The Tenacious Mama: Confessions Of An Adoptive Mother podcast

29:43

Confession: Rereading my blog entries about Lane’s adoption day makes me a bit sad. I was so optimistic and naive. I never would have imagined ending up where we are now. I share two blog entries written right before and immediately after Lane's adoption day in addition to more horror stories of Lane's Kindergarten teacher. Talk to me! Click here to provide feedback Thanks for listening, Beloveds. Please take care of yourselves; if you don’t do it, who will? Keep advocating for your child. And, most importantly, stay tenacious! BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting Strategies and Solutions by Sarah Naish Resources on suicide prevention: Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. - Call or text 988 - Chat at 988lifeline.org Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org Book Recommendation: ...…

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E16: I used to be proud to be a teacher... 31:10

il y a environ 13 jours31:10

31:10

Today's Confession: I used to be proud of my career in elementary education…until I had a child who didn’t fit the mold and only then realized how the kids on the ends of the bell curve were not thriving. And in many cases, kids like mine are made to feel like a bad kid or stupid because they do not get the attention and supports they need to experience success. I take a trip down memory lane, detailing how Kindergarten was the start of my son's difficulties in the school setting. To be continued in the next episode. I also share a few more of our family pranks and the power of acts of kindness, which includes the fun acronyn BABILOO! Talk to me! Click here to provide feedback Thanks for listening, Beloveds. Please take care of yourselves; if you don’t do it, who will? Keep advocating for your child. And, most importantly, stay tenacious! BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting Strategies and Solutions by Sarah Naish Resources on suicide prevention: Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. - Call or text 988 - Chat at 988lifeline.org Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org Book Recommendation: ...…

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E15: My own worst enemy 24:08

il y a environ 20 jours24:08

24:08

Confession: I used to be my own worst enemy with negative self-talk that I wasn’t even aware I was engaging in. Now that I know, I’m working to becoming my own best friend with self-compassion, self-love, and positive self-talk. I'll share how gratitude is my superpower (when I practice it consistently), my new favorite gratitude journal, and a trick to turn your inner critic into your compassionate witness. SHOW NOTES: Ray of F*cking Sunshine Sticky Notes The 6 Minute Diary futureme.org Mel Robbins on the Jefferson Fisher podcast The ABCs of Self Love : A Simple Guide to Loving Yourself, Reclaiming Your Worth, and Changing Your Life By Meldoy Godfred Talk to me! Click here to provide feedback Thanks for listening, Beloveds. Please take care of yourselves; if you don’t do it, who will? Keep advocating for your child. And, most importantly, stay tenacious! BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting Strategies and Solutions by Sarah Naish Resources on suicide prevention: Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. - Call or text 988 - Chat at 988lifeline.org Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org Book Recommendation: ...…

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E14: I swear a lot! 29:13

il y a environ 27 jours29:13

29:13

Confession: I swear a lot. Well, maybe not a lot, but I definitely swear. Some believe that it’s healthy for you to get it out, but, like all things, only in moderation. Also included: stories from my childhood, more about the How We Feel app, the 5 lies depression tells you, and funny stories about swearing! Oh, and how the Let Them Theory is helping me reclaim my peace. SHOW NOTES: How We Feel 5 Lies Depression Tells You By Emma McAdam Parents Under Pressure: Struggling to Raise Children in an Unequal America By Karen Zilberstein The Let Them Theory on Mel Robbins Podcast The Let Them Theory book by Mel Robbins Mel Robbins with Oprah podcast Talk to me! Click here to provide feedback Thanks for listening, Beloveds. Please take care of yourselves; if you don’t do it, who will? Keep advocating for your child. And, most importantly, stay tenacious! BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting Strategies and Solutions by Sarah Naish Resources on suicide prevention: Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. - Call or text 988 - Chat at 988lifeline.org Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org Book Recommendation: ...…

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E13: I had no idea how to process uncomfortable emotions...until recently 28:55

il y a 5 weeks28:55

28:55

Confession: I didn’t learn how to process my emotions until my mental health crisis when Lane was in 7th grade. To those of you who are emotionally healthy, that may sound crazy. But it’s true. I share how music therapy helped me process emotions, as well as a helpful analogy to understand why processing your feelings is so important. You'll also hear about Lane's first concert experiences and extracurricular activities. SHOW NOTES: Hope music video - NF Happy music video - NF Therapy In A Nutshell - Emma McAdam LMFT How We Feel app Talk to me! Click here to provide feedback Thanks for listening, Beloveds. Please take care of yourselves; if you don’t do it, who will? Keep advocating for your child. And, most importantly, stay tenacious! BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting Strategies and Solutions by Sarah Naish Resources on suicide prevention: Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. - Call or text 988 - Chat at 988lifeline.org Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org Book Recommendation: ...…

