Empowered to Connect Podcast

In today's episode, we are joined by school psychologists Rachel Peterman, PhD and Teressa Davis, PhD with special guest host (and former Dean of Students and School Social Worker) Becca McKay who unveil a treasure trove of insights for parents, especially as it pertains to getting to know the special education system. Delve into the minds of these experts as they share what they wish every parent knew about supporting their child's emotional and academic growth. From nurturing mental well-being to navigating learning challenges, IEP's and 504 plans, this conversation is a valuable guide for parents seeking to empower their children's success! To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on social media and YouTube!

It's August, so kids are going back to school all over the place! Join us today as we throw it back to one of our favorite conversations! We delve into a crucial Back to School conversation with author of Beyond Behaviors, Brain Body Parenting and acclaimed pediatric psychologist, Mona Delahooke! The ETC Team join Mona as this episode delves into effective strategies grounded in neuroscience to navigate the upcoming school year, focusing on emotional well-being, academic success, and social adjustment. Tune in for a concise yet impactful dialogue that empowers parents and caregivers with actionable insights for fostering resilience, positive connections, and overall growth as children transition back to school. To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on social media and YouTube!

In today's episode, we're excited to bring you a masterclass on the art of transitions, led by none other than Becca McKay and Jesse Faris! Becca and Jesse bring a wise and compassionate approach, guiding us through the intricate world of transitions, offering essential insights and practical strategies to navigate your child's (and your own) life's shifts with grace and resilience. Whether it's moving homes, starting a new school year, or even daily transitions, their wisdom shines a light on how these moments can be powerful opportunities for connection, growth, and building a strong foundation of trust. Tune in as Becca and Jesse delve into the nuances of understanding the impact transitions have on children and adults alike. Drawing from their rich experiences as educators and advocates, they share stories that exemplify the transformative potential of intentional transitions. This episode equips parents, caregivers, and professionals with valuable tools to ease anxieties, embrace change, and create environments where both young and old can thrive during life's many transitions.

In today's episode of the Empowered to Connect Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome recurring guest, Anteelah Love, Cultivate Connection Facilitator and ETC Training Specialist! Join us as Anteelah talks us through the art of "Repair, Reflect, Readjust" - our last, but certainly not least important Connecting Practice. We talk about how Anteelah and her husband Matthew are using this practice this summer, how much of a game changer it was in their parenting and how it's NOT just for kids...Anteelah shares how this transformative approach fosters healing connections and nurtures resilience in both children and adults. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or professional working with children, this conversation is brimming with invaluable tools to strengthen relationships, promote emotional well-being, and empower individuals on their journey of connection. To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on social media and YouTube!

Today we're joined by Mark and Kelly Raudenbush, Cultivate Connection Facilitators in Philadelphia, PA. Mark and Kelly, among lots of things, head up the Sparrow Fund and are very active advocates in the foster care and adoptive communities. We couldn't think of anyone better to join us to talk about this week's Connecting Practice: 'Respond Thoughtfully.' Discover the transformative power of thoughtful responses in your parenting journey, fostering deeper connections and understanding with your children. Learn practical strategies to respond with empathy, intention, and compassion, creating a positive and nurturing environment for your family. To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on social media and YouTube!

It's our 150th episode and who better to join us for the this special occasion than our good friends Nyasha and Regina Chari!? Nyasha and Regina are cultivate connection Facilitators in Zimbabwe and have been ETC Parent Trainers for almost 10 years now! They join us today to talk about the vast importance of understanding how to meet needs for our kids. Sounds basic, right? Well, Becca McKay, the Charis and JD Wilson join us to tell us why this is actually one of the more overlooked and complicated processes as a parent - and one that we absolutely cannot avoid doing for ourselves as well. To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on social media and YouTube!

This week on the ETC Podcast we bring in Cultivate Connection Facilitators Matt and Carissa Davis from Memphis, TN to talk with us about a foundational Connecting Practice: Giving Voice. This idea has long been critiqued as 'permissive' parenting due to children being taught to advocate for their needs. Giving your child a voice, however, is far from permissive - on the contrary, it is imperative to connected parenting. Why? Well, you'll just have to tune in today to find out! Hear Matt and Carissa share their story as well as share practical insights and strategies to help your child (and your spouse, relatives, friends and everyone you interact with daily!) learn to have their voice heard and needs met. We cannot understate the importance of this episode enough and the Davises are an absolute delight to hear from! To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on social media and YouTube!

