Adoption Wise

Latest Episodes:

#205: What We Learned in 2022 (reflections) Dec 13, 2022

Show notes

With the demands of life and parenting, it can be hard to find time to stop and reflect. But pausing and reflecting is good for our soul, our nervous system, and our relationships. In this last episode for 2022 we thought it would be fun to recap the year. What we learned. When we experienced God's kindness. What we're excited about in 2023. Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post: A Novel* by Allison Pataki Start with Hello* by Shannon Martin Books by Ruth Haley Barton* * This is an affiliate link

#204: [workshop] Raising Worry-Free Kids with David Thomas, LMSW Dec 06, 2022

Show notes

Kids are growing up in a world of worry today. Anxiety, in fact, is a childhood epidemic, effecting 1 out of every 4 children. Kids of all ages feel pressure...from the expectations around them, inside of them, and even, unknowingly, from us. What can we do to slow the epidemic for kids, in general? And, even more importantly, what can you do to calm the worry-related meltdowns and help your child find the confidence to fight his or her own brand of Worry Monster? In this workshop, you’ll gain: • understanding the what’s and why’s in terms of the differences between anxiety and worry, and where your child is on the continuum • help practically with tools to overcome the worry that he or she will inevitably face • hope as your child discovers a sense of resilience that is stronger than any worry this age of anxiety can bring Children need understanding, help, and hope. You can make a profound difference in their their journey to finding all three. You will come out of this seminar feeling not only more confident in your parenting but in your ability to help them discover all of the courage that is already inside of them. Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links Raising Boys & Girls Website Books by David Thomas Raising Boys & Girls Podcast Follow David on Instagram

#203: Adoption as a Single Mom Nov 29, 2022

Show notes

Listen in as Lisa talks with two single moms about their experiences of becoming adoptive parents. Susan chose international adoption. Britani became an adoptive mom through a kinship care foster placement. They speak candidly about the blessings and challenges of being a single adoptive mom and where they find the support they need. Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links Holiday Survival Resources The Village (use code podcast)

#202: Simple Ways to Increase Self-Esteem in Students with Learning Differences with Melissa Corkum Nov 15, 2022

Show notes

No one likes to fail. But kids with learning differences feel like they’re failing a lot. They always feel like they’re running to catch up with their same-aged peers. Over time, they’re self-esteem sinks lower and lower. Kids with learning differences are painfully aware of the gap between them and their peers. They may struggle socially as a well as academically. As parents, it’s hard to watch our kids struggle with shame and low self-esteem. We want them to walk with their heads held high and know they can contribute to the world. Keep these tips in mind when parenting your child with learning differences. Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links Strengths Based Parenting* by Mary Reckmeyer Ph.D Holiday Survival Resources * This is an affiliate link

#201: [mailbag] Holiday Edition Nov 08, 2022

Show notes

This week we answer listener questions about surviving the holidays: * How do I balance the kids' need for downtime with the anxiety that comes with unscheduled time? * How do you avoid dysregulation over gifts? * Do you have ideas for festive foods that aren't full of sugar? * Any tips on being present, feeling joy, and not resenting what's coming? Click here to download the transcript for this episode. Relevant Links Past episodes on surviving the holidays #144: How do I find a skilled babysitter for my challenging kids? Against All Grain Celebrations [A Cookbook]* by Danielle Walker *This is an affiliate link

#200 Finding Successful Post-Adoption Support Nov 01, 2022

Show notes

Do you feel isolated or alone in your parenting journey? Do you have trouble connecting with other parents because they don't seem to understand your life? We're celebrating our 200th episode with some friends from The Village, our monthly membership community. They share why they joined and why they stay. They share diversity in how they came to adoption (including kinship) and in their experiences (a dad, a single mom, etc.), but they all agree that there's power in community. They also share some sweet words of encouragement as we close, so make sure to listen to the end! Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links Join The Village (use code 'podcast') The Safe and Sound Protocol podcast episode with Robyn Gobbel and Melissa Corkum The Regulation Rescue

#199: [workshop] Making Sense of Meltdowns with Jessica Sinarski, LPCMH Oct 25, 2022

Show notes

Dealing with frequent and intense meltdowns in preschool and school-aged children can be exhausting! Sometimes they are due to sensory processing challenges. The human brain processes 11 million bits of information every second, which comes in through our eight (not five) senses. Neurodivergence and trauma can bias the brain toward quick, defensive reactions to all that sensory input. This often leads to frustrating behaviors and learning disruptions. This workshop will provide some eye-opening sensory basics in a child-friendly format along with practical takeaways that can be integrated into your busy day. Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links Free Resources + Shop Brave Brains Website #107: Helping Children Understand Their Big Feelings with author, Jessica Sinarski #140: Helpful Strategies for Tough School Mornings with Jessica Sinarski Join The Village (used code: podcast)

#198: Staying Connected to Your Spouse When You’re Grieving Differently with Lisa Qualls Oct 18, 2022

Show notes

When your adoption journey is different than what you expected, there are a lot of ambiguous losses to grieve. Every parent will process and experience grief individually and on their own timeline. This week, Lisa shares five ways to hold onto your marriage, even if grief seems to be tearing you apart. Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links #119: Prioritizing Your Marriage as Adoptive Parents with Currey and JJ Blandford #195: [workshop] Maintaining a Strong Marriage When Parenting Is Hard Join The Village (use the code: podcast)

#197: Staying Curious About the Adoptee Experience with Jennifer Dyan Ghoston Oct 11, 2022

Show notes

Every adoptee experiences their story through a unique lens. This week we welcome adoptee, Jennifer Dyan Ghoston, who hosts the podcast series Once Upon a Time in Adopteeland. Jennifer and Melissa recorded a conversation to be aired on both of their podcasts where they both explore their stories using the wisdom of the Enneagram. Jennifer is a firm believer that storytelling is healing for both the listener and the storyteller. Jennifer has also shared her story in her memoir The Truth So Far…a detective’s journey to reunite with her birth family*, and in Jean Strauss’s film documentary A Simple Piece of Paper (2013 Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links Jennifer's Website Listen to Jennifer's podcast The Truth So Far…a detective’s journey to reunite with her birth family* by Jennifer Dyan Ghoston #186: [Summer Swap] How the Enneagram Can Help Us Become Better Parents *This is an affiliate link

#196: [mailbag] victimhood mentality, lowering the bar, transracial adoption, Job Corps Oct 03, 2022

Show notes

This week we answer listener questions such as: * How can I be compassionate towards my child's behaviors without letting them fall into victimhood? * Is my bar too low? * Will my transracially adopted child feel more isolated if he's the only person of color in our family? * What are the pros and cons of Job Corps for older teens? Click here to download the transcript for this episode. Relevant Links #27: Tips for Getting Chores Done #161: [workshop] A New Twist on Chores with Greg Rea Job Corps

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