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E12: I suffer from depression 23:05

il y a 6 weeks23:05

23:05

Confession: I suffer from depression: major depressive disorder. But because I am high-functioning and an extrovert, very few people in my life know this about me- even many close friends and family members. I reflect on why my depression seems to hide in plain sight as well as explain some of my most troublesome symptoms of depression. I also share more fun stories of Lane dancing through the years! SHOW NOTES: Mel Robbins and Dr. Judith Joseph The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins High Functioning: Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy by Dr. Judith Joseph Talk to me! Click here to provide feedback Thanks for listening, Beloveds. Please take care of yourselves; if you don’t do it, who will? Keep advocating for your child. And, most importantly, stay tenacious! BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting Strategies and Solutions by Sarah Naish Resources on suicide prevention: Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. - Call or text 988 - Chat at 988lifeline.org Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org Book Recommendation: ...…

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E11: Woefully underprepared 26:27

il y a 7 weeks26:27

26:27

I this episode, I share my confession: Despite my extensive background working with children as an educator, I was woefully underprepared to parent a child with developmental trauma. Also included are stories of Lane's dancing abilities and how they showed themselves at a very young age! SHOWNOTES: Developmental Trauma Upclose from beaconhouse.org.uk TBRI Dancing with a porcupine : parenting wounded children without losing yourself by Jennie Lynn Owens Understanding Your Window of Tolerance from mi-psych.com Understanding the Window of Tolerance And How It Affects You from mindmypeelings.com Understanding the Window of Tolerance And How Trauma Throws You Off Balance from restoredhopecounsellingservices.com Understanding Epigenetics article Talk to me! Click here to provide feedback Thanks for listening, Beloveds. Please take care of yourselves; if you don’t do it, who will? Keep advocating for your child. And, most importantly, stay tenacious! BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting Strategies and Solutions by Sarah Naish Resources on suicide prevention: Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. - Call or text 988 - Chat at 988lifeline.org Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org Book Recommendation: ...…

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E10: Comparison is the thief of joy 31:16

il y a 8 weeks31:16

31:16

Today's confession: In those early years, I often looked at other families and thought, “It must be nice to have a kid who…” (dot, dot, dot, fill in the blank). I still catch myself doing it sometimes, even now. But comparison is the thief of joy. I’m learning to let that shit go! I share how comparisons with other families caused me suffering, as well as the ways I learned to combat that with strategies to keep me grounded in joy and gratitude. Additionally, an excerpt from another Sarah Naish book helped me to empathize with my son during difficult times. My audacious intent for this podcast is to be a beacon of hope for parents and guardians like me, who are raising wounded children and doing their best to stay afloat. I have found my way from surviving to thriving and you can, too! SHOWNOTES The Quick Guide to Therapeutic Parenting A Visual Introduction by Sarah Naish The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting Strategies and Solutions by Sarah Naish Talk to me! Click here to provide feedback Thanks for listening, Beloveds. Please take care of yourselves; if you don’t do it, who will? Keep advocating for your child. And, most importantly, stay tenacious! BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting Strategies and Solutions by Sarah Naish Resources on suicide prevention: Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. - Call or text 988 - Chat at 988lifeline.org Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org Book Recommendation: ...…

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E9: To medicate or not to medicate? That is the question... 24:53

il y a 9 weeks24:53

24:53

Today's confession: I can’t imagine what it would have been like to parent my son without the help of medication to manage his symptoms of ADHD and ODD. I explain that although I am no expert and I believe this is a decision not to be taken lightly, medication certainly helped Lane. I don't judge families who don't medicate their child; I ask that you not judge those of us who do. My audacious intent for this podcast is to be a beacon of hope for parents and guardians like me, who are raising wounded children and doing their best to stay afloat. I have found my way from surviving to thriving and you can, too! SHOWNOTES Understanding Oppositional Disorder ADHD vs. ODD: Similarities and Differences Three Most Common Mental Health Illnesses in Adopted Children The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting Strategies and Solutions by Sarah Naish Talk to me! Click here to provide feedback Thanks for listening, Beloveds. Please take care of yourselves; if you don’t do it, who will? Keep advocating for your child. And, most importantly, stay tenacious! BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting Strategies and Solutions by Sarah Naish Resources on suicide prevention: Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. - Call or text 988 - Chat at 988lifeline.org Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org Book Recommendation: ...…

