5 reasons why this book is perfect for anyone in your life who doesn’t “get it”
But He Spit in my Coffee is a memoir about an adoptive family's struggle to find Reactive Attachment Disorder treatment. This is why it's a useful book to give family, friends, and others who make up your support system. […]
Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) visualization: Restoring empathy
Here's a meditation from Chel Hamilton created especially for RAD moms to help us recenter and return to that place where we can view our child's challenging behaviors through the lens of their trauma. Chel walks us through a powerful visualization exercise to restore our empathy, a feeling that is so […]
Rejecting Blame and Shame (visualization)
Highly specialized meditations created for moms of kids with RAD (Reactive Attachment Disorder) by professional hypnotherapist, Chel Hamilton. VisualizationRejecting blame and shame (5:58) How to use these meditations Of course, use these meditations as a tool when you're in crisis. But you'll get the most value if you also listen to […]
Calm Frustration and Anger (meditation)
Highly specialized meditations created for moms of kids with RAD (Reactive Attachment Disorder) by professional hypnotherapist, Chel Hamilton. MeditationCalm Frustration and Anger (9:38) How to use these meditations Of course, use these meditations as a tool when you're in crisis. But you'll get the most value if you also listen to […]
Finding Hope (meditation)
Highly specialized meditations created for moms of kids with RAD (Reactive Attachment Disorder) by professional hypnotherapist, Chel Hamilton. MeditationFind hope (9:17) How to use these meditations Of course, use these meditations as a tool when you're in crisis. But you'll get the most value if you also listen to them when […]
The BIG little book on Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
Just getting started on your RAD parenting journey? This little 99-cent book is literally a BIG bang for your buck! Quick start guide with an introduction to the disorder, how to get your child an evaluation, and next steps.List of over 125 RAD related resources including books, conferences, coaching, blog posts, and support […]
The 2 must-have books on RAD
Among caregivers of kids with RAD, these are the most popular books available today. Written from the RAD-parenting trenches, instead of an office armchair, they're full of practical advice and straight-forward truth. Learn all about Reactive Attachment Disorder, how to get an evaluation for your child, and next steps Learn invaluable […]
But, He Spit in my Coffee: A reads-like-fiction memoir about adopting a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
But He Spit in my Coffee is an award winning memoir about one family's adoption journey as they struggled to find treatment for their son's complex needs including Reactive Attachment Disorder. […]
Where to find support groups for parents of kids with Reactive Attachment Disorder
Are you parenting a child from hard places? First, know you are not alone. There are thousands of us going through the same things. It's just sometimes difficult to find each other and connect for support. […]
Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD): The Essential Guide for Parents
If you are struggling to parent a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), this is the resource you need. No platitudes or false hopes here, only practical suggestions that actually work! Understand developmental trauma and Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Learn tips and tricks to help you to navigate "the system" Get […]
Christmas Gift List for kids in Residential Treatment Facilities (RTFs)
It can be challenging to Christmas shop for kids who are living in residential treatment facilities (PRTFs, RTFs, or group homes). There are almost always restrictive rules about personal items along with special rules for Christmas gifts. For example, in most facilities electronics, candy, and hardback books are not allowed. So […]
The Special Needs of Adopted Children – Bible Verses
Here's a list of twenty things adoptive families need from Sherrie Eldridge including Bible verses. […]
Tips to work with your child’s school (includes free teacher handout)
I can't tell you how many days I've navigated through carline with a drink holder full of steaming hot cups of coffee. Every school year I'd learn how my kid's teachers took their coffee. On my way to drop the kids off at school in the mornings, I'd pick up a […]
NEW video teaches kids about trauma and the brain
I am so excited to share this exciting new resource with you! The Brain Game is a new psycho-educational, 20-minute video, It's designed to teach children about how trauma may have impacted their brain and what they can do about it. It was created by Family Futures, an adoption support agency […]
1 in 5 kids who’ve spent time in foster care are LGBTQ: Valuable resources for parents
Coming out as LGBTQ can be particularly scary for kids who are in foster care or adopted. Here are the resources you need… […]
How to Start a Local Support Group
Looking to start a support group for parents of kids with developmental trauma and/or reactive attachment disorder (RAD)? Here's some tips to help you get started. […]
Surviving and thriving with RAD: In his own words
Jessie Hogsett was diagnosed with RAD at the age of 12 and grew up acting out of the hurt and trauma of his early childhood. He offers invaluable advice to parents of troubled kids. […]
Documentary exploring the school-to-prison pipeline
The Kids we Lose is a PBS documentary that explores how ineffective discipline techniques in schools feed the school-to-prison pipeline. It does a great job of showing the severity of the problem, but where are the solutions. […]
A Dangerous Son
This HBO documentary explores the struggle of three moms who are trying to find mental health services for their aggressive sons. A Dangerous Son tells the story of families with sons who have disorders that lead to explosive, violent behaviors. These kids are a danger to their families and themselves – […]
A to Z of Therapeutic Parenting
The a-z Of Therapeutic Parenting has real strategies and solutions for kids with developmental trauma. Enough said. Seriously, for most adoptive parents I could end my review here. That's how incredibly rare it is to find practical strategies that make sense. […]
Resources shared at the 2019 REFRESH conference!
