Articles

Communication norms between the adoptive parent and the child they have adopted or are fostering has evolved over the years. In the past, parents often didn’t share openly about the child’s history, but today, communication about foster care and adoption journeys is much more open, with families offering information about birth families and the child’s […]

Forget the unicorns and rainbows. Let’s embrace the messiness of real life. Relationships are messy. Yes, they are a beautiful part of the human experience, when we come together, share joy and laughter, and enjoy interacting with one another. But with that beauty comes some hard stuff too – we all have our quirks, fears […]

Every family is unique. Some are loud and boisterous where everyone fights to be heard, while others are low-key and reserved. Each has a unique way of communicating which is an integral part of building both individual self-esteem and healthy relationships. The way we communicate within our families can strengthen both personal and familial relationships […]

How do you respond to tough questions? Do you see the ability to formulate such questions as a strength? Or, do you find multiple questions to be frustrating, irritating or disrespectful? It is easy to interpret questions from young children as more complicated than intended. As a result, it is easy to overthink and provide […]

By Kim Phagan-Hansel When Ohio mom China Darrington lost custody of her child 14 years ago it turned her life upside down. Little did she know that experience would one day lead her to mentoring other parents who’d lost their children to the child welfare system and partnering with foster parents as well. Darrington had […]