When frustration arises, take a breath and consider the cost of prioritizing efficiency: impatient, intolerant, and rigid people and systems. Instead, let’s practice gratitude when things don’t go perfectly. Inefficiency might just be the teacher we need.

To other adoptive, kinship, and customary caregivers, I want to say this: you are not alone. Openness is a journey, and it looks different for every family. Trust your instincts, listen to your children, and give yourself grace. You’re doing the best you can, and that is enough.

Many of us have heard the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child.” We may not realize that this phrase originates from a Nigerian proverb because it has been usurped in various communities. In the Eurocentric Western world, which often idealizes individualism and the traditional nuclear family, we seem to be moving further and further away from having a supportive village and closer to isolation.

Like a window that’s crystal clear, glass children are often overlooked because so much attention is focused on their sibling’s needs. While they may appear strong and resilient, glass children can feel unseen, their own needs fading into the background.

I was one of those glass children.

Welcome to the first post in our new blog series, where we'll be exploring what we are discovering while working as a clinician within the AFCCA (Aggression Towards Families and Caregivers in Childhood and Adolescence) family support program. In this initial post, I’ll address the 5 W's—who, what, why, when, and where—to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

Welcome to the first post in our new blog series, where we'll be exploring what we are discovering while working as a clinician within the AFCCA (Aggression Towards Families and Caregivers in Childhood and Adolescence) family support program. In this initial post, I’ll address the 5 W's—who, what, why, when, and where—to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

I hate summer break. There, I said it.

Change is never easy, and it’s often accompanied by uncertainty, hesitation, and sometimes feelings of disconnect.

As we navigate through this mix of excitement and nostalgia, I can't help but think about a few things I wish we had known back when we were fresh to the whole post-adoption scene.

As prospective adoptive parents begin sort through all the emotions that come post Adoption Resource Event (or ARE), it is important that you continue to equip yourselves during this next phase in your journey.

We know that Baby-delivering storks of our childhood cartoons aren't real—I have to inform you that there is no adoption stork either.

As a birth mother, Mothers’ Day is a difficult time.

Friend, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and like you’re not doing enough, know that you are taking care of yourself the best way you can in this moment.

For any families who may be struggling with a child who has similar needs, know there is support out there, know that you aren’t alone. And know that we are #stongertogether.

Raising a child with Autism is no easy feat—but having access to a wide network of people who understand what you’re going through can make all the difference in the world.

Personally, I was not aware of any ‘open’ adoptions when I was growing up. I knew there was a difference between ‘public’ and ‘private’ adoptions but that was the extent of my knowledge of ‘different’ adoptions.

Truth be told our children and youth need much more than an additional 15-week attachment leave, but by delivering this attachment leave, the Government of Canada would be standing up for families who are supporting their children and youth's needs when they join their family through adoption, kinship, or customary care. 

"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." This quote by Maya Angelou is one of my favorites.

The experiences of Black adoptees and adoptive parents aren’t usually included in mainstream media. However, there have been some inspiring projects that should be celebrated for shedding light on the legacy, challenges and triumphs of adoption in the Black community.