Creating a Family: Talk about Adoption, Foster & Kinship Care

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!How can parents support transracial adoption identity and belonging as children grow and begin defining who they are for themselves? In this panel conversation, three young adults with lived experience in adoption and foster care share how family, race, culture, community, trauma, and relationships shaped their developing identities and sense of belonging. They discuss the difference between having a placement and truly feeling wanted, what it means to be fully known by the people who love you, how parents can respond to bias and difficult conversations, and why families adopting across racial or cultural lines must be willing to listen, learn, and be changed by the child they welcome into their family.Resources:Kirti Pickard and Mission 143: https://mission143.net/ Tyron “Qpidluv” Smith: foreversafehome.com Mayia Warren: https://mayiawarren.org/  Raising a Transracial or Multicultural ChildParenting Adopted Teens and Young AdultsSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!When should a parent consider residential treatment for an adopted teen who has been struggling for years? One listener shared that after trying therapy, different supports, and everything they knew to help their child heal, simply hearing the words “residential treatment” felt like a parental failure. In this Weekend Wisdom episode, we explore how to move beyond the question, “Am I giving up on my child?” and instead ask what level of support your teen needs right now. We also discuss how gathering information, expanding your child’s support team, and considering a higher level of care can be part of continuing to show up for your child—not abandoning them.Resources:A Hard but Helpful Step: Navigating Residential Treatment for Adopted KidsFair Play CampDoes Your Child Need Residential TreatmentSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!How can parents protect kids from sexual exploitation without teaching them to fear the world around them? For adoptive, foster, and kinship families, this question can feel especially important when raising children who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, disrupted attachment, or other challenges that may affect trust, boundaries, and their need for connection. In this episode, child safety advocate and author CJ Scarlet, also known as The Badass Grandma, joins us to discuss how parents and caregivers can help kids recognize grooming and unsafe situations, trust their instincts, set healthy boundaries, identify trusted adults, and build the confidence and practical safety skills they need. We also explore how parents can become the safe, responsive adults their children will turn to when something goes wrong—without placing the responsibility for preventing sexual exploitation on the child.Resources:thebadassgrandma.comheroickids.appProtecting Our Kids from Sexual Exploitation Understanding How Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) Help Kids Thrive Support the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Are you considering whether your family is ready to foster or adopt a sibling group? Keeping siblings together can preserve important family relationships, shared history, and connection, but parenting multiple children who have experienced trauma also requires careful preparation. In this Weekend Wisdom episode, we explore the questions prospective foster and adoptive parents should ask before saying yes, including each child’s individual needs, sibling dynamics, trauma history, your family’s time and emotional capacity, the needs of children already in your home, and the support systems you will need for a successful placement.Resources:Practical Tips for Fostering a Sibling GroupCombining Kids by Birth and AdoptionAdopting SiblingsSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!If you want to adopt a relative from another country, the process involves much more than simply proving your family connection. International relative adoption—sometimes called international kinship adoption—must meet U.S. immigration requirements as well as the adoption laws of the child’s country. In this episode, we talk with Debbie Price, BSW, Executive Director of Children’s House International, and Kathy Holliday, International Specialist, also of Children’s House International. They explain who may qualify, USCIS and Hague requirements, age limits, realistic timelines, and why families should work with a Hague-accredited adoption agency from the beginning. We also explore how to prepare your family for the child’s transition, including grief and trauma, attachment, changing family roles, cultural identity, school adjustment, and the importance of patience and support after adoption.Resources: International Adoption Resource PageKinship Adoption Resource PageRaising a Child Through Transracial Adoption Resource PageSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: I recently received an autism diagnosis in my mid-30s. I have relatively low support needs and am working with my therapist to identify the best ways to manage my energy. I think I could still be a good foster parent, but will it be an issue for an agency?Resources:Adult Autism Diagnosis Tool Kit – from Autism SpeaksAutistic Self Advocacy NetworkSo You Want to Be a Foster ParentSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!What does healthy openness in adoption really look like—and how can adoptive parents maintain meaningful birth family connections over time? In this episode, we talk with adoptive mom Annie Iverson about practical strategies for open adoption, including staying consistent when life gets busy, setting healthy boundaries, keeping your child’s needs at the center, and adjusting openness as children grow. We also explore how connection with birth family can support an adoptee’s identity and sense of belonging, plus ways parents can honor a child’s birth family and story even when direct contact is limited or inconsistent. Resources:Cards That Connect - use discount code Family20Open Adoption: Perspectives from the Triad#1 Secret for Navigating Open AdoptionHow to Handle Open Adoption Even When the Birth Parent Chooses to Close ItSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Parenting kids exposed to trauma is hard. Sometimes, it is very hard, but these families can thrive. In an interview with Creating a Family, Dr. Ross Greene, a Harvard Psychology professor, stressed that it was crucial for parents of children exposed to trauma to realize that kids want to do well, and if they are struggling, it is likely because they are lacking a specific skill needed to succeed.Resources:Helping Children Heal from TraumaPractical Guide to Parenting a Child Exposed to TraumaThe Explosive Child by Ross GreeneSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Children in foster care can experience far more than a change in placement. They may lose caregivers, siblings, schools, routines, communities, caseworkers, therapists, and other trusted relationships—sometimes again and again. What does that repeated instability mean for a child’s behavior, sense of safety, and ability to trust?In this episode, we talk with Rita Soronen, President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, about the impact of foster care instability and what caregivers and child welfare professionals can do to create greater stability and connection. We explore why challenging behavior can be a form of communication, how foster and adoptive parents can build safety through predictable routines and promises kept, why children’s voices must be included in permanency decisions, and how child-focused recruitment can help children find lasting families. The conversation also explores the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids model and why understanding a child’s relationships, history, culture, and needs can lead to stronger permanency outcomes.Support the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Bedtime