Adoption Wise

Latest Episodes:

#126: [Mentor Moment] “You’re not my real mom!” Mar 30, 2021

Show notes

Mentor Moments give you a chance to join the conversation as we answer a listener question. These episodes guarantee we're providing the most helpful tools and resources for exactly where you are. This week's question is: How should I respond when my child says, "You're not my real mom!" Share your experience and advice in our private Facebook group or ask your own question for a future episode. Click here to join. Click here to download a transcript for this episode. To ask a question for a future Mentor Moment, leave a message on our 24-hour listener hotline. (208) 741-3880

#125: Why You Should Play Games with Your Kids with Jack Berkenstock Jr., MHS Mar 23, 2021

Show notes

CONTENT DISCLOSURE: Melissa and Jack talk about some mature topics during this interview. It may not be suitable for younger ears. At the end of this episode, your mind will be racing with endless ways you can start incorporating gaming into your family. Jack Berkenstock, Jr., MHS is a master's level therapist passionate about the benefits of tabletop gaming for development and growth in essential skills for children, especially those who have experience trauma. He shares why gaming is such an effective therapy modality along with tons of practical suggestions. Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links The Bodhana Group Website Connect with the Bodhana Group on Instagram #37: Are video games actually bad for kids? #118: Connecting Through Cooking with Chef Kibby #123: Play for the Exhausted Parent with Michelle Batten Games Mentioned by Jack Junk Art* Pugmire* Harry Potter Deckbuilder Game* Castle Panic* Upper Deck Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game* Dead of Winter* No Thank You Evil* Meddling Kids* Monster Factory * Blue Orange Games Gamewright Games Haba Games Board Game Arena Tabletop Simulator Tabletopia *This is an affiliate link

#124: [Mentor Moment] How can the Enneagram help adoptive parents? Mar 16, 2021

Show notes

Mentor Moments give you a chance to join the conversation as we answer a listener question. These episodes guarantee we're providing the most helpful tools and resources for exactly where you are. This week's question is: How can the Enneagram help adoptive parents? Share your experience and advice in our private Facebook group or ask your own question for a future episode. Click here to join. Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links The Road Back To You by Cron and Stabile* #24: My 2 Parts in the Triad: Melissa’s Story of Being an Adoptee and Adoptive Mom Lisa's Blog Post, "I used to be a good mom." The Enneagram and Adoption Collective To ask a question for a future Mentor Moment, leave a message on our 24-hour listener hotline. (208) 741-3880 *This is an affiliate link.

#123: Play for the Exhausted Parent with Michelle Batten Mar 09, 2021

Show notes

Did you know that play is about more than fun? It's actually good for the brain. Play calms the fear system and leads to closer connections. If you're not naturally playful, have no fear, play can mean lots of different things. In this episode with Michelle Batten, you'll learn new ways to build safety and connection. Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links Michelle's website Free Download "Bring Playfulness Back- 5 Days of Playful Activities for your family" Connect with Michelle on Instagram Connect with Michelle on Facebook #10: Why won’t my kids just go play?!?! #118: Connecting Through Cooking with Chef Kibby Trauma Knowledge 101 Guide

#122: [Mentor Moment] How can I become a peaceful parent? Mar 02, 2021

Show notes

Mentor Moments give you a chance to join the conversation as we answer a listener question. These episodes guarantee we're providing the most helpful tools and resources for exactly where you are. This week's question is: How can I become a peaceful parent? Share your experience and advice in our private Facebook group or ask your own question for a future episode. Click here to join. Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links Brain.fm* To ask a question for a future Mentor Moment, leave a message on our 24-hour listener hotline. (208) 741-3880 *This is an affiliate link.

#121: An Introduction to Trauma & Tension Release Exercise (TRE) with Christa Bevan Feb 23, 2021

Show notes

Have you ever known what you want to feel in your head, but your heart hasn't caught up? Or do you feel like the daily challenges of raising kids with complex trauma keep piling up in your heart, head, and body? Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (or TRE®) is a simple yet innovative series of exercises that assist the body in releasing deep muscular patterns of stress, tension and trauma. Listen in as Christa Bevan, certified TRE® provider and trauma-informed yoga instructor, talk about the benefits of TRE® for adoptive families. Christa Bevan is a dynamic self-care coach for other Radical Mothers as well as a certified TRE® (tension and trauma releasing exercises) provider and yoga instructor. She is also the host of The Radical Mother Village Podcast. Her coaching practice helps to empower mothers on a journey of healing trauma and doing deeply transformational personal development work. Coming to this work out of necessity, she’s seen the incredible impact healing trauma can have in all directions of your family tree. As a natural teacher, Christa works to educate, support, and inspire people who are ready for radical change in their lives with methods that deliver results. She believes that self-love, compassion, and grace are the core elements of healing, and all start with a foundation of self-awareness. Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links Christa's Website Freebie from Christa Connect with Christa on Facebook Connect with Christa on Instagram Listen to Christa's podcast Enneagram Panels Series

#120: [Mentor Moment] How do I find the confidence to know what is best for my child? Feb 16, 2021

Show notes

#119: Prioritizing Your Marriage as Adoptive Parents with Currey and JJ Blandford Feb 09, 2021

Show notes

Parenting children with histories of early adversity can be really hard on a marriage. Today Lisa is talking with Currey and JJ Blandford about how to intentionally stay connected in the midst of it all. Currey and JJ are adoptive parents, he is a pastor and she is a therapist. and they lend their knowledge to this conversation. We talk about everything from finding a good therapist to creating small spaces of time to connect. We even talk about observing the Sabbath as a day of rest and connection. Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links Episode #67 An Unexpected Open Adoption 6 Hours a Week to a Better Relationship The Connected Parent

#118: Connecting Through Cooking with Chef Kibby Feb 02, 2021

Show notes

It can be hard to find time between fulfilling the basic needs of our kids (like feeding them) and correcting behaviors to actually have fun or connect with them. This week's guest, Chef Kibby, helps us kill two birds with one stone. He is a professional chef and culinary instructor with over 25 years in the food industry. Additionally, he is a biological, foster, and adoptive dad who seeks to show other parents how to use the shared act of cooking and eating with their kiddos as a way to build deeper relationships, stronger attachments, and more resilient young people. Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links Connect with Chef Kibby on Facebook Connect with Chef Kibby on Instagram Cookin with Kibby Website

#117: Military Service and Your Teen with LTC (Ret) Colette Topfer Jan 26, 2021

Show notes

As our teens get older, their dysmaturity may have us wondering what options they have after high school. A lot of parents wonder if the military is a good option. Your teen may even express interest in joining the military in the future. This week, we're joined by LTC (Ret) Colette Topfer. After 25 years of Army Service and now instructing high school Army JROTC, she brings insight and practical knowledge about if and how we should prepare our teens for military service. Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links: Connect with Colette on Instagram

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