Adoption Wise

Latest Episodes:

#96: Race and Adoption Panel Aug 04, 2020

Show notes

Race and adoption. Two issues with many layers of complexity. This week we're replaying a conversation we hosted in our Facebook group with Derek Hamer (transracial adoptee), Ligia Cushman (transracial adoptive parent and adoption professional), and Melissa Corkum (transracial adoptee and transracial adoptive parent). We tackled questions like, "How do we educate our kids without inducing fear," and, "What is the future for transracial adoption?" Click here to download a copy of the transcript for this episode. Relevant Links: Ligia's Blog Connect with Ligia on Instagram Melissa's Website Connect with Melissa on Instagram Connect with Derek on Instagram A Conversation about Race with Sue Badeau (includes book recommendations)

#95: An Adoptee’s Experience with Loss and Fear with Sara Easterly Jul 28, 2020

Show notes

A lot of adoptees share big feelings of loss, fear, and abandonment. They seem to have a birthmom shaped hole in their hearts. In this episode, Sara Easterly, adoptee and author, shares her experience of growing up feeling like she was missing something and her search for her birthmom. She also shares practical tips for how to help our kids process big feelings. Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links: Sara's website Connect with Sara on Instagram Searching for Mom by Sara Easterly* *This is an affiliate link

#94: Resetting the Nervous System for Felt Safety Jul 21, 2020

Show notes

Obviously, our kids are safe with us most of the time. We put a roof over their head, keep them away from strangers, and make sure they look both ways before crossing the street. But the feeling of safety can be much more elusive. Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a multi-day auditory intervention designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and emotional resilience. Based on Dr. Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, by calming the physiological and emotional state, the door is opened for improved communication and increased felt safety. The SSP is a research-based therapy showing significant results in just a couple months in the following areas: Social and emotional difficulties Auditory sensitivities Speech and language Anxiety and trauma-related challenges Stressors that impact social engagement Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links: Learn more about SSP

#93: Recognizing and Overcoming Post-Adoption Depression with Amy Callahan Jul 14, 2020

Show notes

You've heard of postpartum depression, but did you that adoptive moms can experience something quite similar?According to a 2012 study at Purdue University, Post-Adoption Depression affects 18-26 percent of adoptive moms? So why don't we hear much about it? And why is it cloaked in shame?Today's guest, Amy Callahan, shares her story of post-adoption depression following the adoptions of her children. Through her experience, she found multiple tools to help herself come through the darkness and back into the light of enjoying her family and her life. She generously shares her journey and her top tips in this episode. Click here for a transcript of this episode. Relevant Links: Connect with Amy on Instagram Depression: A Guide to Helping* Transform Your Family *This is an affiliate link

#92: [Mentor Moment] How do we determine the appropriate level of interaction with birth family? Jul 07, 2020

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 do we determine the appropriate level of interaction with birth family? Share your experience and advice in our private Facebook group or ask your own question for a future episode. Click here to join.

#91: Ethical Orphan Care and Adoption with Whitney Runyon Jun 30, 2020

Show notes

When Whitney and Nick Runyon put together her photography skills and his ability to travel on a budget as an airline pilot, a beautiful organization was born. The Archibald Project uses stories to educate people in all the ways to care for orphaned and vulnerable children. Melissa chats with Whitney about how her and Nick navigated their adoption, their whirlwind romance, and how others around the world are caring for their vulnerable children right in their community. Relevant Links: Connect with Whitney on Instagram The Archibald Project's Website Before We Were Yours: A Novel by Lisa Wingate* *This is an affiliate link

#90: [Mentor Moment] How do you recover on days when a child has a meltdown? Jun 23, 2020

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 do you recover on days when a child has a meltdown? Share your experience and advice in our private Facebook group or ask your own question for a future episode. Click here to join.

#89: A Conversation About Race with Sue Badeau Jun 16, 2020

Show notes

If the recent events have you evaluating what practical steps you need to be taking when raising a child transracially, this episode is for you. Sue is a white adoptive mom to children of color. Her first son was adopted forty years ago. We discuss her original thoughts on parenting children of color and what she has learned since those early days. Sue is a wise adoption educator who is not afraid to tackle hard topics like white privilege and practical tips for raising children of another race. Don't miss this one. Relevant Links: Sue's website Connect with Sue on Facebook Waking Up White by Debby Irving* White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo* Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson* America's Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege and the Bridge to a New America by Jim Wallis* So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo* Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria by Beverly Daniel Tatum* How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi* Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla F. Saad* *This is an affiliate link

#88: The Connected Parent by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Lisa Qualls Jun 09, 2020

Show notes

Parenting under the best of circumstances can be difficult. And raising children who have come to your home from “hard places,” who have their own set of unique needs, brings even more challenges. You may have discovered that the techniques that worked with your birth children are not working with your adopted or foster child. On July 7, the last written work of renowned child-development expert Dr. Karyn Purvis releases into the world. The Connected Parent: Real-Life Strategies for Building Trust and Attachment was co-authored by our own Lisa Qualls. This week she shares how the book came to be and what you can expect. Relevant Links: Lisa's Website and Book Page The Connected Parent: Real-Life Strategies for Building Trust and Attachment* by Karyn Purvis, PhD and Lisa Qualls Connect with Lisa on Instagram Connect with Lisa on Facebook Join the Launch/Review Team *This is an affiliate link

#87: The Impact of Prenatal Trauma on Children with Stacey Gagnon Jun 02, 2020

Show notes

It's easy to think that our children's experiences start at birth. But a baby is processing sensory and attachment signals throughout most of their time in utero. This directly impacts how they interpret the world later in life. Join us for this fascinating conversation with adoptive mom and nurse, Stacey Gagnon, about pre-natal trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACES). Relevant Links: Stacey's blog Lost Sparrows Trauma Lens Care #04: How to Talk to Your Kids About Their Story #40: Parenting Kids with FASDs and Invisible Disabilities Successfully with Eileen Devine The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk* *This is an affiliate link

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