Today on the Empowered to Connect Podcast we delve into a pivotal connecting practice: the power of play in parenting with one of our favorite guests, Tom Jordi. Hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa, Tom is not only a TBRI Practitioner but also a Cultivate Connection Facilitator, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to our conversation. He and his wife Dawn have 4 kiddos and are an absolute joy to be around, if this is your first time hearing an episode with the Jordis, you're gonna love it! In this episode, Tom engages in a captivating discussion with our host, JD Wilson, and ETC Executive Director, Mo Ottinger, about the profound impact that play can have on the parent-child relationship. Together, they explore how play serves as a transformative tool for fostering connection, building trust, and nurturing healthy attachments. With a refreshing perspective, they discuss various playful strategies that parents can incorporate into their everyday interactions with their children. From imaginative play to sensory experiences, he shares practical insights on how these approaches can cultivate emotional resilience, enhance communication, and create joy-filled moments within the parent-child dynamic. Throughout the episode, our guests share personal anecdotes and real-life examples that illustrate the transformative power of play, highlighting its ability to bridge gaps, facilitate healing, and strengthen the parent-child bond. Tom's expertise and passion shine through as he emphasizes the importance of creating safe and secure spaces where children can express themselves freely and experience the power of unconditional love and acceptance. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or professional working with children, this episode offers a wealth of valuable strategies and insights that can revolutionize your approach to parenting and caregiving. Tune in as we explore the profound impact of play and its ability to empower parents and children alike on the journey of connection and growth.

Join us for an enlightening episode of the Empowered to Connect Podcast as we welcome Cultivate Connection Facilitator Angie Grant and talk about utilizing scaffolding as a fundamental parenting principle. In this episode, we explore the profound impact of scaffolding on our children's growth and development. Scaffolding is a transformative approach that empowers parents to provide the necessary support and guidance to their children as they navigate various challenges and tasks. Becca and Angie, with their wealth of knowledge and expertise, delve into the intricacies of this powerful concept, sharing practical strategies and insights on how to implement scaffolding in our everyday parenting journeys. Through heartfelt discussions and real-life examples, Becca and Angie reveal how scaffolding promotes independence, resilience, and confidence in our children. They guide us through the process of tailoring our support to match our child's unique needs and abilities, creating a solid foundation for their success. With their compassionate and empowering approach, Becca and Angie inspire us to embrace the power of scaffolding as a transformative parenting principle. To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on social media and YouTube!

In Today's episode we dive deep into the art of being fully present. Joining us today are Nick and Jesse Faris, cultivate connection facilitators based in Memphis, TN, who bring a wealth of wisdom and experience to the topic. Jesse, who serves on staff at Empowered to Connect as a Program and Training Specialist, and Nick have 2 kiddos through adoption and have been Empowered to Connect trainers for years. Today they share profound insights on the transformative power of presence and its impact on our relationships, creativity, and overall well-being. Together with ETC Institute Program Manager Becca McKay, we explore practical strategies and mindset shifts that can help us cultivate presence in our daily lives. From the art of deep listening to the beauty of embracing stillness, Nick and Jesse guide us on a journey to reconnect with the present moment and uncover its transformative potential. Join us as we delve into the art of being fully present today with a couple that's been making presence a priority for years now! Reminder - if you haven't already purchased your Connecting Practices Handbook, you can do so from our website today! You can also learn more about Empowered to Connect and all that we've got going on across the globe!

Today on the Empowered to Connect Podcast, we are joined by Todd and Brandy Baumann, two remarkable people who bring a unique blend of expertise and compassion to the world of parenting and caregiving. Todd, an engineer, and Brandy, the coordinator for True Vine Ministries, serving foster and adoptive families at their church, share their insights on on why balancing nurture and structure quickly became their favorite connecting practice in our Cultivate Connection Parenting Course! If you've ever approached the worlds of connected parenting, gentle parenting, attachment-based parenting, etc you'll know this is an absolutely foundational skill to learn. One common misnomer in our way of parenting is that it's all nurture - that discipline and structure go out the window. Well, we're here today to remind you that's not true at all! Todd's analytical approach as an engineer, combined with Brandy's deep understanding of the needs of foster and adoptive families, creates a powerful synergy that informs their insights on finding the right balance. Together, they share what they've learned about providing the right balance of nurture and structure - we believe it will empower you to connect with your children on a deeper level and promote healthy growth! Reminder - if you haven't already purchased your Connecting Practices Handbook, you can do that as well as check out thousands of other resources and ways to connect to ETC from our website today!

