Maintaining a positive mood and attitude can be very challenging when the demands of our kids seem never-ending. They feel like black holes of need sometimes. Our brain is actually wired to shut down if it’s too stressed in a particular relationship. When it comes to managing your mood, essential oils can help restore your...
Actually, I should say, “Who.” Meet Andrea. She regularly kicks her friends (who are foster parents) out, tells them they can’t home any earlier than 10 PM, and asks for nothing in return. She notices needs like a worn out pack ‘n play and has the Amazon fairy deliver a new one. She gifts bags...
A lot of adoptive moms tell me that they'd do anything for their kids, but they don't know where to start or what to do. They are tirelessly seeking out post adoption support and resources and coming up empty handed. Unfortunately, there is a HUGE gap in post adoption support. We've felt it personally. I'm...
I often talk about children from “hard places” when I talk about the whys for using connected parenting. I figured it might be helpful to tell you exactly what the “hard places” are. Who knows? You may be parenting a child from a “hard place” and not be aware. It might help you understand a lot more...
What is hard about parenting a child who doesn’t meet an expectation? Have you ever heard yourself saying these phrases as a parent? “But he SHOULD be able to do that.” “He SHOULD remember after 500 reminders.” Or “I SHOULDN’T have to do that for him.” “I SHOULDN’T have to live that way.” Me. Me....
When I first heard of using essential oils for mood and emotions management for kids from hard places, I set out to try as many oils on my kids as possible. I was looking for that magic fix. Quite frankly, I didn’t care if they were on board. When you’re desperate, you’ll beg, negotiate, plead, and...
Lisa Qualls is the founder of the One Thankful Mom blog. She is a writer and speaker with the unusual chance to have experienced all 3 parts of the adoption triad–birth mom, adoptive mom, and foster child. We’ve connected over so many similarities over the years but she’s far more gracious, wise, and compassionate than me....
Jenn Ernest and I have been friend for forever (see proof above). She has walked through pregnancy loss, secondary infertility, adoption, breast cancer, and she’s parenting a child with limb differences. That’s a lot of situations where people tend to say all the wrong things. During our conversation, Jenn gives practical advice on how to...