How To Love A Child Who Won’t Love You Back [Podcast].

Author of 5 books, podcaster, parent trainer, husband and father.

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It's a question we receive several times a week from people all over the country. "How do I love a child who keeps pushing me away, and could care less about me or my family?" We, along with our co-host Nicole Goerges, are right in the middle of this trench.

That first real hug. Hearing “I love you mom,” and knowing she means it. Watching him participate peacefully with the rest of your family. Having her not melt down when dad puts a gentle hand on her shoulder to guide her on an afternoon walk through the neighborhood.

These are all things that most parents are accustomed to on a daily basis with their children. They’re normal, everyday, functioning activities. But when your child has come from a traumatic past, bounced from home to home through foster care before coming to yours, or been adopted out of an abusive experience, these are moments you cherish more than gold.

In today’s episode of Honestly Speaking we discuss this openly and share some practical advice on navigating the tricky waters of reactive attachment disorder. Both of our families are currently walking this road. We understand the trials and the frustration. We’ve said this a million times and we’ll continue to say it- You’re not alone! There is hope!

Listen to the podcast.

Notes and quotes from the show.

One of our favorite things from Honestly Speaking is that every time we record an episode, we learn from one another. We always walk away feeling empowered from the discussion. It makes this show worth it but it also has us excited every week. This episode was no different. Here are some of our favorite quotes…

It’s a very natural thing to want your child to love you in return. -Kristin Berry

You have to love your kids the way they can be loved. -Nicole Goerges

This is a journey, it’s not a destination. -Mike Berry

Did you learn something new today? Were you enlightened or challenged? We would love to hear some of your thoughts. What were some of your favorite quotes? Click here and share with us.

Resources and links.

As we often do, we receive lots of messages asking where you can find resources. The best thing we can share is to spend some time Googling “Reactive Attachment Disorders” in your specific area. You will find thousands of outlets. We will share one we found to be helpful…

We love the adoptive, foster, and special needs community because there is camaraderie and connection. If you’re in the trench of parenting a child with attachment issues, you’re not alone. We would love to connect with you through our Facebook Page, over email, or in the comment section below. Don’t be a stranger!

Are you in the trenches of parenting a child with attachment issues? Share your story with us in the comment section below.

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Mike and Kristin Berry are the Co-Founders of The Honestly Adoption Company and have been parents for nearly two decades. They are the authors of six books, and the host of The Honestly Adoption Podcast.

Sarah Gray

Sarah Gray is the executive assistant to Mike and Kristin Berry. And she is the best in the land. In addition to providing a warm and friendly response to the many emails our company receives on a weekly basis, she also manages Mike and Kristin’s speaking and meeting schedules, and makes sure that team events go off without a hitch.

Nicole Goerges

Nicole Goerges is a Content Contributor & Special Consultant for The Honestly Adoption Company. She works with Mike and Kristin as a recurring co-host for the Honestly Adoption Podcast, and co-host of Kitchen Table Talks, exclusive video content for Oasis Community, along with Kristin. She is a fellow adoptive mom, and former foster parent.

Matt McCarrick

Matt McCarrick is the Content Production Specialist for The Honestly Adoption Company. If you’ve loved listening to our podcast, or enjoyed any of the videos trainings we’ve published, you have Matt to thank. He oversees all of our content production, from video edits, to making sure the tags are correct on YouTube, to uploading new videos to Oasis, to hitting publish on a podcast episode, he’s a content wonder!

Karen Anderson

Karen Anderson is the Community Engagement Specialist for The Honestly Adoption Company. She spends the bulk of her time interacting with, and helping, people through our various social media channels, as well as providing support for Oasis Community members through chat support or Zoom calls. In the same spirit as Beaver, Karen is also passionate about connecting with parents and making them feel loved and supported. Karen is also an FASD trainer and travels often, equipping and encouraging parents.

Beaver Trumble

Beaver Trumble is the Customer Care Specialist for The Honestly Adoption Company. Chances are, if you have been in need of technical support, or forgotten your password to one of our courses, you have interacted with Beaver. He is an absolute pro at customer care. In fact, he single-handedly revolutionized our customer care department last year. Beaver is passionate about connecting with parents and making them feel loved and encouraged.

Kristin Berry

Kristin Berry is the co-founder of, and Chief Content Specialist for, The Honestly Adoption Company. She spends most of her time researching and connecting with guests for our podcast, as well as direction, designing and publishing a lot of the content for our social media channels, blog and podcast. She loves to connect with fellow parents around the world, and share the message of hope with them.

Mike Berry

Mike Berry is the co-founder of, and Chief Marketing Specialist for, The Honestly Adoption Company. He spends the bulk of his time and energy designing and building many of the resources you see within our company, as well as social media and email campaigns. His goal is to use media as a means to encourage and equip parents around the world. He is also the co-host of The Honestly Adoption Podcast.