Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Does your child have a disability or have some label? If so, you need to listen to this interview with Dr. Deborah Winking, an educational psychologist and a special education teacher. She is the author of Capable: A Story of Triumph for Children the World Has Judges as “Different” and Raising Capable Kids. She is the mother of four, including one adopted child and one child with a neurological disorder. In this episode, we cover:Many of our kids have hidden disabilities caused by trauma. These disabilities can look like so ma ..read more

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Question: I was just asked to take on a Spanish-speaking teen with a baby. Do you have any resources to address fostering a teenager with a language barrier, as well as supporting her in developing adult skills and independence? She comes with a complicated history involving immigrating here on her own.  Resources: Welcome an Older Child to Your Home (Resource) Former Foster Youth Voices (Resource) Helping a Child Heal from Trauma (Resource) Support the Show. Please leave us a rating or review. This podcast is produced ..read more

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. What do teachers understand about adoption? What are the misperceptions? We talk with two researchers on this topic: Dr. Hal Grotevant, the Rudd Family Foundation Chair in Psychology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Dr. Abbie Goldberg, a Professor of Psychology and current Director of Women’s & Gender Studies at Clark University. In this episode, we cover: How knowledgeable were teachers in understanding the impact of trauma? How knowledgeable were teachers in understanding the impact of attachment? How kno ..read more

Send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Question: We have applied to adopt a baby. We’re more or less being told that if we don’t agree to an open adoption, we’ll never get chosen by a birth mom. But, I really don’t want an open adoption. I think kids need just one mom and dad and opening up our family to others will just be confusing for everyone. But, I’m afraid that we’ll never get chosen if I say this. Resources: Open Adoption (Resource page) Listening to Adoptee Voices Understanding the Birth Parents' Experience Support the Show. Please leave us a rating or review. This po ..read more

Send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Do you have a child who acts out at school? Do you struggle with how to work with the school to help your child? If so, don't miss today's interview with Sarah Naish, the CEO and Founder of the Centre of Excellence in Child Trauma and the author of many books on foster parenting, including The A-Z of Trauma-Informed Teaching. In this episode, we cover: Why do our kids often have behavioral problems? What are some typical behaviors that are problematic in school? What is it about school that exacerbates behavior issues? How much training do ..read more

Send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Question: We are planning to adopt our third child. We have reason to believe that my husband’s parents will oppose this idea. Do you have any advice on how to approach them? Resources: Transitioning Your Child to Your Home Winning Over Reluctant Extended Family to Your Adoption Plans Sibling Relations (Combing Children by Birth & Adoption) Support the Show. Please leave us a rating or review. This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster ..read more

Send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Join us for this discussion with Dr. Gretchen Sisson, the author of Relinquished, the Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood. In this episode, we cover: Book focuses on private adoptions between 2000-2020. Not on parents where parental rights were terminated by the state and not on international adoptions. Full of first-person stories from birth moms.  How many women are currently placing a child for adoption compared to the number of births?  How does this compare to the number of women who decide on abort ..read more

Send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Prior to Russia invading Ukraine, it was possible to adopt from Ukraine. In fact, depending on the year, it was one of the top 10 placing countries to the US. However, the government of Ukraine has said that intercountry adoption will not fully resume while martial law is in place. However, the government of Ukraine confirmed they will process intercountry adoptions in limited circumstances.  Resources: Top Ten Placing Countries to the US Factors to Consider When Adopting from Ukraine International Adoption (Resource page) Support th ..read more

Send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Join this interview with Dr. JaeRan Kim, an adoption researcher who also blogs at Harlow's Monkey.  In this episode, we cover: Research: Intercountry adoptees with adoption disruption and displacement histories – Adoptee perspectives Korean adoptees as parents Adoptees who adopt Transracially adopted Korean American adults raising multiracial children Adoptive parents of children with disabilities Support the Show. Please leave us a rating or review. This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit ..read more

Send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Summer break is just around the corner for families of school-aged children – whether you are ready or not. You may already be planning your annual vacation, buying pool passes, and buying tickets online for local venues to enjoy together as a family. However, you may also dread your child’s hours of unscheduled time. It’s understandable – transitioning from your predictable, regimented school-year routine to a less structured summer routine can shock your kids’ systems. How do you plan to survive the summer with your kids impacted by trauma ..read more