Growing Intentional Families Together Blog
Read our blog to find out the latest on adoption.
Sustaining Regulation and Building Resiliency
Sustaining Regulation and Building Resiliency is one of our main parenting tasks and it is not always easy because our lives not only unfold in the security of our homes, but also against the backdrop of the world at large. The world feels more unsettled and dysregulated than ever, doesn’t it? Sadly, much of the stress and concern about world events, national politics, and the multiple challenges of daily life can easily overflow into our family lives. Even though our family relationships are our most important, often they feel the brunt of our frustrated, overstressed selves.
Our partners, family members, and co-workers are also buckling under the weight of similar pressures. That’s not a match made in heaven. Just the opposite, it is a pairing that demands our alert selves, our fullest commitment, and our strongest intentionality. Yes, friends and family will generally forgive our snark, inattention, and our blow ups. That is, if they are the exception, not the norm. And if we make the necessary attempts to acknowledge and repair.
Growing Adoption Success
Adoption success. What does that look like? To you? To your child? As a family? Each will define success differently. How can you create a shared definition? Adoption success doesn’t just happen. It requires intentionality and commitment. Work towards building a family life in which everyone’s needs are met and which is steeped in truth-telling, truth-acknowledging, and truth-seeking.
Preparing for the Unexpected as an Adoptive Family
If you are an adoptive parent, you have probably experienced many encounters with the unexpected. For most of us, a...
Learning through Extracurricular Activities
Learning Happens Outside of School Too. Aug. 16, 2023 Last week’s blog looked at how good habits, healthy routines,...
School Bells Ring Soon. Get Ready! Set Goals.
Parents and students all hope for a good year, one that is filled with learning—both academic and relational—and grows their ability to be in the driver’s seat of their lives. (After all, the point of parenting is to put ourselves out of a job: to raise kids that can succeed on their own.) So, how do we accomplish this vital goal? Operating purely on intuition is not enough.
You need a map
Finding Your Way as a Family
Summer is in full swing. Our kids are out of school and the days are hot, long, and often stormy. How can you find...
Fathers Matter
The importance of fathers is no small thing. It is from their fathers that our sons learn how to be good, loving men of character and courage. Our daughters’ relationships with their dads teach them how to recognize good men as possible partners, colleagues, and friends. When children lack the presence of a loving involved father, it leaves a deficit in their emotional experiences. That absence matters.
Making Family Memories
Bring joy into your family life. Get outdoors! It benefits body & spirit. Create memories. Share simple, fun activities. Do something silly! Grow connection.
Ways Your Family Can Live Easier This Summer
While our coaches are busy creating some exciting new ways to support adoptees, adoptive families, and prospective...
On Mothers and Mothering
Mother’s Day is the defining event of the month. So, for those of us connected by adoption, May is a month fraught with emotions. Social media, television, and advertisements overflow with mentions of Mother’s Day and mothers. However, for us motherhood is steeped in ambiguity. For some, Mother’s Day evokes joy, pride, and pleasure. For others, it awakens grief, heartache, regret, and sometimes, despair.
