Month: November 2021

Grateful for the Hard Things

One of my favorite things to do as an adoptive parent is talk about those taboo topics that we aren’t “allowed” to discuss with the general public, because… well, a lot of people just don’t get it.  How the systems are taxing and the people are exhausting.  Those are the conversation most people understand.  But it becomes uncomfortable when we start talking about the challenges that come along with parenting children who are adopted.  Many people want to paint this picture that adoption is easy.  Can it be rewarding?  Yes.  Is it easy? No.  It’s Hard And it’s hard.  It

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Opening the Door for Communication

I want to talk about something that is very near and dear to my heart- communicating with a kiddo that is a foster or adopted child.  I’m sure that we can all agree that communication in general is very important.  It’s a skill that is ever growing and that we all struggle with sometimes.  I find a lot of my parents, even in my own family, struggle with communication with their children.  We forget how important it is and get frustrated at times.  I think that’s pretty normal.  When it comes to foster and adopted children communication really is key. 

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Adoption: Why Traditional Parenting Doesn’t Work

When my (adopted) son was about four years old, he brought me a picture he had drawn of himself, my husband, and me.  You know those super, sweet pictures kids draw of people that are really just a circle with limbs sticking out?  That’s the kind.  This memory stands out because it was pivotal moment for my husband and I.  I wish I could say it was the moment we know he felt belonging in our family.  The moment we knew he felt loved.  The moment we knew… we had done a good job parenting him, basically.  This really was

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Adoption: What happened to the Happily Ever After?

As we enter adoption month, it’s worth saying this is a beautiful month to celebrate.  Thank you to all the families who selflessly give their hearts, time, and selves to support children who need to belong.  Thank you to the communities who support these families.  This is one thing that makes adoption so beautiful.  It’s not one sided, though.  As an adoptive parent, I have learned so much about myself and about parenting.  My son, in all of his sweet innocence, has taught me so much about what it means to give selflessly, to be patient, and to love unconditionally. 

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