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: Family Values
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””
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”
No Fairy Tale: White Hoods and Swastikas Are Real
Certain subjects – where hate quickly simmers to boil – should never be sugarcoated. Never. Cloaked in free speech, they have lurked on the sidelines for generations.… Read more “No Fairy Tale: White Hoods and Swastikas Are Real”
Friending the Friendless Child
Friends. Buddies. Acquaintances. Every child, teen and young adult – not just the most popular – need someone who notices them. And then goes one step further… Read more “Friending the Friendless Child”
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”
Stronger in Spirit Than I Ever Imagined
The past month at my house has been rough. More surprises than usual. And not the pleasant variety. To be honest, I’ve been tired. Somewhat anxious. Distracted.… Read more “Stronger in Spirit Than I Ever Imagined”
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”