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”
Category: Early Childhood Trauma
23 Years After the Fetal Alcohol Diagnosis
A public health crisis off the radar. 1973. A group of pediatricians and psychiatrists at the University of Washington Medical School publish their findings in a British… Read more “23 Years After the Fetal Alcohol Diagnosis”
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”
Trauma in the Real World
Everyone loves a good story. Ones that are personal. Authentic. They open our hearts. They allow us to break down walls. And they can change our perspective… Read more “Trauma in the Real World”
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”
From Molestation Victim to Advocate: Silent No More
Too often stories of childhood sexual abuse remain untold – for years. Early in my adoption journey, I realized the importance of telling my family’s story. That… Read more “From Molestation Victim to Advocate: Silent No More”