I can’t say I was surprised. When my children escaped the foster care revolving door and came to live with me, all six lacked age-appropriate social skills.… Read more “Building Empathy in Tough Kids”
Category: Early Childhood Trauma
Expecting More, “We Showed Them”
Meet Kristin and Donna – two women in their mid-40s. They’re also Special Olympics athletes that compete on my sons’ team. Recently, they reminded a whole lot… Read more “Expecting More, “We Showed Them””
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”
To My Father & All the Silent Heroes
My son Alex penned this sincere message from his jail cell, as he continues serving time for an addiction problem that eventually erupted in violence. I hope… Read more “To My Father & All the Silent Heroes”
In Spite of Everything, I’m Still Here
Music is influential. Just ask a group of overwhelmed parents after a long day with their kids. It conveys their feelings when they cannot. That’s what Alanis… Read more “In Spite of Everything, I’m Still Here”
Don’t Call Me the “B” Word
Before anyone’s imagination runs wild, I’m not talking about that “B” word. I’m talking about another “B” word – one that plays a much larger role at… Read more “Don’t Call Me the “B” Word”
Prison Diary of a Trauma Survivor
My incarcerated 25-year-old son Alex has given me permission to share excerpts from his letters. As a survivor of early childhood trauma, physical abuse and severe neglect,… Read more “Prison Diary of a Trauma Survivor”
The Delayed Effect – Parenting Success Years Later
It was the call that every parent welcomes, not the one we dread. My young adult daughter was on the other end. She had made a poor… Read more “The Delayed Effect – Parenting Success Years Later”