My Story: A Journey of Resilience

My Story

I haven’t shared this story publicly before, but it’s such an important part of why I do what I do—why I support parents in building emotional resilience for themselves and their children.

A Moment That Changed Everything

At twelve years old, I was hospitalized after taking too many pills. I was overwhelmed by emotions I didn’t have the skills or support to handle. That night, a nurse sat with me. I don’t remember her exact words, but I remember how she made me feel: that my feelings mattered, that they were okay, and that despite the chaos in my family, happiness was still possible.

For the first time, I had hope. With the defiance only a twelve-year-old can muster, I decided I would be happy—despite everything around me. I took responsibility for my own well-being.

But at that age, I didn’t know what that really meant. For me, it looked like holding everything in. I told myself I would never lose control again, and I would never count on anyone else. My coping strategy became humour. I was the class clown, the joker among my friends, hiding my pain behind laughter.

Learning What Support Felt Like

At seventeen, I met Al, who would become my husband five years later. It took time for me to trust him, to feel safe enough to share my feelings and work through things together. Through him, I learned what support could feel like.

Around the same time, I went to college for Early Childhood Education, then began a BA in Psychology through correspondence courses (the kind that arrived in a box of cassette tapes and assignments were sent by mail—yes, I’m that old!). I learned how to acknowledge and validate children’s emotions, how to support them with compassion and empathy. I became fascinated with child development—how we learn, how we process emotions, how we grow.

Becoming a Parent—and Facing My Past

I believed my education and experience in Early Childhood Education had prepared me to be the kind of parent I wanted to be. But nothing prepared me for the emotions and default patterns from my own childhood that surfaced once I had children of my own.

I reacted in ways I swore I never would. I lived with regret but felt stuck in the cycle. Eventually, I realized I needed to take responsibility for my well-being again. With awareness and practice, I learned to regulate my own emotions and to shift from control to connection.

It didn’t magically change my kids’ behavior—because they were kids—but it changed me. I felt better. I responded with intention, with understanding. I became what I needed most as a child: a safe place for all of their feelings.

Parenting Through Grief

When my boys were six and nine, our lives were shattered by the sudden death of my husband. I had to learn to solo parent, to support my grieving children while grieving myself.

Once again, I was reminded that true resilience begins when we take responsibility for our own well-being.

It wasn’t easy. It was hard and messy. I learned through experience and through mistakes—lots of mistakes. But slowly, one day at a time, we built emotional resilience together.

Why I Do This Work

Emotional resilience is the best gift we can give our children—and ourselves. It’s not about perfection, or about avoiding pain. It’s about finding the strength to meet life as it comes, to keep choosing connection, and to take ownership of our well-being even in the hardest seasons.

That’s why I do what I do today: to walk alongside parents, helping them build the resilience, skills, and self-awareness that create a foundation of safety and connection for their children. Because I know firsthand—it can change everything.

A Journey of Resilience

Emotional resilience has shaped every part of my journey, and it’s the foundation of the Thrive Together Parenting framework. It’s what helps us move from reaction to connection, from overwhelm to intention.

If you’re curious about what this looks like in everyday parenting, I’ll be sharing more about the Thrive Together Parenting framework this month. I’d love for you to follow along, or join my newsletter, where I share stories, tools, and encouragement for building resilience—for you and your children.

~Rose Couse~

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for blog updates, what's happening, topic information and resources