There was an explosion last week. A student group was working on a project at the university when something went awry causing a powerful explosion. We heard it at our home more than two miles away. Three of those injured were Russ’ students. We’ve learned a lot about trauma in recent years. Let me tell […]
attachment and trauma
The Story I Can’t Bear to Tell
When I spoke at a retreat recently, I shared my story of being a first/birth mother and later being so thankful to be found by my son. Each time I speak of him, a few people will come up afterward and ask, “How is your son, Nick, now?” How can I tell them that six months […]
The Healing Power of Wearing Love
Love is a powerful force for healing in our lives, both for our children and for us. When one of our sons was young, he needed many reminders that Russ and I would be his parents forever. We would not leave him. We would not go away. A very wise therapist advised us to take a […]
Anchors in the Day for Calmer Kids (and Mom)
Anchors in the day provide kids with predictable structure helping them feel calmer and able to trust their needs will be met and we will keep them safe. Last week I wrote the post, High Structure Parenting for Anxious Kids. As I wrote, I recalled another significant key to creating calm days for our family. […]
High Structure Parenting for Anxious Kids
Just what is High Nurture/High Structure Parenting and how does it help anxious kids? Last September I wrote a post explaining high nurture/high structure parenting and I was reminded of something from Kalkidan’s early days in our family. Due to trauma, Kalkidan was extremely hypervigilant, she was always watching and listening, always in a state […]
Our Two-Step Approach to Food Challenges
Kids and food issues can make dinner a challenge. Kids from “hard places” and food issues can make dinner a war zone. After nearly thirty years of parenting, you would think we’ve tried every trick. What will they eat, how much will they eat, what will we require? Will we be strict or easy-going? Will […]