Two weeks ago, I started a two-part series on the best sensory toys. In that post I shared what sensory toys have been the most helpful to us, and in this post I will add more to that list and include some toys that have been recommended by others. Based on one study, around 78…
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our words and how they affect our kids (adoption & foster)
You can listen to a recording of this post, simply scroll to the end. Actions speak louder than words right? We’ve all heard this numerous time and it’s true, but words still carry a heavy weight, especially for our children who’ve been neglected, abused, and traumatized. Words can have both a positive and negative effects,…
Read Morethe best sensory toys (part 1)
Does your child jump incessantly? Get irritated quickly? Chew on anything? Bite? Stim (flapping hands, waving hand in front of face) constantly? Hit themselves or others often? Spin? Bang his head? These behaviors could be indicative of sensory issues. Based on one study, around 78 percent of children with autism have Sensory Processing Disorder, as…
Read MorePutting the “A” in Adoption
After Chris Snow, an adult adoptee, heard about the backlash I received because of my post about National Adoption Month, he wrote this fabulous response. I will let his eloquent words speak for themselves. If you’re an adoptive parent, I hope his words encourage you. If you’re hoping to adopt, I hope his words inspire…
Read Moreit’s not all bad: looking for the good in your child (adoption & foster)
People who haven’t adopted a child with attachment issues, PTSD, Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), or mood disorder may have difficulty relating to this post. They may read the title and ask, “What do you mean, of course there’s a lot of good in my child.” But, I think even some parents…
Read Morewhat do you do with expectations?
You can listen to a recording of this post – just scroll to the end. 🙂 I’m surrounded by people who think they are living their life right. Though I have to admit, I felt the same way before I entered the world of foster care, adoption, Autism, disorders, and my disease. I thought I…
Read MoreTOP 4 posts of 2014 (and more)
Hi there! Wow, it’s been a while. I took a much longer break from Lovin’ Adoptin’ than planned over the Christmas holiday. I hope you all made it through the holidays as I know many of you have some extra challenges. 2014 has been a busy and productive year for Lovin’ Adoptin’. Although my goal was…
Read Morewhat does your adopted or foster child need?
What does your child need right now? Do they need a pacifier longer than other kids? Does holding them, feeding them a bottle, comforting them like nothing else? Does your older child still come into your room at night, frightened by a noise, a nightmare, or nothing at all, they just want to be near…
Read Moreit takes a village: how one organization takes the concept and applies it to adoption
Years ago, a group from Caminul Felix (Happy Home) came to our church to share about their organization and several children sang beautiful Romanian songs. Caminul Felix is amazing, and I wanted to share what they do and a story that was recently highlighted in their newsletter. What exactly is Caminul Felix? They began in Romania…
Read Morethe war on National Adoption Month
**Update at the end of this post. Adoptees are “flipping the script” during National Adoption Month, sharing the other, unattractive side of adoption. It’s their right. I’m not an adoptee and can’t speak for them, but part of me doesn’t like seeing this opportunity of beauty turned into something that’s looked down upon. Now, some…
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lovin' adoptin' & autism 