can be especially challenging for children who have experienced trauma, loss, or disrupted attachment—and even harder when parents disagree about how to respond. In this episode of Weekend Wisdom from Creating a Family, we share practical ways to approach bedtime as a team, divide the parenting load more fairly, support your child’s need for connection and regulation, and protect your relationship from exhaustion and resentment.Resources:When Parenting Feels Uneven: Helping Your Partner Step InSleep Issues in Adopted, Foster, and Kinship ChildrenFocus on Father Involvement and Co-parenting: Why It MattersSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!How can play help children heal, regulate big emotions, and strengthen attachment? We talk with Georgie Wisen-Vincent about ways that adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers can use playfulness to build connection, support emotional growth, and help children impacted by trauma thrive. She is a nationally recognized play therapy expert, co-author of the new book , The Way of Play, and the Founder/Director of The PlayStrong Institute.In this episode, we explore why play is essential to children's emotional development, how trauma, loss, neglect, and disrupted attachment can affect a child's ability to play, and what caregivers can learn from the stories and behaviors that show up during play. Georgie also shares practical ways to use playful connection to build trust, respond to big feelings, and strengthen attachment—even when a child resists play or a caregiver doesn't naturally consider themselves playful.Resources:The PlayStrong InstituteThe Way of Play: Using Little Moments of Big Connection to Raise Calm and Confident Kids How Do I Handle All These Big Feelings & Big Behaviors?The IDEAL Response: How to Maintain Connection When Correcting Your ChildSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: I've been looking into a lot of resources and communities for foster parents, and it seems like many of them, especially in my area, approach fostering from a Christian perspective. I was raised Christian but am no longer comfortable in Christian spaces. How do I find community? Resources:Laura the Foster Parent Partner Annie E. Casey FoundationAdoptUSKidsDave Thomas Foundation for AdoptionSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!What are trauma-responsive practices, and how can they impact your child’s behavior, emotional well-being, and success in school? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Brandy-Lea McCombs, founder of STL234 Outreaches and a frequent speaker on reviving resilience in children, drawing from her professional research and her personal journey as an adoptive parent.Learn practical trauma-responsive practices for building connection during calm moments, responding to meltdowns, balancing empathy with healthy boundaries, and partnering with your child’s school. This conversation offers encouragement and actionable strategies for adoptive, foster, and kinship parents who want to strengthen resilience and help their children feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive.RESOURCES: Moving Beyond Adverse Childhood Experiences: ACES and PACESWholehearted.orgPACEs ConnectionFostering Resilience in a World of AdversitySupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: Our adopted son is almost 4 months old and perfectly healthy. He eats well, sleeps well, and seems to be hitting his milestones just fine. We know that he was exposed to cocaine during pregnancy, but he was born only three weeks early, which is still full-term. He had a healthy birth weight, he was not suffering from withdrawal in the hospital, and he has checked out as perfectly healthy at all of his pediatrician visits so far. My question is, does the lack of negative effects of cocaine in these early months of his life give us any indication of whether or not he will have learning difficulties or development issues due to the cocaine when he reaches school age? I am curious whether there is any research showing that a lack of symptoms at a young age following prenatal exposure indicates fewer symptoms at an older age. Resources:FASD UnitedPregnancy and Breastfeeding ExposuresRaising a Child with Prenatal Substance ExposurePrenatal Substance Exposure Training for Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship ParentsSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Are you parenting teens, or will you be in a few years? Don’t miss this conversation with psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour, author of the book, “The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents.“In this episode, we discuss:Our society has become afraid of being unhappy. What are the reasons for this?Studies seem to suggest that teens are unhappier now than in the past. Why?Three myths about adolescence.The adultification of black teens.Why do our teens find us so annoying?The goal is not always to avoid conflict with our teens; rather, it should be to learn how to have constructive conflict.You say that spending time online can be both good and bad for teens.What should parents know about porn?How carefully should you supervise what your teens are seeing online?How can parents keep technology in place? What are some common-sense rules?The importance of small pleasures in modulating the mood of our teens.Resource:American Psychological Association: Health advisory on social media use in adolescence Support the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question:  I feel terrible even saying this, but I am counting down the days until school starts. My kids have trauma histories, ADHD, and prenatal exposure, and summer has been rough. The lack of routine seems to make everything harder—sleep, behavior, arguing, screen time, all of it. We started summer with big plans, but now everyone is cranky, including me. How do we make it through the rest of summer without completely falling apart?Resources: Embracing Summer: Supporting Children Through Seasonal TransitionsEmpowered to Connect: Summer Survival ResourcesSurviving Summer with Kids Impacted by Trauma5 Tips for Surviving Summer with Kids Impacted by TraumaKeeping Your Older Grandkids Busy During the SummerSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!When we think about attachment in adoption and foster care, we usually focus on the child. But parents bring their own attachment histories and life experiences into the relationship as well. Dr. Chaitra Wirta-Leiker explores how a parent's past can shape their parenting, influence reactions to challenging behaviors, and impact family connection and healing. Dr. Wirta-Leiker is a licensed psychologist, transnational and transracial adoptee, adoptive parent, creator of the National Adoptee-Therapist Directory, and author of the Adoptees Like Me children’s book series.In this episode, we discuss:When we talk about trauma and attachment in adoption and foster care, most of the focus tends to be on the child. Why is it equally important to explore the parents' history?What do parents sometimes miss about the role their own experiences play in parenting?Why can it feel uncomfortable or even threatening for parents to turn the lens inward rather than focusing exclusively on the child?Can you give us a working definition of what you mean by "attachment" so we are all on the same page?How does that relationship from our childhood influence our parenting style now? The 4 major adult attachment styles, and what do they look or feel like in our parent-child relationship:SecureAnxious/PreoccupiedAvoidant/DismissiveDisorganized/UnresolvedMany parents hear descriptions of attachment styles and immediately start self-diagnosing. Why is that unwise or unhelpful? And what do you want parents to understand about using these concepts as tools for growth rather than labels?How do unresolved childhood experiences or trauma shape our parenting responses?Our kids with their histories of trauma, attachment disruptions, grief, losses, and trauma often