ADOPTION STRUGGLES AND SUPPORT | Adoption Trauma, Parenting Guides, Biblical Encouragement, Respite, Healthy Relationships

193 – Reflections on Losing My Friend and Anchor of Encouragement

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. Friends who listen, support, and encourage me when life is difficult.
In today’s episode, I reflect on the sudden loss of a dear friend, Shannon, one of those anchors who passed away without warning.
His life reminds me of the kind of steady, hopeful presence, and anchor we all need.
Anchors of hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S My thoughts and prayers are with Shannon’s wife, Dana, and the entire family. Though there will be tears, sorrow, and pain now, Shannon knew that one day God will wipe away every tear.
You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you’re going through.

192 – How to Help Your Adopted Child Out of a Ditch Without Falling in Yourself?

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 that speak to you. You can be okay even if your kids aren’t. Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.
Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.
Contact Jane:• Phone Number: (256) 353-8528• Email: jbaker@adoption-associates.com• Website: Adoption Associates

191 – Phone Calls, Police, and Pizza: Navigating Crisis as an Adoptive Parent

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, take notes, and sit with the idea or ideas that speak to you.
You can be okay even if your kids aren’t.
Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.
Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.
Contact Jane:• Phone Number: (256) 353-8528• Email: jbaker@adoption-associates.com• Website: Adoption Associates

190 – A Hero Who Never Experienced the Joy of Being Called Daddy

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 holiday for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
In this episode, I share the story of my hero, Uncle Lloyd. A hero I only knew from a picture on a wall.
Hope and Healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣Tim
P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.
Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

189 – Why Should Adoptive Parents Nurture Their Relationships?

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? 
Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.
Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.
Contact Jane:• Phone Number: (256) 353-8528• Email: jbaker@adoption-associates.com• Website: Adoption Associates

188 – Family-Time Matters! The Importance of Slowing Down and Making Memories for Adoptive Families

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 segment, Family-Time Matters, comes from Episode 183. I want to encourage you to listen, take notes, and sit with the idea or ideas that speak to you.
In chaotic seasons, intentionally making time for family can be the anchor you all need.
Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.
Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.
Contact Jane:• Phone Number: (256) 353-8528• Email: jbaker@adoption-associates.com• Website: Adoption Associates

187 – Adoptive Parents: Don’t Be Afraid to Go to Therapy

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 for yourself. Healing starts with us. 
When parents seek help for themselves first, it sends a vital message: everyone needs support sometimes. It also prevents children from feeling like they’re “the problem” and shows that healing is a family journey.
I want to encourage you to listen, take notes, and sit with the idea or ideas that speak to you. Facing our own history can open doors for our kids to heal, too.
Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.
Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.
Contact Jane:• Phone Number: (256) 353-8528• Email: jbaker@adoption-associates.com• Website: Adoption Associates
Resources mentioned by Jane:• Parenting with Love & Logic• Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life
Website: Love and Logic

186 – Manifestations of Unresolved Grief in Adopted Children: The Signs to Look For

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 Unresolved Grief in Adopted Children, comes from Episode 183. We’ll explore how grief manifests itself in adopted children and what parents can do to support healing.
I want to encourage you to listen, take notes, and sit with the idea or ideas that speak to you.
Parenting adopted kids isn’t always what you expect, especially when it comes to the hidden struggles like unresolved grief.
Adoption journeys are complex. Take time to pause, reflect, and apply what you learn. Small shifts in understanding can make a world of difference.
Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.
Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.
Contact Jane:• Phone Number: (256) 353-8528• Email: jbaker@adoption-associates.com• Website: Adoption Associates

185 – Understanding the Hidden Struggles of Adopted Children

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 Children, comes from Episode 183. I want to encourage you to listen, take notes, and sit with the idea or ideas that speak to you.
Adoptive parents, this is hard! If you weren’t adopted, you might not “get it,” and that’s okay. The key isn’t having all the answers; it’s keeping the door open.
Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.
Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.
Contact Jane:• Phone Number: (256) 353-8528• Email: jbaker@adoption-associates.com• Website: Adoption Associates

184 – When Adoption is Like a Car Accident

You can’t heal your child’s pain for them! What can adoptive parents do?
Hi Neighbor,
In this episode, I want to introduce a new format derived from the more information-packed episodes— short, digestible segments, each centering around a single key concept to support you on your parenting journey.
Today’s segment, Adoption is Like a Car Accident, comes from Episode 183. I want to encourage you to listen, take notes, and sit with the idea or ideas that speak to you.
Whether your child is okay or not, YOU have to be okay, and you can!
Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.
Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.
Contact Jane:• Phone Number: (256) 353-8528• Email: jbaker@adoption-associates.com• Website: Adoption Associates