Support for (Adoptive) Parents

Sometimes I think I've said all there is to say about adoption. I've talked a whole lot about the good, enough about the bad to be fair.

But then comes another day, a brand new moment, and there's even more on the page than everything I've already read. I share some of those new things with you, because I think it's important.

You already know, but the past two years have been pretty complicated. They've rung us out, hung us out to dry. They've also made us who we are; the family we were created to be. The sun and the wind, they've worked well together. It has been hard and bright and upon intermittent reflection, there's no way in the whole dang world that I would trade one second.

We've visited with a short list of therapisty people, searching for someone who could help. We needed answers and solutions. We hoped for a little understanding. We were critically low on confidence.

The third time's a charm.

Through the coolest chain of events, we were connected with Tina Feigal and Erin Jauert from Parenting Mojo. Cory and I completed four sessions of Parent Coaching via Google+ video chat. We were skeptical at first. We had tried so many things, shelled out (and wasted) so much money. But we were just at the edge of desperate. We'd try almost anything.

I cry-babied my way through our first session mostly because, for the first time, I saw a little hope shining. We didn't feel judged the way we had in the past. They were supportive and honest. Knowledgeable. They gave us tools and a concrete plan. Most of all, they gave us back our confidence.

This isn't a magic potion. Today was a really great day. Yesterday? Nevermind.

Our guy is three, and three is three. He's had a rougher start to life than most, and nothing will change that. He's stubborn. Challenging. But now, when the bad days come, we are better equipped at handling them and we believe with more certainty that it won't stay that way forever.


I have heard from so many of you who struggle with some of the same things we struggle with and I would love nothing more than for all of us to sit down for a bit and share the load together. I'd love for you to get just a taste of the encouragement we found.


So whether you are an adoptive parent or a biological parent of a child struggling with complex behavioral issues, join us along with Erin and Tina on Wednesday, April 25th from 7-7:30 EST, via Google+ video chat. The chat is free. Cory and I will be sharing more of our experience.

All you'll need to connect with us is a Google+ (Let me know if you need help setting this up. It's super easy!) and a computer with a webcam.

Feel free to spread the word to others in our life who might benefit. Anyone is welcome.

If you'd like to join us, shoot me an email at shannandmartin@gmail.com.

I'm so excited to share more of our story and hopefully offer encouragement to you!