bring those into our relationships. When these histories intersect with our unresolved experiences, both parent and child can feel triggered.What are some common ways our history of trauma may get activated—or "triggered"—by our adopted or foster children?How can we talk to ourselves when we feel that activation happening? Scripts we can use or messaging we can rehearse?Are there certain child behaviors that tend to be especially activating for parents with unresolved attachment or trauma wounds? What is happening neurologically and emotionally when a parent feels disproportionately angry, hurt, rejected, or powerless in response to a child's behavior?Why do you think parenting in adoption and foster care is uniquely effective at exposing unresolved issues that a parent may not have known were there?How do our parental expectations—about bonding, gratitude, trust, or family life—sometimes become obstacles to connection?What are some signs we notice when we are responding from our own history rather than from what the child actually needs in the moment?What signs can we notice in our kids to help us see that we may be responding from our own histories?What does healthy self-awareness look like for adoptive and foster parents?When parents recognize their own triggers, what practical steps can they take in the moment?How can parents begin exploring their own attachment history safely and productively?Is it possible to move toward a more secure attachment style as an adult? If so, how does that happen?What's one question parents should ask themselves when they find themselves repeatedly stuck in conflict with their child?Where would you encourage parents to begin if today's conversation has raised some difficult but important self-reflection?Resources:Grow Beyond WordsUnderstanding Attachment Between Parent and ChildAdoptee and Foster Alum Voices resource pageTherapy Resources for Adoptive, Foster, and Kinship FamiliesSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: What advice do you have for fostering/adopting children with autism, particularly those with limited communication skills? How can we best support them in expressing big feelings and feeling safe to do so? What can we do to help them feel they have some control and feel heard when they can't always communicate what they want and have a harder time understanding what's going on?Resources:Setting Up Your Child with Autism for SuccessHelping Autistic Kids ShineWhat Is Pathological Demand Avoidance and How Do I Parent This Child?Helping Your Child with Autism ThriveParent Support Toolkit (Autism Foundation)Support the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!How can storytelling help kids heal? In this episode, we talk to Dr. Sharon Zaffarese-Dippold to explore how story helps children make sense of their experiences, build resilience, and move toward thriving, including simple, everyday ways to begin using it at home. She is a psychotherapist with 27 years of experience in counseling and author of the "Garbage Bag Life" series, which emphasizes her journey through foster care.In this episode, we discuss:Can you tell us a little about your own journey and why helping children make sense of their stories became such an important part of your life?What did you wish the adults around you had understood about what you were carrying as a child?Why are stories such powerful tools for helping children heal?What is it about a story that often feels safer than direct conversations, especially for children who have experienced trauma, loss, foster care, adoption, or family disruption?What happens when children don't have a coherent story about their lives?What are some of the questions they may silently wrestle with?Many parents and caregivers are afraid of saying the wrong thing around a child’s story. What do you suggest?What does it mean when a child moves from "What's wrong with me?" to "What happened to me?"What are some simple ways parents and caregivers can build storytelling into everyday family life?Stories can be used for more than understanding a child’s history in adoption, foster care, and relative care. They can also help children recognize their strengths, resilience, and a sense of belonging.How can parents and caregivers use storytelling to build family identity?Resources:How to Talk with Our Kids About the Difficult Parts of Their StoriesHow to Make and Use an Adoption LifebookBuilding the Framework for Adopted & Foster Children to Process the Hard Parts of Their StoriesThe Healing Power of StorytellingSuggested Books for Kids:  Adoption, Foster Care, and Kinship CareSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: My partner and I parent really differently, especially with our adopted child. I’m more focused on connection and understanding behavior, and my partner is much more strict and consequences-focused. We keep arguing about discipline and routines, and honestly, it’s starting to hurt our relationship too. How do we stop fighting about parenting and work better together?Resources:Prioritizing Your Marriage in Adoption, Foster Care, or Kinship CareWhen Your Child's Trauma Impacts Your MarriageSelf-Care Isn't SelfishRelated Podcasts:Strategies for Maintaining a Healthy Marriage or Partnership While Raising Adopted, Foster, or Relative ChildrenWhen Parenting Feels Uneven: Helping Your Partner Step InSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Navigating special education can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode, we’re joined by Paula J. Yost, a licensed clinical mental health therapist, special education advocate, lawyer, educator, and author who breaks down IEPs, 504 plans, evaluations, and how to effectively advocate for your child.In this episode, we discuss:What led you to focus on helping families navigate the special education system?For parents and caregivers who may be feeling overwhelmed, confused, or even intimidated by this process, what would you want them to know right at the beginning?Is there a preferred or more respectful language we should be using—special education, exceptional children education, or something else?What are the key laws that govern special education in the United States?FAPEIDEAWhat are some of the most common acronyms parents & caregivers will encounter, and what do they mean?IEPs504 plansLRESDIOHIWhat are some early signs that a child might need additional support or an educational assessment?How does trauma impact a child’s ability to learn and show up in the classroom?What are the first steps a parent or caregiver should take if they believe their child needs to be evaluated?What is involved in an educational assessment, and what should families expect from that process?Once a child is evaluated, how do families understand the results and translate them into meaningful support?Can you explain the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan in terms of the support and accommodations they include?What kinds of accommodations or supports should parents and caregivers be aware of that they can request in an IEP or 504 plan?What are some common mistakes or misconceptions parents have when entering this process?What rights do foster or kinship parents have when it comes to requesting evaluations and services?Are foster or kinship parents allowed to attend IEP or 504 meetings, and what role can they play in those discussions?How can foster or kinship parents support a child with learning differences or disabilities at home, to reinforce what is being done at school?What should parents do if they feel the school isn’t providing adequate support or following through on a plan?For families just beginning this journey, what are a few practical first steps they can take this week to start advocating for their child?What message of encouragement or reassurance would you like to leave with parents and caregivers who are walking this path?Support the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: My child is in upper elementary school, and we’ve been together for a while, but they still keep me at arm’s length. What are some concrete things I can do now to help build a more secure attachment?Resources:Establishing Secure Attachment with Your New Foster or Adopted Tween or TeenUnderstanding and Improving Parent-Child AttachmentThe Power of Curiosity: Helping Kids Feel Safe to GrowUnderstanding How Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) Help Kids ThriveSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!What should you consider when preparing to become a host family to a child who is eligible for international adoption? We talk with Misty Lucas, an International Program Director at Gladney Center for Adoption. In this episode, we talk about:For listeners new to this topic, what is a child hosting program, and what are the goals of hosting today? How have hosting programs changed in recent years, especially around ethics and child welfare practices? What types of children most commonly participate in hosting programs (ages, sibling groups, common needs, etc.)