Parenting When It’s Hard to Like Your Child — Understanding Blocked Care in Adoptive Families

By Darci Nelsen, PhD, LMHC, BC-DMT | October 13, 2022

“Why is my child withdrawing? And why am I tempted to give up and disengage?” This blog explains self-protective instincts for both adopted children (blocked trust) and parents (blocked care), how a child’s response may be rooted in early trauma, and strategies for parenting with empathy.

Shame and Adoption — A Guide to Parenting with Empathy

By Darci Nelsen, PhD, LMHC, BC-DMT | July 19, 2021

Shame is the feeling that we are inherently unlovable, unworthy, and undeserving of connection — and it’s a central theme in adoption. How do we parent without shaming our child? How do we teach values? Here are some empathy-based strategies and phrases to help children make positive choices.

Big Feelings – A Parenting Guide to Understanding the Emotions Behind Behavior

By Darci Nelsen, PhD, LMHC, BC-DMT | February 19, 2021

Tantrums. Meltdowns. Tears. It might look like your child is throwing a toy, but what could that behavior be communicating to you? Often, children who have been adopted or experienced time in foster care face additional challenges in managing their emotions. Learn how to respond in moments of distress and support them as they learn the skills necessary for self-regulation.