Today, we are thrilled to have special guests Matt and Laurel Smith, Memphis, TN facilitators of ETC Cultivate Connection (ETC's own parenting curriculum). Join us as we delve into the heart of our summer series and explore the very first connecting practice: "Be Curious." Curiosity is a powerful tool that holds the key to deepening connections and fostering healthy relationships. Matt and Laurel guide us through the transformative potential of curiosity in parenting, teaching us how to unlock the doors to understanding and empathy. Both Matt and Laurel are brilliant professionals and veteran parents and they share practical insights and strategies that empower us to cultivate a genuine curiosity in our interactions with our children, friends, family and beyond! You'll recognize Matt's voice as a frequent guest, he currently serves as the Clinical Director of the Memphis Family Connection Center, one of ETC's 3 main programs. Laurel has been in the educational system as a teacher in every age range and has worked to incorporate attachment based, connection-centered practices into her classroom for years. Throughout this conversation, we uncover the profound impact of curiosity on our children's emotional well-being and development. Matt and Laurel share their personal stories and wisdom, leaving us inspired to embrace the beauty of curiosity as a foundational pillar in our parenting journeys. Reminder - if you haven't already purchased your Connecting Practices Handbook, you can do so from our website today! Get ready to embrace the power of curiosity and cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships with your children.

Join Tona Ottinger, Becca McKay, and host JD Wilson in today's episode of the Empowered to Connect Podcast as we delve into the exciting new resource available at empoweredtoconnect.org/store — the Connecting Practices Handbook! This handbook is a comprehensive guide designed to empower individuals, families, and professionals with an overview of the 9 Connecting Practices found in our parenting curriculum course, Cultivate Connection. During this episode, Tona, Becca, and JD highlight the significance of the Connecting Practices Handbook and how it can positively impact the lives of children and families. They discuss the various chapters and sections of the handbook, exploring its rich content and actionable insights. In addition to exploring the handbook itself, we share some exciting news! Throughout the summer, the Empowered to Connect team will embark on a special journey, walking through the nine connecting practices with facilitators from all over the world. Listeners will have the opportunity to learn from these experienced practitioners as they dive deep into each practice, sharing their wisdom, stories, and practical application tips. To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on Facebook and Instagram and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for hundreds of hours of valuable teaching content from renowned experts like Dr. Karyn Purvis, Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, Mona Delahooke, The Empowered to Connect Team and more!

On today's episode of the Empowered to Connect podcast, we delve into the inspiring parenting journey of Mike and Kristin Berry, the founders of The Honestly Adoption Company.In this heartfelt conversation, Mike and Kristin share their personal experiences as adoptive parents, opening up about the challenges, joys, and transformative moments they encountered along the way. With their unique blend of vulnerability, wisdom, and humor, they provide invaluable insights into the world of adoption and foster care, offering encouragement and practical strategies for families navigating similar paths. Hear Mike and Kristin tell the story of the origins of The Honestly Adoption Company, a caregiving resource creator and community dedicated to equipping and empowering adoptive and foster parents. Hear how Mike and Kristin's own journey inspired them to create this powerful platform, providing a wealth of resources, training, and support to families worldwide. No matter where you are in your parenting journey, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped to walk the road to connection and attachment with the kiddos in your life. Mike and Kristin share their hard-earned wisdom, reminding us that love, connection, and resilience can truly transform lives.Don't miss out on this incredible conversation! Join us and listen to Mike and Kristin Berry on the Empowered to Connect podcast. For more information about how to follow the Berry's, their work and resources, visit honestlyadoption.com. To check out the link Mike referenced, check it out here: http://honestlyadoption.com/gettrauma101 To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on Facebook and Instagram and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for hundreds of hours of valuable teaching content from renowned experts like Dr. Karyn Purvis, Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, Mona Delahooke, The Empowered to Connect Team and more!