? Are children typically already eligible for adoption before participating?What does it look like to be a host family?What types of families tend to thrive in hosting programsWhat does it mean to advocate for a child during hosting?What signs may suggest a family is not ready?What kind of screening, training, and preparation do host families typically complete?How much information do families usually receive about a child beforehand?How should families prepare the children already living in their home?Are there special considerations for families whose children already have trauma histories or who were adopted themselves?Why is it so important for host families to understand trauma before hosting?How does trauma commonly show up during hosting, especially in a short-term environment?What behaviors or emotional responses should families realistically expect?What are common mistakes well-intentioned host families make?Hosting programs can raise strong criticisms and concerns. What are the most common criticisms or misunderstandings about hosting?How do ethical programs work to reduce a child’s feelings of being “chosen” or evaluated?How are children prepared emotionally before they travel?How do programs and host families work to avoid creating false hope for children?What does a typical hosting session look like? How long, what to do, etc.What activities and support should host families expect during hosting?What financial realities should families understand before committing?Can families host even if they are unsure about adoption?If a family decides they want to pursue adoption, what typically happens next?What does that process and timeline often look like?What is emotionally difficult for families after a child returns home while adoption decisions are pending?Are the children made aware of a potential adoption plan once hosting is over? What does a successful hosting experience look like from the child’s perspective?What’s one thing you hope every prospective host family understands before beginning? Resources:Gladney Center for Adoption, Hosting ProgramHosting Package from CreatingaFamilyEd.orgIs Our Family Right for an “Orphan” Hosting Program? 7 Questions to AskPrepare for Hosting an International Orphan Support the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!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 VoicesUnderstanding the Birth Parents’ ExperienceSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Parenting neurodiverse tweens and teens can feel overwhelming, especially when traditional parenting strategies don’t seem to work. In this episode, we talk with Carl Young and Joel Sheagren, co-authors of Embracing Hope: Innovative Strategies to Empower Parents Raising Neurodiverse Teens, about practical, brain-based strategies to reduce conflict, support emotional regulation, strengthen connection, and navigate the hard seasons with more hope.In this episode, we discuss:What are parents of tweens and teens carrying right now that you know they want people to understand?Why do the tween and teen years often become especially hard for neurodiverse kids and their caregivers?One of the themes in your work is “understanding over stigma.” Can you tell us what that means?What are examples of behaviors parents are often blamed for, or blamed on the child, that may actually be rooted in neurodevelopmental differences?Many parents feel confused because traditional parenting advice doesn’t seem to work for their child with neurodiversity. Can you explain executive functioning in a way that helps overwhelmed parents understand what their child is actually struggling with day to day? What are some real-life ways those struggles show up at home?What are some common expectations we place on tweens and teens that may not match their developmental abilities? How can parents shift toward more reasonable expectations without giving up on growth?What are some practical strategies to reduce conflict at home while still maintaining structure and boundaries?We understand that self-regulation is a learned skill that comes from years of our own regulation and then sharing it with our kids, called co-regulation.  What does co-regulation actually look like with a tween or teen who is escalating emotionally?How can parents respond differently to behaviors like impulsivity, shutdowns, avoidance, perseveration, or lying?Many caregivers say they feel like they’re “walking on eggshells.” It’s exhausting and creates so much stress in our homes.Where do you recommend families start when the home has fallen into a state of constant stress or chaos?How can parents introduce and maintain the “calm” in spite of the chaos that our kids’ neurodivergence may bring with it?What helps parents hold onto a connection with their child during seasons when everyone feels frustrated or discouraged?Sometimes families need help redefining success. How do you encourage parents to rethink what thriving can look like for neurodiverse tweens and teens?Resources:Embracing NeurodiversityEmbracing Hope: Innovative Strategies to Empower Parents Raising Neurodiverse TeensRaising Kids with Neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism, & Learning Differences)Suggested books for Raising Kids with Learning YouSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: We’re getting close to adopting our foster child, and I keep worrying there are things we should be asking for before finalization that we don’t even know to request. What information or records should we make sure to get from the agency so we truly understand our child’s history and needs?Resources:23 Crucial Questions to Ask at Foster Care Placement MeetingsAre You Considering Foster Care Adoption This Year?Adopting a Child of a Different Race or CultureSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Many parents raising adopted, foster, or kinship children feel like they’re carrying most of the parenting load alone. Talking about it and changing it can be hard. In this episode, Josh Davis, PhD, shares practical, non-blaming strategies to improve communication, build confidence, and create a stronger parenting partnership when raising kids from hard places. As Father's Day approaches, Josh also offers some downloads for Dads!In this episode, we discuss:How common is it for one person in a partnership or marriage to feel as if the parenting load is uneven?How can we influence the relationship to invite our partners into a more balanced dynamic?What are the common reasons partners step back instead of stepping in? What are some signs that maybe criticism—even subtle—is affecting our partner’s willingness to engage?What do you mean by “lowering the barrier to involvement?”How can we offer specific, doable examples to our partners without “telling them what to do?”What scripts can we use, or what language, to invite partnership?For parents/caregivers raising challenging kids who require a LOT of time, energy, emotional investment, etc., what are some helpful ways to stay emotionally connected and protect their marriage or partnership?If a