Don't miss out! pdf resources shared at the 2019 REFRESH conference! Includes a handout for teachers. […]
What to consider before you adopt…
Two-year-old Kayla was shy with dimples that winked when she laughed. Her brother, three-year-old Devon, had curly brown hair, freckles and a quick smile. We’d long dreamed of adopting foster kids and my husband and I jumped in heart-first. During the mandatory three-month pre-adoption waiting period, Devon and Kayla had some […]
What teachers of children experiencing the effects of early trauma need to know
If you are a classroom teacher you almost certainly have students who have experienced childhood trauma. A recent national survey on children’s health found that 47% of all children in the United States have had at least one adverse childhood experience (footnote below). For some, the unfortunate result is reactive attachment […]
The Essential Guide to RAD
Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD): The Essential Guide for Parents has the resources, advice, and information I wish I'd had when my son was diagnosed with RAD. During our last promotions we've given away more than 4,000 copies. See what customers are saying here. Devon was a friendly, jabbering three-year-old with round cheeks and […]
Dear friends & family
Dear Friend, I’ve told you before how I’m struggling with my child’s behavior but I’m not sure you understand how serious—how desperate—things are. Here’s the unvarnished truth—my child relies on manipulation and melt-downs to control his surroundings. He refuses to follow the simplest of instructions and turns everything into a tug-of-war […]
Movie Review: The Boarder
When Annika and Zeb adopt Carl, an 11-year-old boy from the foster care system, they’re confident he’ll heal and thrive in their loving home. Carl seems sweet and charming – at first. The vestiges of Carl’s childhood neglect and abuse soon spill out. The “ripped from our lives” plot of movie […]
Understanding Anger: Trauma and the Incredible Hulk
Effectively parenting children with a history of trauma requires a paradigm shift. This short video by psychologist Jacob Ham is incredibly effective in helping us understand why consequences don't work for kids with reactive attachment disorder and how we can help them deescalate. https://youtu.be/o0FtfB4Co0k […]
15 Practical Self-Care Ideas for Parents
via Blog – Institute For Attachment and Child Development A self-care list for the exhausted, frazzled, frustrated parents without a minute or ounce of energy to spare. Buy little indulgences that help calm you. Nestle scented candles strategically throughout your home to provide scents for instant relaxation and calm. Pamper yourself […]
Open letter to a therapist from a mom of a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder
Dear Therapist, I am desperate for your help. I apologize ahead of time if I seem angry and defensive. I’m just burnt out and afraid you won’t understand. My son is completely out of control and nothing works. I’ve tried to get help before from therapists and teachers, even police officers, but […]
Funding for Adopted Children
If you adopted your child out of foster care and your child is special needs you should qualify for: Medicaid for the child until he or she is 18. This is transferable to other states. We adopted in Florida and then moved to North Carolina. I called the Department of Social […]