Perspectives on Challenged Family Building

Brenda and Steve adopted two boys from Eastern Europe. Bryce, adopted at age 1 ½, entered therapy at age 5 due to lengthy temper tantrums during which he would slap, punch, kick and bite. Brenda stated, “Each time that he hits me, flashes of my abusive father instantly appear in my head.”
Brenda is a very [...]

Frequently, I speak to groups of parents. Recently, I have been providing workshops to parents who have adopted from the foster care system. I have noticed how common it is for these moms and dads to continue to refer to the birth mom as “Mom” years after the adoption has been finalized! Frequently, it takes [...]

Kevin is 9-years-old. He was adopted as a toddler. Prior to his adoption, he experienced pre-natal alcohol exposure, neglect and physical abuse. The impact of this trauma continues to affect him to this day. At 9, he still tantrums like a two-year-old. He is rarely compliant without a lot of prompting and arguing, and he [...]