Prepare for a remarkable episode of the Empowered to Connect podcast as we explore the transformative pages of Aundi Kolber's book, "Strong Like Water." This captivating work not only acknowledges the courage it takes to survive but also equips readers with practical tools to transition from mere coping to embodying true strength.In "Strong Like Water," Aundi Kolber's voice rises like a wise and gentle guide, resonating with those navigating their own deep waters. With profound insight and compassion, she calls forth your inner strength and resilience. Join us as we dive into "Strong Like Water" and uncover the transformative wisdom it holds. Aundi's practical tools and heartfelt guidance will empower you to rise above, embracing your own resilience and gaining the embodied strength needed to navigate life's journey. Don't miss this inspiring conversation as we explore the transformative power of Aundi Kolber's "Strong Like Water." You can find Aundi online @AundiKolber on Instagram and you can buy her book on any major platform (though a local bookstore would be preferable)!

Today on the Empowered to Connect podcast, we are joined by Becca McKay and Tori Hope Petersen as they share their personal stories of how Mother's Day can be a difficult and painful experience for them. Both Becca and Tori have experienced significant grief and loss related to their childhood mothers, and in this conversation, they courageously open up about the complexities of navigating this holiday as adults who have been impacted by trauma, adversity, grief and loss - some of which has occurred ON Mother's Day for them. Tori, who is the author of the book "Fostered," shares her journey of growing up in the foster care system and the many ways in which this has shaped her understanding of motherhood. Becca, who is also an advocate for foster care and adoption, speaks candidly about her own experiences of loss and how these have impacted her and the way she interacts with everyone in her life. Together, Becca and Tori offer a unique perspective on the challenges that come with Mother's Day, and they provide valuable insights into how individuals and communities can support those who may be struggling during this time. Whether you have a personal connection to grief and loss, the foster care system or are simply looking to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of Mother's Day, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we explore this important topic with two incredible women who have truly lived it.

We've got a great one for you today! In today's episode, we are thrilled to have Lucinda Miles as our guest. Lucinda a TBRI Practitioner with Volunteers for Youth Justice in Shreveport, LA, where she is bringing life-changing TBRI training to the juvenile justice system and incarcerated individuals. Lucinda's work is focused on bringing hope and healing to those who have experienced trauma and adversity. Through her innovative approach, she is empowering families involved in the juvenile justice system and incarcerated individuals to heal from their past and build a better future. Her work is not only transforming the lives of those she serves, but it's also changing the face of the criminal justice system in Shreveport. Hear Lucinda tell the story of Judge David Matlock, who, after learning about trauma and the brain completely transformed his courtroom to be trauma-responsive and the stories are astounding. Join us as we hear from Lucinda about her work with Volunteers for Youth Justice, the impact of TBRI training, and the inspiring stories of transformation she has witnessed. This is a must-listen episode for anyone who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and get ready to be inspired! To learn more about Volunteers for Youth Justice, check out their work here! To learn more about ETC, follow our Youtube Channel, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram!

Well. In some seasons of parenting, staying in the good work feels impossible. Maybe impossible is the wrong word, maybe hopeless or 'not worth it' is a better way of expressing it. In all reality, we believe every hard season hits in different ways for different people and their contexts. So what do we do when we reach one of those places? How do we muster up the strength to continue? I have great news - you don't have to figure it out alone. Today Mo and Tona Ottinger join us to share some wisdom they've gained and experiences they've had in their 20+ years of parenting. Please just know that this road was NOT intended to be walked alone - more details today in a brand new episode of the Empowered to Connect Podcast! To learn more about ETC, follow our Youtube Channel, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram!

Today we take an exclusive look at one of Dr. Karyn Purvis' most helpful parenting strategies with Jesse Faris and Becca McKay. In this episode, we delve into a never-before-seen clip with the late Dr. Karyn Purvis, where she shares invaluable insights on how to manage anger and build trust with our kids. Join us for a deep dive conversation on the power of trust-based parenting and its potential to transform children AND adults. To watch the video before listening, check it out on our YouTube Channel! To learn more about ETC, follow our Youtube Channel, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram!

