This week my mother turns 80. Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you. For the past 20 years of raising children with special needs, FASD and early trauma,… Read more “My Mother, My Best Natural Support”
I Can’t Make My Child Stop Lying
Like most adults I despise lying. And like most parents, I want my children to tell the truth. Nothing more, nothing less. You – like me –… Read more “I Can’t Make My Child Stop Lying”
Hungry & Insecure: The Bottomless Pit Called Childhood Trauma
Would you like some crackers with the peanut butter? Too late! My son ate the whole jar when no one was looking. Food insecurity. It’s a lasting… Read more “Hungry & Insecure: The Bottomless Pit Called Childhood Trauma”
Blame the Parent
When a child is struggling, one technique is quick. It’s easy. It cost no money. Yet it skirts any sense of personal responsibility – while undermining the spirit… Read more “Blame the Parent”
I Wish I Hadn’t Adopted
I wish, I wish, I wish…I wish I hadn’t adopted. There I said it. Like a majority of families who’ve adopted children, I wasn’t mentally prepared for… Read more “I Wish I Hadn’t Adopted”
The 12 Days of Connection – No French Hens or Turtle Doves Required
During this holiday season, are you focusing more on relationships or things? To be honest, our early family Christmases were out of balance. My children opened an… Read more “The 12 Days of Connection – No French Hens or Turtle Doves Required”
Truth or Consequences and Trauma
After extensive reading and personal reflection, my 26-year-old incarcerated son Alex shares his thoughts about parent-imposed consequences. His unique perspective from a traumatic past will help you… Read more “Truth or Consequences and Trauma”
Miss Giving of Thanks?
It’s that time of year for many adoptive families. Do you miss the traditional giving of thanks? Or do you have misgivings? Perhaps you have a combination… Read more “Miss Giving of Thanks?”
From Early Trauma to the Boston Marathon
The challenges of parenting children with special needs are real – even more so when confronting alcohol in the womb or neglect after birth. And success is… Read more “From Early Trauma to the Boston Marathon”