Perspectives on Challenged Family Building

Ellen is the 14-year-old birth child of Sharon and Todd. She is one of three birth children and three children by adoption. Ellen attended therapy with her mother and one of her brothers by adoption, Kenny. During therapy, Kenny described how he continued to miss his birthmother. He also discussed how the loss of his [...]

When posted, “My Spouse or Partner Wants to Adopt” noted that there are predominant pre-adoptive expectations:

“I want to help a child in need.”
“I am unable to have children.”
“I heard and ad on the radio.” – “Love will be enough.”
“I know what they have been through.”
“I thought a child would strengthen my marriage.”
“A relative’s child needs [...]

It seems fitting that our first post after the start of the New Year contains a wish for peace. Peace in the family is a resolution worth making and attaining.

Peace, in the family, begins with the parental statement, “I will be calmer in 2010.” In reality, this means learning to bypass angry interactions that occur [...]