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E8: I don't have a daddy! 29:31

il y a 10 weeks29:31

29:31

In this episode, I share today's confession: When Lane was little, not having a daddy was much harder on him than being adopted was. As a single adoptive mama, this was not something I was prepared for. I also provide an update on my parents as they start to rebuild their lives in their temporary housing after losing everything in the Palisades fire of January 7, 2025. My audacious intent for this podcast is to be a beacon of hope for parents and guardians like me, who are raising wounded children and doing their best to stay afloat. I have found my way from surviving to thriving and you can, too! SHOWNOTES: The Palisades Fire The Primal Wound on Wikipedia The Primal Wound: Understanding the Adopted Child More on the Primal Wound Reckoning With the Primal Wound The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting Strategies and Solutions by Sarah Naish Talk to me! Click here to provide feedback Thanks for listening, Beloveds. Please take care of yourselves; if you don’t do it, who will? Keep advocating for your child. And, most importantly, stay tenacious! BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting Strategies and Solutions by Sarah Naish Resources on suicide prevention: Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. - Call or text 988 - Chat at 988lifeline.org Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org Book Recommendation: ...…

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E7: Devastating loss...no confession today 33:39

il y a 12 weeks33:39

33:39

Due to the recent and very sudden loss of my family's home of almost 40 years in the Pacific Palisades fire, instead of a confession, I will be reflecting on the memories that made their house a treasured home. If you know others who have been impacted by the fires, feel free to share this episode with them. Their grief and sorrow must be as raw and incomprehensible and my family's. Feeling helpless and wanting to help victims of fires in Los Angeles? Click here for ideas and resources. The Palisades Fire Talk to me! Click here to provide feedback Thanks for listening, Beloveds. Please take care of yourselves; if you don’t do it, who will? Keep advocating for your child. And, most importantly, stay tenacious! BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting Strategies and Solutions by Sarah Naish Resources on suicide prevention: Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. - Call or text 988 - Chat at 988lifeline.org Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org Book Recommendation: ...…

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E6: I wanted a child who looked like me 23:47

il y a 13 weeks23:47

23:47

This week's confession: I wanted to adopt a child who looked like he or she could have been my biological child. In this episode, I also share my preferences for a child when going through the matching process, my blog from the day I brought him home, our Gotcha Day traditions, and an update on my relationship with his first mom. My audacious intent for this podcast is to be a beacon of hope for parents and guardians like me, who are raising wounded children and doing their best to stay afloat. I have found my way from surviving to thriving and you can, too! SHOW NOTES: Transracial adoption challenges Off and Running Movie Trailer Nicole Opper and Avery Klein-Cloud Off and Running Talk to me! Click here to provide feedback Thanks for listening, Beloveds. Please take care of yourselves; if you don’t do it, who will? Keep advocating for your child. And, most importantly, stay tenacious! BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting Strategies and Solutions by Sarah Naish Resources on suicide prevention: Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. - Call or text 988 - Chat at 988lifeline.org Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org Book Recommendation: ...…

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E5: I made contact with Lane's birth mother... 34:03

il y a 14 weeks34:03

34:03

This week's confession: Last week I made contact with Lane’s birth mother for the first time. I had no idea what to expect, but after meeting with her, I am cautiously optimistic that when he meets her and builds a relationship with her, it will be helpful for Lane’s healing. I also share why this seemed like the right time to locate her, his nervousness/ambivalence about it, her response when I knocked on her door, how Lane reacted to the news, and my hopes for his future with her. My audacious intent for this podcast is to be a beacon of hope for parents and guardians like me, who are raising wounded children and doing their best to stay afloat. I have found my way from surviving to thriving and you can, too! SHOWNOTES: God Found Us You By Lisa Tawn Bergren I Wished for You: An Adoption Story By Marianne Richmond Shazam movie trailer Song written and performed by my dear friend Jasmijn White Talk to me! Click here to provide feedback Thanks for listening, Beloveds. Please take care of yourselves; if you don’t do it, who will? Keep advocating for your child. And, most importantly, stay tenacious! BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting Strategies and Solutions by Sarah Naish Resources on suicide prevention: Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. - Call or text 988 - Chat at 988lifeline.org Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org Book Recommendation: ...…

