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: Parenting Opportunities
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”
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”
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”
44 Seconds from Boston Marathon Start
Almost. So very close. After three grueling hours over 26.2 miles, 44 seconds separated my special, 24-year-old son Andrew from qualifying for the 2018 Boston Marathon. Only… Read more “44 Seconds from Boston Marathon Start”
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”