1. The Most Empowering Book I’ve Ever Read to My Child

    So, you know how most children’s books have that “happily-ever-after-suddenly-everyone-is-best-friends-even-though-the-entire-book-was-about-someone-treating-someone-else-like-crap” kind of vibe? I’ve never been a fan. Sure, I’m all for books with happy endings. But I don’t think happy endings have to mean everyone gets along. In fact, for kids of color and many other types of minoriti…Read More

  2. 2nd Annual 25 Days of Giving

    It’s time for my 2nd Annual 25 Days of Giving. On Thanksgiving, and for 24 days following, I am going to take 5 minutes out of each day to donate money to one cause that I believe is working to make our world a safer and more compassionate place. I have chosen to donate to organizations both local and global, those that are large-scale and those that are close to my heart. I hope that you will j…Read More

  3. The One Thing You Cannot Ask Your Child’s Therapist To Do

    As an adoption-competent therapist, there are a number of areas in which I can offer support to your child. If they have separation anxiety, I can help them feel secure in knowing their loved ones will do everything in their power to return. If they worry about being hurt by caregivers, I can help them work through the impact of negative experiences to feel safe in the present. If they struggle wi…Read More

  4. A common (& avoidable) mistake transracially adoptive parents make…

    Have you ever said something like this to your transracially adoptive children after learning that they were teased or judged because of their appearance? "Your differences are what make you special!" "I love that your skin/hair is different, it's so beautiful!" "It's okay to be different!" "They just don't understand anyone who's different, that's why they were being mean." You mean well. You …Read More

  5. #MarchMiniLessonsOnRace

    Did you miss out on #MarchMiniLessonsOnRace? Read through all 31 days of lessons that were posted on Facebook here! Race Education – Day 1: Colorblindness is a myth. We all see skin color. Seeing skin color is not the problem - the biases we associate with certain skin colors are the problem. We all have biases, which develop from our upbringing, proximity and personal relationships (or lack the…Read More

  6. THIS IS WHAT IT’S LIKE…Part 3

    Only 10 minutes between sessions. I need to make a quick run to the restroom. As I walk to the sink, another therapist who works in the building walks in with a big smile. After a few seconds of the usual pleasantries, she asks, “Are you Indian?” Here we go… “Yes, I am.” “Oh, I just returned from a trip there! I visited...........” and on and on she goes, describing multiple cities, …Read More

  7. THIS IS WHAT IT’S LIKE…Part 2

    As a child and teen, I intentionally avoided becoming friends with others who had brown skin. I didn’t want to be labeled as “one of them” – a foreigner, someone who speaks with an accent, someone who smells different, someone who wears strange clothing, someone who eats gross food. I just wanted to be White, because almost everyone around me was White. I just wanted to fit in and feel nor…Read More

  8. THIS IS WHAT IT’S LIKE…Part 1

    All. My. Life. I’ve been a people-pleaser. The person who constantly considers context and intentions, who gives the benefit of the doubt, who hates to see anyone feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. Even when it’s at the expense of my own feelings and well-being. Maybe it’s because I know what it’s like to truly, genuinely, painfully hurt because of someone else’s words or actions. Maybe …Read More

  9. Repost of Dear People Who Do Not Have a Child with Disabilities

    A wonderfully and honestly written blog that all should take to heart - consider your words carefully when speaking to a parent of a child with special needs. Link to Adrienne Jones' blog on "No Points for Style" - a must read! http://www.nopointsforstyle.com/2013/08/dear-people-who-do-not-have-a-child-with-disabilities.html…Read More

  10. Why Do Kids Lie?

    You know your teenager came home after curfew, your daughter spilled nail polish on the carpet, and your son ate cookies before dinner – so why do they lie about it? Learn about the developmental reasons kids lie below, and explore ways that you can help your child to be more honest. 2-3 Years Old Children at this age typically do not lie intentionally, but struggle to distinguish reality from t…Read More