ADOPTION STRUGGLES AND SUPPORT | Adoption Trauma, Parenting Guides, Biblical Encouragement, Respite, Anxiety Bible Verses

Why do bad things happen to good people?  Sometimes the answer can only be seen through the perspective of time ⏳.

Hi Neighbor!

In this episode, we’ll dive into the story of Joseph in Genesis 📖 and see how time gave him clarity on why he suffered the things he did.

We’ll also explore 1 Corinthians and Romans to discover 3 powerful benefits of why good people and especially adoptive parents walk through seasons of suffering. 💔

Anc...

As an adoptive parent, the way you were parented may or may not be the best approach in parenting your adopted child.

Hi Neighbor!

When what you’re doing as a parent 🚫 isn’t working, how do you flip the script 🔄 and approach parenting differently? 🤔

In this episode, one of the individuals who helped my son Jonny navigate the challenges of residential treatment joins the show.

My neighbor 🏡 Erich Nelson shares a script 📝 that a...

When connection feels impossible, is it still love? (Yes! Here’s how.)

Hi Neighbor,

Today, I’m joined by my neighbor from West Africa by way of Nashville, Jackson TerKeurst. Jackson opens up about his journey from civil war in Liberia to Tennessee, and what it was like to be an adopted teenager with walls built for survival.

He brings a powerful perspective on what love felt like on the receiving end of trauma… and what helped him ...

If you’ve ever felt like no one truly understands what you’re going through as an adoptive parent, you’re not alone and you’re not broken.

Hi Neighbor,

Today marks not only our 200th episode, but also the third anniversary of this podcast. What started as a simple idea and a backyard walk has now grown into a global community of adoptive parents seeking encouragement, connection, and biblical hope.

In this milestone episode, I’ll t...

Have you ever been so frustrated by things going on around you that you couldn't see clearly, you couldn't think clearly, your judgment was impaired? What's a person to do about that? May I suggest you work on raising your awareness?

Hi Neighbor!

In this episode, I share a personal story about a time when I became so frustrated that I almost missed a positive opportunity that was right in front of me.

It’s something I need a consta...

Is adoption life chaotic for you? Is it even possible to find peace in the middle of meltdowns, uncertainty, and daily struggles?

I believe it is. Not just to see calm from a distance but to actually experience it, even in the middle of the storm. 

But first, you’ll need to become a copycat.

Hi Neighbor,

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious as an adoptive parent, you’re not alone. Anxiety Management is a real need in the trench...

Have you ever felt completely alone—like you were the only one facing something so hard it seemed no one else could understand? What do you do in those moments? Who do you turn to?

If you’re an adoptive parent feeling that way right now, may I gently suggest this: it’s time to grab hold of an anchor.

Hi Neighbor,⁣

I’m imagining an adoptive parent listening to this episode, feeling isolated and overwhelmed. I know that feeling well ...

“By the time he left, I felt like I was close to a mental breakdown. And I would tell my husband over and over, I can’t do this much longer. I just can’t. 

You know, I would go sit in the Walmart parking lot for three hours until he went to bed. And so I was avoiding my whole family. That affected my husband because here my husband is supposed to be my protector, but legally he can’t protect me against this thirteen-year-old who’s ...

Could it be that the very struggles you've walked through have prepared you to encourage someone else?

Hi Neighbor!⁣

Why do bad things happen in life?

Some might say, “That’s just life.” But I believe there’s a deeper meaning behind that question, something worth pausing to reflect on.

In this episode, let’s reframe that narrative together. I’ll share a moment from David’s life in Psalm 13, a powerful example from Paul in 2 Corinth...

Even adults who haven’t been through trauma can tell you that it’s sometimes difficult to talk about our feelings. I think that is the beauty of music therapy. Because clients can come. They don’t necessarily need to say exactly what they want to explore. We can just explore in music.

Hi Neighbor,

Did you know that music can be a powerful tool for healing in the lives of adopted children navigating trauma?

Today, I’m excited to wel...

Sometimes, life has a way of knocking the wind out of us, suddenly and without warning.

Hi Neighbor,

How do you navigate those unexpected changes or losses that shake your world?

Over time, I’ve learned to find steady ground through simple practices, prayer, journaling, or even a quiet walk outside. In the midst of grief, these anchors have become pockets of peace.

I’ve also come to lean on the people in my life, my anchors. Friend...

When your adopted child is struggling, how can you support them while being okay yourself?

Hi Neighbor,

Ever felt like your adopted child was stuck in an emotional ditch?

Today’s segment, Getting Out of the Ditch, comes from Episode 183. Jane Baker uses a powerful metaphor: if your child is down in a ditch, you can’t help them by jumping in after them. 

I want to encourage you to listen, take notes, and sit with the idea or ideas t...

As adoptive parents, we often face incredibly challenging moments, especially when our kids are struggling or make choices that push us to the brink.

Hi Neighbor,

When things go south, what can you do? You can call the therapist, the case worker, or sometimes, even the police. But what’s next? How can you be okay even if your kids aren’t?

Today’s segment, Call for Pizza, comes from Episode 183. I want to encourage you to listen, ta...

He was called son. He was called grandson. He was called nephew. He was called cousin, and he was called brother.

But he was never called husband. He was never called daddy, and he was never called grandpa because he never came home.

I hope when I’m finished telling you his story, you might consider calling him hero.

Hi Neighbor,

This episode was recorded as we prepare to celebrate Memorial Day in the United States. The federal hol...

Feeling overwhelmed as an adoptive parent? You can’t pour from an empty cup!

Hi Neighbor,

Parenting, especially in adoptive families, can be overwhelming. There’s only so much you can give before you have nothing more to offer.

Today’s segment, The Magic Is in Nurturing Your Relationships, comes from Episode 183. I want to encourage you to listen, take notes, and sit with the idea or ideas that speak to you.

What fills your cup? 

A...

Life as an adoptive family can feel like a never-ending whirlwind. What can adoptive parents do to help their family connect and find calm when feeling overwhelmed or stressed? 

Hi Neighbor,

As adoptive parents, it’s easy to get swept away by busy schedules and endless to-dos. Life will pile on demands until you intentionally slow down. It’s okay to say no to yet another commitment and just spend quiet time together.

Today’s segmen...

Parenting an adopted child comes with unique challenges, and healing starts with you. Here’s how to truly support your adopted child and yourself.

Hi Neighbor,

Navigating the intricate journey of adoptive parenting presents unexpected hurdles, especially when trauma, healing, and family history are involved. 

Today’s segment, Don’t Be Afraid to Go to Therapy, comes from Episode 183. As adoptive parents, it’s okay to seek therapy fo...

Unresolved grief isn’t always obvious: Grief in adopted children often goes unrecognized, especially in the early years. Challenging behaviors aren’t always just a phase, they can be signals of deeper emotional pain.

Hi Neighbor,

As adoptive parents, we strive to create safe and loving homes. Yet, sometimes, deeper emotional layers, like unresolved grief, can go unnoticed in our children.

Today’s segment, Manifestations of Unresolv...

A lot of times, adopted children find it difficult to open up to their parents about the struggles they face regarding their adoption. Why is that?

Hi Neighbor,

Adoptive parenting isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Understanding the hidden struggles of adopted kids can transform how we support and connect with them. Here are some powerful insights you NEED to hear.

Today’s segment, Understanding the Hidden Struggles of Adopted Childr...