We have been so inspired by the thoughtful, intentional and inspiring content Dr. Jenny Rose shares in her field of child psychology. Her desire for a healthier understanding of the family dynamic – children and parents alike – is such an encouragement to everyone she interacts with. Her calm, gentle and non-judgemental approach is what we all need!
Having collaborated with her from time to time on numerous Pure Beginnings initiatives, we are thrilled to officially welcome Jenny to the Pure Beginnings family.
Welcome Jenny.
Here she is!
Hi. I’m Jenny Rose. I am a clinical psychologist, parent-child specialist, and mom of three young girls. I have my PhD in attachment-based parenting, and I’m on a mission to empower parents to raise secure, resilient, and confident children.
My goal is for parents to realise their innate capacity to be what their children need, by providing them with practical tips and strategies to apply to everyday living. At home, I’m just a typical mom, juggling it all, forgetting the bake sale money, and doing last minute homework. We are a very active family and spend most of our weekends out and about. We are big sports fanatics, whether that is playing or watching! We have a strong family rivalry for different F1 races, and Sundays can get quite heated. We are a loud, energetic, and super busy family, often referred to as the ‘travelling circus’ by my sisters.
Tell us more about yourself and your family:
Gary and I have been married for ten years and have three beautiful girls. Our eldest is seven and in Grade 2, and we have four-year old twins! So, I am right in the thick of it, and really do understand the intensity of the early years. Gary and I both grew up in the beautiful Kwa-Zulu Natal, and then studied at the University of Pretoria. As newlyweds, we decided to resign from our jobs and travel the world. We spent eight months touring eleven countries, mostly South-East Asia, and it was the most incredible experience. We then returned to South Africa and decided to settle in the Cape – where we couldn’t be happier.
What made you decide to move into the field of clinical psychology:
Initially I enrolled for my undergraduate psychology degree as a stepping-stone to specialize in sports psychology, but within a short time I realized that clinical psychology was quickly taking over as a career possibility. For the first time ever, I was completely enthralled by the content, which made my experience of studying so wonderful. I was excelling academically more than ever before. After completing my Honours, and then Masters, in clinical psychology, I did my internship and community service year at a local psychiatric institution, working predominantly in the children’s unit. Working with children, parents, and families is what I know I was born to do. Since then, all my career endeavours have followed this path, delving deeper and deeper into the field of child psychology. This includes my PhD qualification.
One thing you wish all parents knew:
It’s helpful to remember just how unique every child is, and that our children’s brains are still under construction throughout their childhood. We often expect them to behave in very regulated, contained, adult-like ways, but the reality is they simply don’t have the ability to do this. Their brains are too underdeveloped to be able to regulate themselves. Impulses and dysregulated behaviour are a normal and appropriate part of development and when we are able to see it from this perspective, we can be gentler, more understanding and more compassionate – not only towards our children, but to ourselves as well.
What makes you burst with joy?
My kids! It’s cheesy I know, but I’d be quite the hypocrite if I advocated so much for the attachment relationship, and for connection and joy within the family if I didn’t truly live and believe that myself and apply it to my own family. Parenting is tough. It is without a doubt one of the hardest things we will ever do, but it is also filled with so much goodness. It’s easy to lose sight of that goodness when the tough becomes overwhelming. I try to be conscious of the joy in the mundane – I often say there is magic in the mundane. Yes, the big holidays and family excursions are wonderful, but the memories are made in the reading of books at bedtime, in the dance parties around the dining room table, and in the messy pancake making on Sunday mornings.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I am SUPER competitive. Challenge me in anything and you’re on, particularly any sport. But whether it’s a game of 30 Seconds or a squash match, I’m going in 100%.
If you weren’t a clinical psychologist, what can you imagine yourself doing?
Gosh this is a tough one! I feel so strongly that I was born to do this work, that I honestly can’t imagine myself doing anything else. Perhaps something sport-related? Maybe with a bit more talent and willingness to embrace 5am training sessions I’d have been on the courts of Wimbledon.
Name three things you cannot live without:
Relationships (all and any, including family, kids etc), as I am energized through relationships. Chocolate, sweets, coke (or all the above) – a definite sweet tooth here! My takkies, because they represent exercise, movement, and general well-being.
Fave Pure Beginnings product and why?
Without a doubt it would have to be the Baby Wash and Shampoo! It makes me think fondly of the ‘early years’ and I loved that I could rest easy knowing the product I was using was safe, organic, and good for my girls.
SOCIAL:
Website: www.drjennyrose.com
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The purpose of the Pure Beginnings blog is to educate and provide awareness of our products, ingredients and a more natural and healthier lifestyle. Although every effort is made to provide information that is true, factually correct and beneficial to our customers and followers, the content on the blog is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis, treatment, dietary, or safety advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified experts with any questions you may have regarding a medical question, condition, or safety concern. Reliance on information presented on this blog is at your own risk.