We are so excited to share a never-before-seen clip of Dr. Karyn Purvis teaching today. Our team has been on pins and needles waiting to release several new videos of Karyn, so we wanted to hop on an episode today to take the content she shares with us in the video deeper! We've all experienced moments of over-responding as parents. How do we ensure that we aren't going to send our children further into dysregulation when conflict arises? What is the ultimate goal of parenting in moments when children are dysregulated? Dr. Karyn Purvis helps us find the answers in this clip, ETC's own Jesse Faris and Becca McKay help break down how we apply it in our daily lives in the podcast. To watch the video before listening to the show today, check it out here! To learn more about ETC, follow our Youtube Channel, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram!

Recurring guests Lisa Qualls and Melissa Corkum, whom you may know from their work at The Adoption Connection, are no stranger to blocked care. They joined us in episode 100 to talk Compassion Fatigue and introduce the idea of blocked care and are back today to tell us about their new book: Compassion Fatigue: Overcoming Blocked Care with Neuroscience and Faith. Melissa and Lisa explain what blocked care is and how to reclaim compassion and hope in your parenting when it feels impossible. You can access the assessment they mention on their website here as well as checking out the adoption connection podcast and the litany of resources available there. To learn more about ETC, follow our Youtube Channel, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram!

As our good friend Robyn Gobbel shared with us back in episode 25, there really is no such thing as self regulation (without co regulation as a precursor)...so forgive us for the double meaning in the title, but today we talk about the role parents play in their child's self regulation learning process. Spoiler alert - it's a big role and it hinges on parents being fully present AND aware of how to self regulate on their own. Have no fear, though, Jesse Faris and Becca McKay joined us to talk all about that process, share some stories of triumph AND failure as well as leave with some practical steps that can help you in that process no matter where you are in it. If you've been having a tough time with meltdowns and "you're too old for this" kind of behaviors, this is your episode (and none of us are ever too old for big emotions, by the way)! To learn more about Empowered to Connect, visit us on our website, find us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram or check out all of our podcast episodes and video resources on YouTube!

What do I do when I meet resistance to this style of parenting? For many of us, when we make the change to parent in a more connected, attachment-centered way, it can be a jarring change to those around us. For many people, there is never a second thought about continuing in the parenting style and practices they were raised in. For lots of us, however, parenting in the style we were raised in presented major complications, especially when met with kiddos who have experienced early trauma, stress or adversity in life. Becca McKay and host JD Wilson sat down to talk about how to navigate the resistance many of us face in this way of parenting. We address everything from "Isn't it permissive parenting?" to "that's not how we raise our kids" to "I'm trauma informed, I watched a slideshow on trauma the other day." If you're needing a reminder of why we do things the way we do, or you just need to know how to handle the questions that come as a result, today's your episode! Lastly - Big News! Applications to become a Cultivate Connection Facilitator CLOSE ON THURSDAY, MARCH 23rd!! We are taking applications now for our May - July Facilitator training and we'd love for YOU to be a part of it. We deeply believe that this content, taught peer-to-peer, in communities, transforms those communities. Want to help nurture and build a supportive community of trauma-informed parents? Here is your chance. Head to empoweredtoconnect.org and apply NOW for our next round of Facilitator training. Training begins online in May and wraps up with 3 incredible days in Memphis, Tennessee with the ETC Team. If you, or someone you know, needs to be bringing this content to your community, apply now on our website! To learn more about Empowered to Connect, visit us on our website, find us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram or check out all of our podcast episodes and video resources on YouTube!

As the War in Ukraine passes the one year anniversary of its' bloody start, we sat down with 3 very special individuals who have been on the front lines of caring for the Ukrainian people. Part 3 of our series features our friend Raya Shelashska. Raya is a Ukrainian, a PhD Student at the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development (KPICD) and a mom working to begin bringing hope and healing to her country's people. She talks with us about life in Ukraine, what family and friends are facing in major cities like Kiev as well as small villages being targeted by Russian shells daily. Raya also shares her vision for helping bring therapeutic, trauma-informed care to families and individuals in post-war Ukraine and her thoughts on why Ukrainians are SO inherently resilient. To learn more about Empowered to Connect, visit us on our website, find us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram or check out all of our podcast episodes and video resources on YouTube!