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E4: I became a mother for selfish reasons 31:16

il y a 15 weeks31:16

31:16

In this episode I share my confession: I became a mother for selfish reasons, not necessarily that I wanted to give a child a better life. When Lane was little, people would often say, "He's so lucky to have you!" and my response was, "No, I'm the lucky one. He made me a mama." I also share all of the experiences that prepared me for motherhood, a blog entry from my baby shower 14 years ago, and a list of all the precious moments that I hope will flash through my mind when my life flashes before my eyes. My audacious intent for this podcast is to be a beacon of hope for parents and guardians like me, who are raising wounded children and doing their best to stay afloat. I have found my way from surviving to thriving and you can, too! Message me! thetenaciousmama922@gmail.com Talk to me! Click here to provide feedback Thanks for listening, Beloveds. Please take care of yourselves; if you don’t do it, who will? Keep advocating for your child. And, most importantly, stay tenacious! BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting Strategies and Solutions by Sarah Naish Resources on suicide prevention: Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. - Call or text 988 - Chat at 988lifeline.org Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org Book Recommendation: ...…

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E3: It's not your fault, but it IS your responsibility 28:43

il y a 16 weeks28:43

28:43

In this episode I will share my confession: I started telling my son, “It’s not your fault you have all these cards stacked against you. However, it is your responsibility to figure it out and be a good person.” I will detail the many layers of Lane's trauma that have hindered his ability to form secure attachments with others and have shaped who he is today. I also share stories highlighting his sense of humor when he was little and a blog entry about his first visit to my home when we were transitioning him from his first foster family to mine. My audacious intent for this podcast is to be a beacon of hope for parents and guardians like me, who are raising wounded children and doing their best to stay afloat. I have found my way from surviving to thriving and you can, too! SHOW NOTES: Understanding Epigenetics article Adoption Trauma- Part 1: What is adoption trauma? Article Attachment Styles article Attachment Theory on Brittanica.com A few podcasts where you can find episodes on attachment theories and styles: Therapist Uncensored The Inner Child Podcast On Attachment Talk to me! Click here to provide feedback Thanks for listening, Beloveds. Please take care of yourselves; if you don’t do it, who will? Keep advocating for your child. And, most importantly, stay tenacious! BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting Strategies and Solutions by Sarah Naish Resources on suicide prevention: Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. - Call or text 988 - Chat at 988lifeline.org Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org Book Recommendation: ...…

The Tenacious Mama: Confessions of An Adoptive Mother

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E2: I might punch ‘em in the throat! 32:11

il y a 17 weeks32:11

32:11

This week's confession: When Lane was in middle school and exhibiting extreme behaviors almost daily, I told friends, “The next person who says, 'there is a special place for you in heaven,’ I might punch ‘em in the throat.” I will explain why platitudes like this one often filled me with rage and what friends and family members can say instead. I share a few entries from the blog I wrote during the matching process with my son in October 2010. Additionally, I give a summary of an important book that I wish I had paid more attention to when I first read it. My audacious intent for this podcast is to be a beacon of hope for parents and guardians like me, who are raising wounded children and doing their best to stay afloat. I have found my way from surviving to thriving and you can, too! SHOW NOTES: Have questions or want to suggest content you'd like to hear more about? Contact me at: thetenaciousmama922@gmail.com The Primal Wound on Wikipedia The Primal Wound: Understanding the Adopted Child More on the Primal Wound Reckoning With the Primal Wound Talk to me! Click here to provide feedback Thanks for listening, Beloveds. Please take care of yourselves; if you don’t do it, who will? Keep advocating for your child. And, most importantly, stay tenacious! BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting Strategies and Solutions by Sarah Naish Resources on suicide prevention: Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. - Call or text 988 - Chat at 988lifeline.org Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org Book Recommendation: ...…

The Tenacious Mama: Confessions of An Adoptive Mother

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Overview + Confession: Raising You Is Killing Me 24:19

il y a 18 weeks24:19