The Honestly Adoption Blog
Every week we publish new posts to give you insights and strategies for the parenting journey!
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Disney Pixar Onward Inspires And Brings The Tears!
Earlier this week, my daughter and I had the opportunity to pre-screen the Disney Pixar film Onward. In today’s post, I’m giving you my full take on the film.
What An Airplane Taught Me About Self Care
Sometimes we find powerful applications for life in the strangest places. Like an airplane. Where we’ve gained a simple, obvious, yet profound illustration for self care!
Should You Foster Or Adopt Out Of Birth Order?
It’s something prospective parents, or those considering the journey again, have wondered: Should I or should I not foster or adopt out of birth order? Here are some thoughts…
“I’m Not Called To Foster Or Adopt. How Can I Help?”
The foster and adoptive parenting journey may not be for everyone, and that’s okay. But everyone can do something. If you know someone who has asked this question, or you have wondered this, here are some ways you can help…
What Can I Do When My Child Needs Discipline?
We know that children with a trauma history do not respond well to traditional parenting methods, especially when it comes to discipline. How then do you discipline and set boundaries with them when it’s necessary?
Should I Talk To My Child About Their Past Trauma?
It’s a question many of us have wrestled over on this journey. Should we or should we not talk to our child about his or her past trauma? Here are some thoughts…
How To Establish A Solid Safety Plan In Your Home
Safety plans are not an abnormal part of the foster and adoptive journey. In fact, they’re necessary for many reasons. But how do you create and maintain a safety plan that keeps everyone in your home safe?
To The Parent Ready To Give Up: “I See You!”
This is a guest post by Jennie Owens. Jennie and her husband, Lynn, have parented over 100 children and worked with thousands of families. Together, they founded Forever Homes, a non-profit organization that seeks to support, encourage, and empower foster and adoptive families. Jennie has an MA in Education and extensive training in trauma-informed care and therapeutic parenting. She provides trainings at conferences, schools, retreats, and workshops.
How To Manage Your Child’s Food Insecurity
We are in the middle of the Holiday season which means Christmas parties, family gatherings, presents, and food. Lots of it. This may be a trigger for your child if he or she has a history of hunger or malnourishment. How do you successfully navigate this with your child?
Before You React, Remember Their Loss
The Holiday season can bring up a lot of mixed emotions with our children. Often, it’s easy to mistake their extreme behaviors for just “bad behavior.” But there’s so much more happening. And simply remembering a few truths about this time of year and your children can make all the difference.
Is Frozen II A Win For Your Family?
Brand new sing-a-long ballads, funny one-liners, a heart-warming love story, and another heart palpitating adventure make up the highlights of my review of Disney Frozen II.
Is It My Child’s Behavior Or My Ego Causing The Crisis?
Sometimes our kids have big emotions which lead to big behaviors. They seem to come out of nowhere. But if we’re really in tune with our kids, we just might catch the problem before the behaviors come and help them process in a healthy way.
5 Highly Recommended Books For Your Fall Reading List
The leaves are changing, the temperatures are dropping, and the time has changed here in the United States, meaning one thing: it’s fall. We’ve got some great recommended reading to warm up those chilly fall nights.
My Son Has A FASD, But That’s Not His Definition
This post is written by a dad, in hopes of sharing encouragement (and also to brag about his son.)This month is FASD Awareness Month. FASD stands for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. It is the umbrella title over several diagnoses surrounding drug and alcohol exposure in utero. My son has a FASD. But he’s not defined by it.
Missing Her First Steps, But Being Here Now
This post was written by our friend and special guest, Michelle, a lovely adoptive momma, who chooses to make the most of every moment.
We often enter into our children’s lives later in the game which makes bonding and attachment difficult. But we must realize that we are here in this moment, now, and we must make that count…
To The Parent Who Is Struggling…I See You!
This post is written by an adoptive dad who writes with such honesty and hope, we know you will appreciate this as much as we do!
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and isolated on the parenting journey. Especially when your children are struggling and you feel you don’t know how to help. But there is hope in the midst of the struggle…
Is It Ever Okay To Leave The Toxic Relationship Of Family Or Friends?
This guest post is written by an adoptive mom and colleague of ours. She tackles a subject we know many foster and adoptive parents face.
When we begin the foster or adoptive journey, we need support. Often, we find it through family and close friendships. But sometimes, we don’t. What do you do when you realize it’s time to walk away from those relationships?
There’s A Reason Your Child Always Fights You For Control
This post is from an adoptive parent whose hope is that other parents will learn and grow from his experiences.
As parents of children with a trauma history, we often find ourselves engaged in futile battles with them for control. But when we understand the why behind their fight, the way we parent them can change.
How To Find Therapy For The Caregiver
This post is written by adoptive mom, Kristin.
The children we care for may need to spend time every week seeing a therapist to help them process their trauma history. This is a good thing. However, it begs the question…what about you? The caregiver? What if you need therapy to? How do you find this?
The Ultimate Need Of Every Adoptive Family
This post is anonymously shared by an adoptive mom, to encourage other caregivers. We expect you will appreciate her vulnerability and honesty as much as we do
We are often asked what we need, or how someone can help our family. While these questions are always appreciated, the answer may surprise you.