As the War in Ukraine passes the one year anniversary of its' bloody start, we sat down with 3 very special individuals who have been on the front lines of caring for the Ukrainian people. Madison and Yuriy Perekotiy, missionaries to Ukraine, are stateside at the moment helping bring awareness to the acute needs on the ground of families and individuals in crisis. As a Ukrainian national, Yuriy explains the history of Ukraine and why its' people are so resilient. He and his wife, Madison, an American, share their stories of relief efforts in the war and why Ukrainian people are so resilient here in part 2. To learn more about Empowered to Connect, visit us on our website, find us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram or check out all of our podcast episodes and video resources on YouTube!

As the War in Ukraine passes the one year anniversary of its' bloody start, we sat down with 3 very special individuals who have been on the front lines of caring for the Ukrainian people. Madison and Yuriy Perekotiy, missionaries to Ukraine, are stateside at the moment helping bring awareness to the acute needs on the ground of families and individuals in crisis. As a Ukrainian national, Yuriy explains the history of Ukraine and why its' people are so resilient. He and his wife, Madison, an American, share their story of foster care, mission work and war relief efforts in part 1 of our series here. To learn more about Empowered to Connect, visit us on our website, find us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram or check out all of our podcast episodes and video resources on YouTube!

Today we bring on two therapists we love dearly to talk about transracial adoption. Why did we bring these two therapists to talk about this topic? Glad you asked! Anteelah and Teressa currently lead a therapeutic support group for transracial adoptive parents at the Memphis Family Connection Center. As we've caught wind of what is happening in that group, we wanted to give their work and their wisdom a broader audience. Teressa and Anteelah talk about everything from what has been the most common themes emerging from their group, how they advocate for parents talking about race with their kids and so much more - don't miss this episode! To learn more about Empowered to Connect, visit us on our website, find us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram or check out all of our podcast episodes and video resources on YouTube!

Is meal time a source of constant stress in your house? Have you wondered why your kids just can't bring themselves to try a certain food or texture? This can seem small on the surface, but often we forget that eating is one of the very few activities in life that involves all five senses. Today we wanted to bring in an Occupational Therapist and Speech Pathologist to walk us through an intro into the world of feeding and food issues. Courtney Mitchell and Katherine Byrd work at the Memphis Family Connection Center and walk us through not just WHY kids sometimes struggle but also how to begin walking through this struggle with them. Also - WE HAVE SOME BIG NEWS! As you know if you're a regular listener, we empower Facilitators to take our parenting course, Cultivate Connection to their local communities. We are so grateful and proud of the work our Facilitators are doing to provide life on life support for parents near them. Over the years, MANY of you have reached out asking for a course online, especially those of you who do not have a Facilitator near you. First, a reminder: We've currently got an opportunity to sign up to become a Cultivate Connection Facilitator, so check our website for those details if YOU want to become part of our growing network! We'd love to consider your application! If you are wanting to take the class, however, and for whatever reason the opportunities available haven't worked out for you - WE ARE OFFERING CULTIVATE CONNECTION ONLINE for the first time ever!!!!! As a special limited time offer, YOU as an ETC Podcast Listener get 20% off with the Code ETCPOD-23 . SIGN UP FOR OUR ONLINE COURSE TODAY if the dates and times line up with your schedule! This class will be LIVE not recorded, and it starts Sunday, March 12th! Again, that's ETCPOD-23 for 20% off the parenting course! We'd love to see you there!

