One of the most common questions that I get from parents is how to stay compassionate and connected when their child does something they know they shouldn’t be doing, and then tells a lie about it or denies they had Continue reading How to stop lying, stealing, and other sneaky behaviors
At age 10, my son was diagnosed with RAD (Reactive Attachment Disorder). He is 17 now, and he would no longer qualify for this diagnosis at all. I’m not convinced that he EVER had a “disorder,” and I know so Continue reading RAD Recovery: The Proven Path to Growth and Healing
For many years, teachers and parents have been concerned about self-esteem and have looked at ways to increase children’s feelings of their own abilities, potential, and worth as human beings. However, focusing on self-esteem doesn’t always help in the long Continue reading What is “self compassion” and why is it essential?
One of the parents in my online support group (HEART-STRONG Parenting) recently asked this very important question about consequences: I need help with the concept of consequences. My husband feels as though our kids have no consequences for their actions, Continue reading Why consequences backfire… and what to do instead
As a parent coach for adoptive moms, I always recommend that families implement what I call “The Four Essential Elements for Transforming Trauma”. These are like the four legs of a table – if any one of them is Continue reading Three reasons why adoptive moms don’t get enough self care, and what to do about it
My adoption journey has had a common theme from the beginning to now… from the time I decided to become a mom, to the four years of paperwork and international bureaucracy that kept me from bringing my child home, to Continue reading Have faith… and wait.
It has been nearly a year since the last time I posted on the blog, but I’m back. I am Warrior Mama, hear me roar! 😉 I just wrote a passionate email to all the teachers and other staff working Continue reading Warrior Mama Rant
I’ve been hanging out it groups for Adoptive Parents for a few years now, and I have learned so much from other Warrior Mamas and Papas along this journey to hearing my son’s heart. It has been a long, slow Continue reading For the weary Warrior Mama
So much of the advice that I see about how to parent adopted kids deals with coming to terms with their trauma, grief, and brokenness. While I believe that this is an important place to start, I don’t think we should Continue reading Strong and in Control
Click here for information about our Trauma-Informed Changemakers Book Club and Community! SIGN UP HERE FOR “HOW TO TRAIN THE TRAUMA DRAGON” – a free training on how to end meltdowns with compassion and connection! Note: If you sign up for Continue reading Resources