«We listen to each other»
Thomas Lottermoser, 52, and his wife Gunda Lottermoser-Niedermeyer, 48, live in Zurich with their children Leander, 13 (not pictured), and Valentin, 11. The physicist and the refugee counsellor say that the family had to work for their happiness.
Our happy moments are the result of work on us as a family that would not have been possible without professional help. Two ADHD diagnoses have provided an aha moment in the search for the causes of unrest and conflict in our family life.
The therapies have clearly shown us where our individual boundaries lie and which problems we need to tackle. This gave us the opportunity to gradually reorganise our everyday lives, turning our stressed and noisy family into a somewhat calmer community in which rules and conflicts can be discussed. Since we've got this under control, we can deal with each other much better and have more understanding for each other.
We have learnt that you can help luck along at any time. Even if it seems impossible at times.
The Lottermoser-Niedermeyer family
Ultimately, this work has taught us that you can help luck along at any time. Even if it seems impossible at times. Maybe that's why we can also appreciate small things, such as simply doing something together and having time for each other.
We don't need a great holiday destination or an insane trip for this. A board game with the family can only be topped by playing with friends.
Giving animals a home is as important to us as social contact, good food, good books, watching a film together, making music or playing games. We listen to each other, respond to each other and appreciate what everyone does. And when we argue, we try to make up and find a solution to the problem.
As parents, we want to give our children a positive attitude towards life and the feeling that they can make a difference with their own actions. Of course, it's not always easy to have to discuss every decision. But that's just part of being part of a community.
As parents, we find the fine line between learning and real free time for the children a challenge. We often have different ideas about this. We are particularly happy that our children think their childhood is «great»."
