Stigma. Not a pleasant word. Oxford Dictionary defines stigma as “a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality or person.” Synonyms include shame, disgrace, dishonor,… Read more “Stigma. Mental Health. And You.”
Category: Attachment
This Trauma Dad Turns 60: My Bucket List
Two years into my adoption journey, I turned 40. I had energy – no task seemed too vast. I had courage to face Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and… Read more “This Trauma Dad Turns 60: My Bucket List”
I’m Thankful Your Trauma Isn’t Mine
I’m Thankful Your Trauma Isn’t Mine No, I’m not being selfish. I’m simply being real. Early childhood trauma and its devastating effects truly suck. That’s right, they… Read more “I’m Thankful Your Trauma Isn’t Mine”
Don’t Call Me A Helicopter Parent
We’ve all seen them. Parents who refuse to let their kids fail – and then overstep boundaries with the adults in charge. Maybe a little. Too often… Read more “Don’t Call Me A Helicopter Parent”
The Prison Pipeline Begins with Trauma – My Son Included
You open your heart and adopt children. Because they’ve experienced more trauma in a few short years than most people in a lifetime. You offer a stable… Read more “The Prison Pipeline Begins with Trauma – My Son Included”
Seeing My “Trauma” Son through His “No Trauma” Daughter
Every day for 18 years. That’s how long I’ve witnessed my son Travis’s anxiety. Some days a little – not readily apparent to the untrained observer. His… Read more “Seeing My “Trauma” Son through His “No Trauma” Daughter”
Fixing the Broken Children Welfare System
When I recently blogged about foster care, hundreds of comments erupted – with insightful and compelling thoughts. I compiled the best, sorted for universal themes, lightly edited… Read more “Fixing the Broken Children Welfare System”
When Schools Refuse to “Get” Trauma
For four years my young-adult daughter Ashley and I worked with a reporter from The Indianapolis Star. Our goal was simple – an accurate, in-depth story about… Read more “When Schools Refuse to “Get” Trauma”
Resiliency – and Its Effect on Healing
All children are resilient. I wish. Unfortunately, many are not. In fact, the “resiliency narrative” is all-too-common. Misplaced. Each of my six adopted children (now young adults)… Read more “Resiliency – and Its Effect on Healing”
To Further Understanding, A Brave Trauma Survivor Bears All
Rarely does the media thoroughly investigate childhood trauma – especially in relation to survivors. Too often the emphasis starts and stops with the perpetrator. Survivors are rarely… Read more “To Further Understanding, A Brave Trauma Survivor Bears All”