listener wants to take what they’ve learned here and invite their partner in to share the parenting load, what are one or two first steps to try? Resources:Celebrating & Supporting Men in Foster & Kinship CareJosh Davis, PhD  - www.joshdavisphd.com/www.joshdavisphd.com and www.nlpfordads.com Why Mentors are Crucial When Raising Relative KidsSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: Our daughter is 11 months old and was adopted through an open adoption. We have a relationship with her birth mother, but don't yet feel it's the right moment to ask about family history, and her birth father is completely unknown to us. We do know that both birth parents are Hispanic, but beyond that, we have no additional information about her heritage or background. We want her to grow up with as rich a sense of her identity and heritage as possible. What guidance do adoption professionals offer around using genetic testing like 23andMe or AncestryDNA for adoptees? Is there an age-appropriate time to do this, or is it better to wait and let her decide for herself when she's older? Are there any other considerations unique to the adoptee experience we should keep in mind?Resources:Genetic Testing for Adoptees: Key Considerations and BenefitsGenetic Testing for Adoptees - Is It Worth It?Genetic Testing and Genealogy for AdopteesListen here to learn more about our Executive Director, Linda FioreSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!We talk a lot about the child’s experience in foster care, but what is this experience like for the child’s birth parents? You may be surprised! Join our conversation with Dr. Darcey Merritt, a professor at the University of Chicago School of Social Work who researches this topic.In this episode, we discuss:What is a typical scenario, if there is such a thing, of how a parent finds themselves connecting with the child welfare system?What rights do birth parents have within the system?What are some of the challenges families face before the child is taken into custody?What are some of the challenges that they face once the child is in foster care?How can you become an ally to the child’s parents?How does poverty factor in?Who most commonly reports birth parents to child welfare?How does race factor in?Research in the area of working memory on parental decision-making.Support the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: We’re new foster parents and have noticed that our child is hiding food in their backpack, closet, and even under the bed. We make sure there’s always plenty to eat, so we’re confused and a little concerned. Is this something we should be worried about? Why might they be doing this, and how should we respond in a way that helps them feel safe?Resources:Practical Solutions to Typical Food Issues with Adopted, Foster, & Kinship KidsPhysical and Emotional Health Issues Common with Foster KidsPanel of Parents Adopting Older Kids: Surviving That 1st YearSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Raising kids while caring for aging parents is more common than ever—and often overwhelming. We talk with Robyn Wind, the GRAND Voices Support Coordinator for the National Center on Grandfamilies at Generations United, about the realities of sandwich generation caregiving and practical ways foster, adoptive, and kinship families can find support. In this episode, we discuss:Can we start with a working definition of the term “sandwich generation”?How have you seen that definition evolve in recent years? From your work with the National Center on Grandfamilies and Generations United, what are you seeing right now that suggests this is becoming a bigger issue? What are the most common pressures you hear caregivers talk about?Where do you see caregivers feeling the most “pulled apart” between generations for whom they are caring? What are the moments when they feel like they can’t meet everyone’s needs at once?Are there differences in how this shows up for: Parents of young children vs. teens? Kinship caregivers or grandparents raising grandchildren? Many of our listeners are already parenting children with trauma or complex needs. How does that layer onto sandwich caregiving? Do you see unique challenges for kinship caregivers who may already be caring for grandchildren and are now also caring for aging spouses or siblings? What are some ways systems unintentionally fail these families? Where do they tend to fall through the cracks? What would better support look like if systems were truly designed for multigenerational families? What are the early signs that a caregiver is stretched too thin and at risk?What does realistic self-care actually look like in this season of life? How do you advise the caregivers you support to balance guilt or feelings of inadequacy, given that there is SO much need on both sides of their sandwich?What supports should caregivers try to put in place early? How can families share this sandwich-caring experience more effectively, instead of having one person carry it all? What resources or programs from Generations United should caregivers know about? What strengths do you see in sandwich generation families that we don’t talk about enough? Resources:'Sandwich generation' caregivers caught between two generations in needCaring for Those Who Are Caring for Everyone: The Sandwich Generation Generations UnitedGrandfamilies.orgGKSNetwork.orgGrandfamilies & Kinship University - Generations UnitedSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: I’m in the process of adopting an infant and feeling overwhelmed by the paperwork. How do I get my child’s birth certificate and Social Security number after the adoption is finalized? What steps do I need to take, what documents are required, and how does this vary by state?Resources:Where to Write for Vital Records: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health StatisticsSocial Security AdministrationSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Are you considering residential treatment for your adopted child? We speak with Daniel Hochstetler of Fair Play Camp in South Carolina about preparing our families for residential treatment, navigating the programs, and how to set our families up for success after treatment. In this episode, we talk about:Pursuing residential treatment is one of the hardest decisions adoptive families can face. Based on your experience, how should we think about residential treatment within the broader picture of supporting our adopted kids? (i.e., exists on the spectrum of resources and interventions)Before we get into the details, what do you want adoptive families to hear right away if residential treatment is something they think they may need to consider?When we say residential treatment in this conversation, what does that mean?How is it different from other supports families may have already tried, like therapy, out-patient programs, or in-home services?What kinds of needs is residential treatment for adopted kids designed to meet?In your experience, how can residential care be helpful for kids and families who are really struggling?What are some misunderstandings that make this option feel more frightening or confusing than it needs to be?This is where many parents feel stuck. What are some signs that a family may need to start thinking about a higher level of care?Who should be part of making this decision? How can adoptive parents make sure they’re not making it in isolation?When a family finds it necessary to move forward to placement in residential care, how can they talk with their child about residential treatment in a way that keeps the relationship intact?What reactions should parents expect, and how can they respond in ways that don’t escalate their child’s fear or shame?How can families stay connected while their child is in care?What helps parents partner well with the treatment team?Coming home is an important goal for parents and their kids to work toward. But it’s not a reset button that magically clears the cache. It is, however, another transition. And transitions can