The Mother of All Months: Navigating Grief and Celebration in May

 "I simply would not exist without one, and I can't imagine existing without the other." In this episode of Calendar Conversations, host April Dinwoodie leans into the profound emotional tension of May—a month often defined by Mother's Day and National Foster Care Month. For adoptive and foster families, May isn't just about flowers and brunch; it is a complex landscape of "disenfranchised grief," curiosity, and deep connection. April shares her personal journey as an adoptee named June by her mother of origin and April by her adoptive parents. She explores why the "April showers" of original mother loss are necessary for the "May flowers" of a new family to bloom. This conversation provides adoptive parents with a vital "toolbox" to help their children navigate the questions they may be too afraid to ask. In this episode, we discuss: Disenfranchised Grief: Understanding the loss that society often fails to acknowledge. Managing the Mothering Landscape: Why parents must heal their own mother wounds to hold space for their child's grief. The Bridge of Curiosity: Practical ways to validate a child's wonder about their mother of origin. National Foster Care Month: The role of foster parents as stewards of original connections. Managing Expectations: How to celebrate Mother's Day without placing the burden of emotional validation on your child. Join us as we practice this month's mantra: Care comes from many hands. Key Takeaways  Acknowledge the Sadness: It is okay to feel grief even in a month of celebration. Be the Bridge: Ask the questions your child might be too afraid to voice. Self-Care is Child-Care: Manage your own emotional needs on Mother's Day so your child doesn't have to. Celebrate the Blend: Recognition for the original mother, the foster mother, and the mother raising the child today. Links: Learn more about April's work and book a parent coaching session https://aprildinwoodie.com/ Learn more about TRJ Family Camp at Ohio University July 30-Aug 2 https://www.togetheronthejourney.org/ Learn about Disenfranchised Grief in Adoption from Dr. Gregory Manning https://youtu.be/UYfAcHGkRLs?si=mbwcJgfSiouawB-0