Parenting

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

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    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. The Bedtime Narrative for Kids Who Struggle with Sleep Anxiety

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    The Bedtime Narrative for Kids Who Struggle with Sleep Anxiety I’ve recently had a number of requests for support from parents who are struggling with their child’s sleep anxiety. It’s an all-too-familiar scenario: “They refuse to let me leave the room, I have to lie in bed with them until they finally fall asleep.” “They wake up constantly during the night and I have to be right next …Read More

  3. A Letter to My Adopted Child’s Teacher

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    The beginning of the school year is here! How will you help your child's teacher understand the best ways to be sensitive to the needs of your adoptive child? Consider writing the teacher an email  that describes some of the general experiences of adoptees, as well as the specific strategies they can use to support your child. Feel free to copy and revise the example letter below: "Dear ___, I ho…Read More

  4. The Ultimate Adoption Resource List

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    The Ultimate Adoption Resource List - check out the list below for children's & adult books, website, blogs, podcasts, documentaries, educational videos & more! FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS Adoption Therapy: Perspectives from Clients & Clinicians on Processing & Healing Post-Adoption Issues Laura Dennis RESEARCH & RESOURCES Donaldson Adoption Institute: https://www.adoptio…Read More

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

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    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

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

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    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

  7. #29Days29WaystoSupportAdoptees

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    Did you miss out on February's #29Days29WaystoSupportAdoptees? Review them all here! #1: Journal about your adoption process before you even receive a referral, so that your child can see how loved and wanted they were by you before they even became a part of the family. #2: If you adopt internationally, take as many pictures and videos of your child’s orphanage, orphanage workers, and communi…Read More

  8. #MarchMiniLessonsOnRace

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    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

  9. THIS IS WHAT IT’S LIKE…Part 3

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    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

  10. THIS IS WHAT IT’S LIKE…Part 1

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    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