Setting Boundaries Without Losing Compassion
Key Takeaways Boundaries protect your well-being while allowing you to show up fully for others. Saying no with kindness helps create mutual respect and prevents burnout. Clear, confident communication makes boundary-setting easier. Letting go of guilt is essential for maintaining balance and self-care. Strong Boundaries, Stronger Relationships Setting boundaries can be challenging, especially if you […]
How to Help Children Feel Valued and Build Confidence
When We Value Something, We Hold Space For It. What We Treasure, We Esteem. To be valued is to know, deep in your core, that you matter—not for what you do, but for who you are. It’s the assurance that you are worthy of love and care. For children who have experienced the trauma of […]
Understanding Childhood Sexual Development: A Shame-Free Guide for Parents
“Is This Normal?” It’s a question parents ask in mom groups, on social media, and in whispered conversations with everyone from grandmas to pediatricians. We all wonder if our kids are meeting appropriate milestones, staying on target with their peers, and are just “normal” (if that’s even a thing!). But that question feels much more […]
From Bathtime to Big Talks: Everyday Ways to Teach Kids About Their Bodies
Key Takeaways Ongoing Conversations Matter: Instead of one big talk, have small, ongoing discussions about bodies and boundaries to help your child learn gradually. Follow Their Lead: When kids ask questions, respond by understanding their curiosity first, and keep your answers simple and age-appropriate. Create a Safe Space: Use proper terms for body parts, admit […]
More than Words: How Listening Builds Connection
For Children with Trauma Histories, Being Heard is Critical. Many have never been given a voice in decisions that affect them. If they have experienced neglect, they receive a clear message: no one listens. Over time, they may stop expressing themselves altogether. Internalizing emotions to avoid rejection can lead to fear and anxiety. Drawing out […]
From Burnout to Connection: Using Points of Joy to Overcome Blocked Care
You love your child—there’s no question about that. You love your child—there’s no question about that. But lately, parenting has felt less like a calling and more like an uphill battle. You’re exhausted, irritable, and maybe even questioning whether you were ever cut out for this. Here’s what some parents have shared: “I have been […]
Starting Small The Power of Tolerable Connection in Parenting
Key Takeaways Connection doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. Small, low-pressure moments can create real change over time. Children with trauma often experience an “intimacy barrier.” They may resist connection, not because they don’t want it, but because it feels unsafe. Healing starts with safety and regulation. Before deep connection can happen, both […]
Eyes to See: True Presence is the Beginning of Connection
Last month, I introduced the Circle of Connection framework. You can catch up here. The Circle of Connection—being seen, heard, valued, and known—is a blueprint to bring healing to the broken places of our stories. Children with hard histories of trauma are often mired in shame. They have internalized messages like, “I have to take […]
The Circle of Connection
In our busy fragmented world, authentic connection is often missing. Yet, we are wired for connection. Connection isn’t a luxury; it’s critical for our emotional well-being. Disconnection leads to fragmented hearts, lack of trust and masks to cover pain. When we feel connected to others, our lives can flourish. The Circle of Connection is a […]
Leaping into 2025: Embracing Change with Confidence and Trust
Key Takeaways Trust in Support: We can lean on those around us (friends, family, community members, or Chosen) for support when facing challenges or unknowns. Perseverance Through Fear: Fear is natural, but it doesn’t have to stop us. We can move forward with excitement and anticipation, knowing it’s part of growth. Generational Life’s Journey is […]
Walking with Biological Families – How Adoption and Foster Care Changed Me for Good
Key Takeaways Proximity fosters understanding: Getting closer to someone’s story shifts judgment into compassion and changes the way we see ourselves and others. Uncomfortable isn’t unsafe: Stepping into unfamiliar or challenging situations can be a path to deeper connection and healing for both children and their biological families. True change costs more than money: Generational […]
Adoption Awareness – How Chosen Supports Adoptive Families
Key Takeaways Chosen Empowers Caregivers to Create ChangeWe equip parents and caregivers with trauma-responsive tools and support, empowering them to transform their child’s behavior and strengthen family connections. Personalized, Practical SupportWeekly one-on-one sessions with empathetic Care Managers provide tailored strategies, real-life solutions, and 24/7 crisis support to help families navigate challenges and find hope. Healing […]