be hard on everyone.What can you help our listeners understand about the transition home from the child’s perspective?How should we be talking with our kids before leaving the residential program?What are realistic expectations for those first few weeks?What supports should already be in place before a child comes home? (work with caseworker from treatment, get recommendations, referrals, etc.)What are some simple ways to rebuild a connection without overwhelming the child?When old behaviors resurface—and they often do—how should parents respond?What does progress actually look like in real life during this phase?This experience affects everyone in the home. How can parents support siblings who may have been impacted by what’s happened?Parents are often exhausted by this point. What does realistic, doable support look like for caregivers themselves?If a parent listening today feels like they’re nearing this decision, what’s one step they can take to feel more grounded and prepared for the experience?Resources:Parenting Children with Challenging Behavior (Resource Page)Accessing Residential Treatment Care for AdopteesExploring Medication for Adopted ChildrenDoes Your Child Need Residential TreatmentGet Residential Treatment for Your ChildSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: The school thinks my foster son may have ADHD, but I know he’s been through a lot of trauma. How do I know what’s driving his behavior and how to advocate for the support he actually needs?Resources:The Grandparents' Guide to Back to SchoolHow Do Teachers Understand Adoption and What Can Parents Do About It?A Parent's Guide to Working with the Schools on BehaviorBack to School with Foster and Adopted KidsUnderstood.orgSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!What if families had support before a crisis led to foster care? In this episode, we talk with Dr. David Anderson, psychologist and founder and executive director of SAFE Families for Children, about a community-based model that helps keep children safe while supporting parents through difficult seasons. Dr. Anderson also serves as Executive Director of Lydia Home Association in Chicago and has been recognized as an Ashoka Fellow and Prime Movers Fellow.In this episode, we discuss:For someone new to SAFE Families, how would you explain what it is?Can you share a little about yourself and what drew you to create SAFE Families?Who are the families you serve, and what situations bring them to you?Why is a program like SAFE Families especially needed right now?What happens to families when this kind of support isn’t available?How is SAFE Families different from traditional foster care?What kinds of training and screening do volunteers undergo?What support do volunteers receive along the way?What are the main ways people can get involved?Can you share a story or two that captures the impact of SAFE Families?What do families or volunteers often say after being part of this?Who tends to be a great fit for this kind of role?What hesitations do you hear most, and what would you say to those concerns?If one of our listeners is interested in serving this community, what’s the first step to get involved?For a parent or caregiver listening today who feels underwater or overwhelmed, what encouragement can you offer?Support the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: We are seriously considering becoming foster parents.  We have 2 children by birth, and I am really worried about how this will affect them and what I can do to prevent some of the negative effects.Resources:The Impact of Fostering and Adoption on Kids Already in the Family (Resource)Talking with your Resident Kids about Foster Care or Kinship Care (Resource)What You Should Know About Disrupting Birth Order in Adoption & Foster CareSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Foster families are doing significant work to support both the children in their homes and the parents of those kids. What do they need to thrive in this work? We talk with Cathleen Bearse, a licensed therapist, foster mom, and the creator of Fearless Fostering. She supports foster and adoptive parents with practical tools, emotional guidance, and trauma-informed strategies with her real-life experiences and clinical expertise.In this episode, we talk about:Your organization is called ‘Fearless Fostering’ – what does that mean to you right now in the work that you do with foster families every day?What makes fostering profoundly worth it in your life and in your family, even when it’s hard?What are some unexpected joys in fostering that people don’t hear about enough?When things feel heavy, how do you recommend resource parents reconnect with their ‘why’?What are the challenges that catch foster parents off guard the most?Where do you see foster parents becoming depleted or overwhelmed?What is often misunderstood about the emotional weight of fostering?How does isolation show up in foster parenting?How can fostering strain a household without the right support?What patterns have you seen in marriages or partnerships under stress?How does chronic stress show up in foster parents’ mental and physical health?What early warning signs should families not ignore?If you could give every foster parent four supports, what would they be?CommunityTherapeutic SpacePermission to UnschedulePermission to Focus on “Just You”What does realistic self-care actually look like for foster parents?Where should foster parents begin if they realize they need more support?How can they pursue continuing education without becoming overwhelmed?What would you say to someone who wants to foster but fears they aren’t strong enough?What is one message you want every foster parent to hear today?Finally, what would a strengthened foster family look like five years from now if we truly supported them well?Resources:Self-care for Foster ParentsWhat is Respite Care and How Do I Access It?What Foster Parents Want You to Know About FosteringSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: I’m new to raising my grandchild and still learning about trauma. People keep saying it changes a child’s brain, but I don’t really understand what that means. What does trauma actually do to the brain, and how does that show up in behavior at home or school?Resources:The Three Es: Understanding the Impacts of TraumaA Conversation with Dr. Bruce Perry About TraumaHow Trauma Impacts a Child's DevelopmentMeeting Children Where They Are: The Neurosequential Model of TherapeuticsSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Have you considered fostering? What might be holding you back? Join us for a conversation with Laura, the Foster Parent Partner, to explore what it takes to be ready to foster, what the licensing and placement process looks like, and how to navigate relationships with the child's birth parents while providing a safe place for the child to land. Laura is the author of First Time Fostering and brings awareness and advocacy for foster families to social media spaces.In this episode, we talk about:How can someone tell if fostering might be the right step for them?What are some common misconceptions about foster parenting that you often hear from people who are just starting to explore it?What mindset shifts do people often need to make before stepping into foster parenting, especially around trauma and reunification?Once someone decides to move forward, what does the licensing process look like?What tends to surprise people about that process?How should families prepare the people already in their lives—a partner, kids in the home, or extended family—for fostering?What kind of support system do new foster parents need?How can they start building that before they get their first placement?When you're waiting for your first placement, what are some basics you should have ready in their home?What is it actually like to get that first placement call and welcome a child into your home?In those first hours and days, what are some practical ways foster parents can help a child feel safe and