Addiction – like cancer – is a disease. Individuals – like my young adult son with a history of childhood trauma and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome – are… Read more “From Early Trauma to Addiction”
Category: FASD
Christmas Reinvented: The 12 Days of Connection
Relationships or things? Which one are you focusing upon this holiday season? To be honest, my family’s first Christmas 20 years ago was over-stimulating. An emotional roller… Read more “Christmas Reinvented: The 12 Days of Connection “
I Love You, I Love You Not: The Evolution of Connection
I don’t get sad. I don’t get happy. I just go through the day like a dream. It’s odd really, and I don’t like it. Honestly, I… Read more “I Love You, I Love You Not: The Evolution of Connection”
Kids and Money, Oh My!
Here’s my two cents. The challenge with money at my house has been very real for the past 20 years. But I’m not talking about the financial… Read more “Kids and Money, Oh My!”
My Child Struggles: How Much to Share?
With a new school year around the corner, most parents can’t wait for the return to structure and routine – from which kids benefit. But parents also… Read more “My Child Struggles: How Much to Share?”
The Envious Parent
Envy. You want what someone else has. But it’s different than jealousy – when you worry about someone taking what you have. Both, however, are counterproductive emotions.… Read more “The Envious Parent”
Evolution of the Angry Teen
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”
Life: Perspective from My 40-Year High School Reunion
How time flies. And how we gain perspective. Forty years ago I graduated from Billings West High School – one of the largest senior classes in Montana… Read more “Life: Perspective from My 40-Year High School Reunion”
Adoption, Anxiety, Altogether Now
That uneasy feeling from morning to night. Often invisible. Uncertainty amid structure and routine. Overwhelming fear when least expected. Phobias. Obsessions. Panic Attacks. Depression around nearly… Read more “Adoption, Anxiety, Altogether Now”
Testimonies of Hope – Family to Family
Never underestimate the impact that families can have one another. By being transparent. By describing real-life challenges. By identifying their children’s strengths. By sharing hard-fought successes without… Read more “Testimonies of Hope – Family to Family”