Episode 74: Helping Your Adopted Child Navigate the Teenage Years—with Susan TeBos

Next month, our family remembers one of the most important anniversaries of our life together–the adoption day of our youngest son. We view this day as a blessing and a celebration, but for our son, that day holds a whole mix of feelings. While he loves us and is securely knit in the love of our family, his story holds confusion and loss that are an inherent part of a child’s separation from their birth parents.

As our son grows, we want to create space in our home for him to express his emotions, ask questions, and be confident that he is a wonderful and valuable person. This can be challenging and requires a special set of skills as well as an extra dose of understanding.

As parents, it can be hard to know what is happening inside your adopted child. They don’t always share what they are going through. And they may even be acting out on emotions or beliefs that they are hiding. As a parent, you may be wondering how can we understand your child and their experiences.

Our guest today is Susan TeBos. Susan is a writer, speaker, Bible study leader, adoption advocate, and adoptive mom of three children. She is the author of We've Been There: True Stories, Surprising Insights, and Aha Moments for Adopted Teens.

Susan shares with us:

• Her story of international adoption
• Why adopted teens may resist bringing up the past
• The importance of honing your observation skills
• And more!

We hope this conversation is an encouragement to you as you help your adopted child navigate the teenage years!

Show Notes: https://growinghometogether.com/susan-tebos-74