supported?It’s important to remember that reunification is the goal of foster care. What does co-parenting mean for foster parents? Why is it a crucial element of fostering?In foster care, children often still have relationships with their families, especially when reunification is still the goal. How can foster parents begin building a respectful relationship with a child’s parent?How can foster parents help facilitate connection or healing with the child’s parents?How do foster parents navigate the reality and emotions of a child leaving their home, for another placement, or for reunification?How should they support their resident children for that loss?What are some of the other hard realities of foster parenting that people should be prepared for?What would you want a newly licensed foster parent to know before they say yes to their first placement?What keeps you anchored in this work and committed to supporting others?Resources:Becoming a Foster ParentWhat Foster Care Alumni Want You to Know23 Crucial Questions to Ask at Foster Care Placement MeetingsWelcoming an Older Child to Your FamilySupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: How do I delicately share information about my child’s birth parent with my child, when we know their biological parent has a long history of arrest? They are not a safe adult for my child to maintain a relationship with. Our family is struggling with how to balance the message that the adoption plan was made out of love for the child and not wanting to cast a negative message about the child’s birth parent, even though we know there is a history of some very violent acts. We want this child to know and understand why the birth parent is not part of their life.Resources: Talking with Young Children about Adoption and Birth ParentsUsing Lifebooks to Explain Complex Issues in Adoption to KidsBuilding the Framework for Adopted & Foster Children to Process the Hard Parts of Their StoriesSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Join us for this interview with former NFL Running Back and Super Bowl Champion Ricky Watters. He is an adoptee, an adoptive dad, and author of a new children’s book on adoption, A Gift Called Shane.In this episode, we discuss:How old were you when you learned you were adopted and how did you find out?When you discovered you were adopted, you mentioned in your NFL movie that it put a big chip on your shoulder. How has that chip served you well as an adoptive dad? How has it been a detriment?Why did you decide to adopt?Why did you decide to adopt internationally?Did your experience with finding out late that you were adopted affect the way you discussed adoption with your son?Do you see any signs of a similar “chip” in your son that you had when you found out you were adopted? How do you help him navigate it for his own success?How did you prepare your biological son for the adoption of his brother? How do you support your adopted son in his questions about identity, birth family, etc.?Are you in reunion with your biological family?How has your adoptive family handled your reunion with your birth family?How excited were you for fellow hometown boy Shady McCoy to get into the Eagles Hall of Fame?What was your experience with playing at Notre Dame? Support the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: I’m an intern therapist working with kids involved in DHS and the foster system. Could you guys talk about what a kid in the system needs from therapy? Or like what helped them, what didn’t, what they needed in that space that their therapist didn’t provide?Resources:Trauma-Informed Therapy: Finding the Right Fit for Your FamilyTherapists: Parents Should Be With Their Kids for Adoptive or Foster Therapy SessionsFinding an Adoption Competent TherapistSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Could you use a few new strategies to help your child improve misbehavior? Listen to this conversation with Dr. Casey Call, the Associate Director of Education at the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at TCU and Associate Professor of Professional Practice in the TCU Department of Psychology. She will help us understand how to maintain connection while correcting challenging behaviors.In this episode, we discuss:Why and how should parents and caregivers work toward secure attachment with kids impacted by trauma? What does it mean when we say we are rewiring the child’s brain for connection?What is the purpose of discipline? How can parents and caregivers set a firm foundation of secure attachment if they also need to correct misbehavior or inappropriate behavior?Why do traditional or punishment-based disciplinary approaches not work for children impacted by trauma? Why do kids impacted by trauma tend to respond better (meaning an improvement in behavior) to discipline that guides them to think about their choices and consequences?How can parents and caregivers maintain a safe, loving connection with firmness and kindness while still holding the goal of retraining a behavior?In this process, what does it mean to share our power?What is the “IDEAL” approach?What is a re-do? Why is it so powerful for re-training?What are a few practical ways that parents and caregivers can maintain attachment during these disciplinary or re-teaching processes?What are some of the common behaviors that drive parents crazy? How can parents and caregivers maintain the intensity and pace of disciplining a child who has been impacted by trauma, without burning out?Support the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: My 2nd grader, adopted domestically, has some pretty big, hard behaviors, like tantrums, clingy whining, and difficulty cooperating or sharing. We know there was prenatal substance exposure. I feel stuck to help them with their big feelings and big behaviors — what do I do to help them day to day?Resources:5 Tips to Save Your Sanity While Raising Kids with Prenatal Substance ExposurePrenatal Exposure, Part 1: Parenting Babies Through Elementary AgesTantrums, Meltdowns, Whining, Oh My! How to Parent Challenging BehaviorsFree E-Guide: Navigating Challenging Behaviors - Practical Strategies for FamiliesSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Join us for a conversation about why men in foster and kinship care matter - to the family unit, to the system, and most importantly, to the kids. Our guest is Tony Craddock, a Prevention Social Worker in Wake County, NC, with more than 25 years of experience supporting families. For the past decade, he has engaged kinship families and fathers through his co‑facilitation of the Kinship In Action Support Group.In this episode, we talk about:What first drew you to working with families, and later to engaging fathers and kinship caregivers?Why is it so important that we intentionally engage and celebrate men — fathers, grandfathers, uncles, mentors — in foster and kinship care spaces?What positive differences have you seen in children’s lives when men are actively supported and involved in caregiving?What unique strengths do men bring to families in foster and kinship roles?What are some ways that normalizing men as caregivers helps not just families, but the larger community?What are some of the reasons you hear men sharing about their hesitation to step into these caregiving roles or to seek support when they take on such a role?Do you see common themes of how they describe their experiences of being welcomed — or not — into support spaces?What strategies have you found most effective for inviting and retaining men in support groups and similar caregiving networks?What role do their peers who are already plugged into their roles as caregivers play in encouraging or retaining engagement with newer father figures in your groups?What have you noticed in children’s emotional, behavioral, or developmental well-being when there’s consistent male involvement?How does having a balanced caregiving network, one that includes a multi-generational approach and welcomes both men and women, strengthen a family’s resilience?Who are the