Do you have siblings who seem to be in conflict constantly in your home? Good, none of us do either! For the people who DO have sibling conflict happening often, this episode is for you! While we joke, the reality is, when dealing with consistent sibling fighting/conflict, it can feel like there's no end in sight. That's why we brought Dr. Matt Smith and Therapist Lauren Wantz on to discuss how to approach this type of issue. While there's no quick fix or instant solution, the great news is that there is a lot to examine and try when it comes to addressing sibling issues. Dr. Smith and Lauren give us an inside look at what could be happening philosophically as well as some very practical tips and tools for you to have at your disposal as you address these issues going forward! Also - WE HAVE SOME BIG NEWS! As you know if you're a regular listener, we empower Facilitators to take our parenting course, Cultivate Connection to their local communities. We are so grateful and proud of the work our Facilitators are doing to provide life on life support for parents near them. Over the years, MANY of you have reached out asking for a course online, especially those of you who do not have a Facilitator near you. First, a reminder: We've currently got an opportunity to sign up to become a Cultivate Connection Facilitator, so check our website for those details if YOU want to become part of our growing network! We'd love to consider your application! If you are wanting to take the class, however, and for whatever reason the opportunities available haven't worked out for you - WE ARE OFFERING CULTIVATE CONNECTION ONLINE for the first time ever!!!!! As a special limited time offer, YOU as an ETC Podcast Listener get 20% off with the Code ETCPOD-23 . SIGN UP FOR OUR ONLINE COURSE TODAY if the dates and times line up with your schedule! This class will be LIVE not recorded, and it starts Sunday, March 12th! Again, that's ETCPOD-23 for 20% off the parenting course! We'd love to see you there!

It's a problem. My child is constantly using manipulation and control to get whatever they want and I don't know how to stop it. In our most watched YouTube video in our channel's HISTORY, Dr. Karyn Purvis reminds us that this narrative is WRONG. What if your child is not a 'bad kid' who is manipulative and controlling? What if your child has endured some early trauma, stress and adversity and these strategies are survival strategies, not problematic patterns? Join Tona Ottinger, Becca McKay and host JD Wilson as we take a deep dive into Dr. Purvis' framework for how to handle manipulation and control. You'll leave with some practical philosophies and practices to transform your view of your child and help them negotiate their needs in a healthy, connected way! Also - WE HAVE SOME BIG NEWS! As you know if you're a regular listener, we empower Facilitators to take our parenting course, Cultivate Connection to their local communities. We are so grateful and proud of the work our Facilitators are doing to provide life on life support for parents near them. Over the years, MANY of you have reached out asking for a course online, especially those of you who do not have a Facilitator near you. First, a reminder: We've currently got an opportunity to sign up to become a Cultivate Connection Facilitator, so check our website for those details if YOU want to become part of our growing network! We'd love to consider your application! If you are wanting to take the class, however, and for whatever reason the opportunities available haven't worked out for you - WE ARE OFFERING CULTIVATE CONNECTION ONLINE for the first time ever!!!!! As a special limited time offer, YOU as an ETC Podcast Listener get 20% off with the Code ETCPOD-23 . SIGN UP FOR OUR ONLINE COURSE TODAY if the dates and times line up with your schedule! This class will be LIVE not recorded, and it starts Sunday, March 12th! Again, that's ETCPOD-23 for 20% off the parenting course! We'd love to see you there!

It's time to talk about sleep issues. Admittedly, this is one of the toughest aspects of parenting to tackle. There are SO many variables and SO few universal practices, it can be hard to know where to start when you or a kiddo are struggling to sleep. We brought in speech therapist Annie Cornell and occupational therapist Luz Wolf for just that reason today! Annie is a single foster mama and Speech Therapist at the Memphis Family Connection Center and Luz Wolf is an Occupational Therapist with 20+ years of experience. They talk with us about why sleep can be so difficult to tackle and what may be happening emotionally and in the body at bedtime, preventing sleep. Tona Ottinger also joins us to talk about the complications that enter the picture when your babies have experienced trauma, adversity and early stress in life. The CDC Sleep Stage Chart that Luz references can be found here and the American Academy of Pediatrics Resource page she listed can be found here. Lastly - Big News! Applications to become a Cultivate Connection Facilitator are open now! We are taking applications now for our May - July Facilitator training and we'd love for YOU to be a part of it. We deeply believe that this content, taught peer-to-peer, in communities, transforms those communities. Want to help nurture and build a supportive community of trauma-informed parents? Here is your chance. Head to empoweredtoconnect.org and apply NOW for our next round of Facilitator training. Training begins online in May and wraps up with 3 incredible days in Memphis, Tennessee with the ETC Team. If you, or someone you know, needs to be bringing this content to your community, apply now on our website!

