I expected a little teenage “attitude” during my adoption journey – but never the level of anger seen in five of my six children. Over-the-top. Aggressive. Anti-social.… Read more “Evolution of the Angry Teen”
Category: Brain Development
Could Someone’s Child Be the Next Mass Shooter?
Once again innocent children are dead – this time in Florida. And once again a tragedy arouses intense emotion throughout the country. Will the violence ever stop?… Read more “Could Someone’s Child Be the Next Mass Shooter?”
Manipulation or Desperation
One word has been used more than any other over 20 years to describe my children’s behavior. Manipulation. It’s direct – by creating a perception of the… Read more “Manipulation or Desperation”
Hungry & Insecure: The Bottomless Pit Called Childhood Trauma
Would you like some crackers with the peanut butter? Too late! My son ate the whole jar when no one was looking. Food insecurity. It’s a lasting… Read more “Hungry & Insecure: The Bottomless Pit Called Childhood Trauma”
Antecedents: Preventing Another Emotional Storm
Another day. Another storm is always in the forecast. It’s been the norm at my house for two decades. An emotional downpour that pops up unexpectedly or… Read more “Antecedents: Preventing Another Emotional Storm”
A Fetal Alcohol Report Card
My family’s annual Fetal Alcohol Report Card arrived, just in time for our 20th International FASD Day. Symbolic. The 9th day of the 9th month emphasizes the… Read more “A Fetal Alcohol Report Card”
Less Judgment = More Parental Love
Within months of adopting my first three sons with special needs – each under the age of five, reality hit. The road to healthy attachment was going… Read more “Less Judgment = More Parental Love”
Less RAD, More Borderline Personality Disorder
First my young adult daughter. Now one of my young adult sons. Both diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – which I totally accept and embrace.… Read more “Less RAD, More Borderline Personality Disorder”
WOW! Last Week Truly Affirmed the Disabled
One positive story after another – all week long. First, ABC and EPSN gave significant airtime to the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria. Opening ceremonies.… Read more “WOW! Last Week Truly Affirmed the Disabled”
What’s the Gut Telling You & Your Child?
You are what you eat – a saying that’s been around for generations. But what does that really mean? For starters, our bodies are complex machines with… Read more “What’s the Gut Telling You & Your Child?”