In the U.S., we have a unique family constellation on the rise known as “grandfamilies”. A grandfamily is any household led by a grandparent or relative out of necessity instead of choice. Grandfamilies are a by-product of childhood neglect, abuse, the opioid epidemic, incarceration, untreated mental health issues, and parental

As a mother, I thank my lucky stars every day that young children are the least at risk when it comes to the Corona Virus. However, our physical health is not the only form of health that is in jeopardy right now. The emotional health of our families is also

With the headlines about Covid-19 shouting, “it’s the end of the world”, I’m sure you are all feeling *slightly panicked right along with me. This is a scary time for America and the world. There is a lot of uncertainty, and it is entirely reasonable to feel anxious and afraid.

Are you struggling to help a child who has been through hard times? Does the child seem unreachable, unmanageable, or unwilling to talk? Are you at your at the end of your rope with explosive behavior? If so, I have a concept to share with you that might help increase

On a recent walk through my neighborhood, I came across a cut-down tree (above). It was an ordinary tree, but the sight of it grabbed my attention in an unusual way. Perhaps it was the burnt orange color of its exposed, inner flesh contrasted against a bleak northeastern winter backdrop,

We all need help when we are going through a difficult time. It’s best to be preventative instead of reactive when you find yourself unexpectedly raising a family member’s child – which we refer to as a “grandfamily”. If you are a new to kinship care or have just received

What if I fail? This is a question that freezes so many of us. As I snuck a moment to work while my daughter was watching the movie Frozen, I realized I have been quiet lately because I am feeling a little frozen by the next phase of the self-publishing

This time of year always triggers my grief. The memories of my Mother’s sudden death fourteen years ago rise to the top of my consciousness. Maybe it’s the way the sun ricochets light through the trees at a lower angle, or the smell of fresh dirt in the morning air,

Raising your grandchild (or another relative) brings with it attachment challenges you may not have faced when you raised your children. For example, the bond between you and your child grew organically beginning in utero and continued to develop from the first day of their life. It eventually evolved into

Raising a family is hard work, and it can become even more complicated when the children in your family are coping with loss, grief, and trauma. While I was working as a family therapist for children in the foster care system, I learned a tool that helped me connect with