men — in your work or your life — who inspire you as caregivers and supporters?What advice would you give to a man who may already be a foster or kinship caregiver, but who also wants to step more intentionally into that role to make a difference for their child?If you could change one thing about how the system engages men in foster and kinship care, what would it be?Looking ahead, what gives you the most hope about supporting men in these spaces?What’s one message you’d like every listener — caregiver, professional, or community member — to walk away with today?ResourcesFather Engagement StrategiesThe Vital Role of Men in Foster CareFinding Male Role Models for Kids of Single MomsNormalizing Men as Caregivers Helps Families and SocietySupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: I love my child so much, but lately I feel emotionally worn down and shut down in my parenting. Someone mentioned they recently learned about blocked care, and now I’m wondering if that's what’s happening. What is blocked care, and what can a parent do about it?Resources:Understanding and Overcoming Blocked CareWhat Is Blocked Care? How Do I Overcome It?Trauma-Informed TherapyBuilding Rhythms of Self-Care Into Our ParentingMaking Self-Care a Priority for the New YearSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Are you raising a child with known or suspected prenatal opioid exposure? Understanding the impacts and how to parent them will help you set your child up to thrive! We are joined by Lenette Serlo, an adoptive mom of four children impacted by prenatal substance exposure and the founder of Generation O, a nonprofit focused on creating understanding and support for children with prenatal opioid exposure and their families.In this episode, we talk about:What are opioids, and what does it mean when a child has been exposed to opioids before birth?What are some of the short-term and long-term ways prenatal opioid exposure can affect a child’s brain, body, and development?What were some of the earliest things you noticed that helped you understand that your kids might experience the world differently?How can parents make the shift from asking “What’s wrong with this child?” to “What does this child need?”When a child has prenatal opioid exposure, what practical ways can parents help support emotional regulation and nervous system balance for these kids?What are some everyday challenges families might see at home?  And what strategies can parents and caregivers try to support their kids with those challenges?What tools or routines can help kids succeed with things like organization, memory, and follow-through?How could a parent or caregiver partner with teachers or schools so that children impacted by prenatal opioid exposure can succeed academically and behaviorally?What have you learned about helping children build friendships and navigate social situations successfully?In the baby and preschool years, what supports or parenting approaches can make the biggest difference?What challenges tend to emerge during the elementary school years, and how can caregivers support learning, independence, and confidence during that stage?As children move into adolescence, what new challenges can appear, and how can parents continue supporting identity, independence, and life skills?What is one small change parents or caregivers can make tomorrow that could have a big impact?You founded Generation O to support families navigating prenatal opioid exposure. What gaps did you see that made you want to start this organization? What’s giving you hope right now? What is one message would you most want our listeners to take with them about helping their kids with a history of opioid exposure thrive now and into their futures?Resources:Prenatal Substance Exposure Workshop for Foster, Adoptive & Kinship ParentsRaising a Child with Prenatal Substance ExposurePrenatal Substance Exposure Training for Child Welfare ProfessionalsSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: Should I tell my nephew that by the time he turns 18, he has to be in school and passing his classes, or have a job, to continue living with us? He will turn 18 at the end of this school year and will inherit a small amount of money that could get him started. He is currently in school, and he doesn’t have a job or any interest in getting one. Anytime someone asks him about his goals or future plans, his answer is “I don’t know” or “I don’t care.” I know that he is depressed and apprehensive about growing up, so part of me worries about pushing him too hard, but on the other hand, without a push, I worry his situation will continue to deteriorate. Resources:Prenatal Exposure, Part 2: Parenting Tweens and TeensPractical Ways to Connect with Your Tween or TeenSupporting Kids with Prenatal Exposure in the Transition to Adolescence and BeyondRaising Resilient KidsRaising Kids for a Lifelong Parent/Child BondSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Helping young adults in foster or kinship care transition toward adulthood can feel overwhelming for foster parents and relative caregivers. Join us today for a conversation with Vernell Gore of Youth Villages and Nick Sgarlata of Bridge to Brighter, for practical ways to prepare and equip your foster or kin youth for adulthood.In this episode, we discuss:What makes this stage of life uniquely challenging for youth in foster or kinship care compared to their peers?What does a successful transition to adulthood actually look like?What are some common misconceptions that caregivers or professionals have about youth who are nearing adulthood?When you think about a young person leaving care and thriving in adulthood, what key elements need to be in place?Why might a young person leaving foster care or relative care at the same time they are leaving high school feel the weight of this uncertainty more than their peers? How and where can foster parents or kin carers help youth explore different career paths and possibilities?What are some practical ways they can research those options and make informed decisions?What types of programs or pathways will help youth develop skills, discipline, or career direction?What are the most important money skills young people need before they leave care?What are some simple ways to start teaching these skills while the youth are still at home?What are some everyday adult responsibilities that youth may struggle with? What are some of the benefits of mentors for a young person transitioning out of foster care? How can they begin finding mentors or supportive role models?Beyond practical skills, what character traits or skills do young people need to develop to succeed in adulthood?Many youth in foster care or living with a grandparent or relative are carrying trauma from earlier experiences. How important are healing and identity development in preparing them for adulthood?How might a foster parent or relative caregiver support their young person toward healing?What are a few common mistakes adults make when trying to prepare youth for adulthood?What practical steps can foster or kinship carers start today to prepare their youth for adulthood? Resources:Raising Kids with Neurodiversity (ADHD)Maintaining a Healthy Perspective When Parenting Tweens & TeensPrenatal Exposure, Part 2: Parenting Tweens and TeensSupporting Kids with Prenatal Exposure in the Transition to Adolescence and BeyondSupport the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!A Lifebook is the story of how your child came to be yours and the story of his life before he came to you. Adoption is only one aspect of your child, and at some point, his life merges into your life. However, he had a life before he came to your family, and his Lifebook tells this part of his story.Resources:Adoption Lifebooks (Suggested Books)Welcoming an Older Child to Your Home (Resource Page)Transitioning a Child to Your Home (Resource Page)Support the showPlease 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 & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building