more attuned to your own feelings, you model empathy for your little ones, creating an emotional safe haven for them. Having an empath friend is like finding a treasure map for your parenting adventure. It’s about sharing the load, feeling understood and passing on that empathy to your child. So, as you navigate this beautiful, challenging journey of parenthood, find an empath friend. Someone who is right there with you, cheering you on every step of the way.

Curious about Friendly Dummy? Check it out here and see if they can help you find your empathy partner in parenting.

Till next time, stay mindful!

P.S Have you downloaded our FREE reflective parenting toolkit yet? You can get your copy here

Warmest wishes,

April