Part of the late Dr. Karyn Purvis' brilliance was teaching people to see beyond what was right in front of them. What's going on behind these behaviors? Today, we take a deep dive into one of our most watched teaching clips on our YouTube Channel from Dr. Purvis. In this video, she asks 'How Do I Handle Lying?' and with the help of ETC Co-Founder Michael Monroe, helps us to understand the issue while giving some practical supports as we address lying in our homes. Tona Ottinger and Becca McKay join us to do some group therapy and go beyond the video to unpack the strategies and supports given by Dr. Purvis and Michael. Want more on the topic? Check out our episode with Robyn Gobbel on lying here: https://youtu.be/5Mx2Ye7J508 Lastly - Big News! Applications to become a Cultivate Connection Facilitator are open now! We are taking applications now for our May - July Facilitator training and we'd love for YOU to be a part of it. We deeply believe that this content, taught peer-to-peer, in communities, transforms those communities. Want to help nurture and build a supportive community of trauma-informed parents? Here is your chance. Head to empoweredtoconnect.org and apply NOW for our next round of Facilitator training. Training begins online in May and wraps up with 3 incredible days in Memphis, Tennessee with the ETC Team. If you, or someone you know, needs to be bringing this content to your community, apply now on our website!

Anxiety is a hot button issue these days - but what is it, really? Glad you asked - we brought two amazing therapists, Jill Stockburger and Teressa Davis, to dive into all things anxiety and share how you can support your kids, your peers and yourself when you feel anxiety creeping in. We talk about when to think about professional help, practical tools for battling anxiety and so much more in today's episode! To learn more about Empowered to Connect, visit us on our website, find us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram or check out all of our podcast episodes and video resources on YouTube!

ADHD has been a hot button topic in the parenting world for years - what is it? How do we support our kids living with ADHD and how do I know if we should use medication? Are there ways I can support my kids with ADHD outside of medication? All of these questions are hard to navigate as parents. That's why we decided to bring in Dr. Matt Smith, Clinical Director of Counseling at Memphis Family Connection Center to help us walk through all of these questions. Check out one of the resources Matt mentioned here: https://www.additudemag.com/ To learn more about Empowered to Connect, visit us on our website, find us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram or check out all of our podcast episodes and video resources on YouTube!

Occupational Therapist Marti Smith didn't set out to be what she is today. In fact, all she was trying to do was help kids - but mentors Bruce Perry and Karyn Purvis had other plans! In today's episode hear how Marti's professional work and personal passions collided and formed an opportunity she wouldn't have dreamed of. Marti is an occupational therapist, author, speaker and so much more! She joins us to tell the story of first getting connected to Bruce Perry and Karyn Purvis, how her work with the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development has transformed her private practice and what she's working on now to help therapists everywhere collaborate in trauma informed work. To learn more about Empowered to Connect, visit us on our website, find us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram or check out all of our podcast episodes and video resources on YouTube!

In case you didn't know, for nearly all of us reading this, the holiday season is in full swing. For those of you who feel the fearful holiday twitch coming on, don't worry - we're here to help you out! Mo and Tona Ottinger join us today to talk about the imporance of making memories and the role the brain and our sensory systems have to play in that process. It is a fascinating conversation and one that is a necessity for all parents! To read the article that Mo referenced in the podcast, click here! To learn more about Empowered to Connect, visit us on our website, find us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram or check out all of our podcast episodes and video resources on YouTube!

Well it's THAT time of year again - traveling, decorating, celebrating and freaking out because you're not sure how Aunt so and so will do when one of your kids needs a minute to calm down. Fear not! We've talked about this before and are replaying one of our most helpful holiday episodes to help you navigate this season! Today we joined forces with ETC Parent Trainer Jesse Faris and Tona Ottinger to talk about how to prepare for the holidays before, during and after your interactions with family. Have no idea how to prep for meltdowns? Wondering how your kids are processing their time together? We've got you covered. We've also linked a blog here below that was written a few years ago (pre-Covid) that could be some help as well - check it out! https://empoweredtoconnect.org/tis-the-season/ To learn more about Empowered to Connect, visit us on our website, find us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram or check out all of our podcast episodes and video resources on YouTube!

We have a special gift for you today as we head into December - our first ever ETC Podcast Mini-Series! A surprising connection to ETC's own Tona Ottinger led us to booking Brad Ewell as a podcast guest. When we sat down to talk, his story was so unbelievable, we decided the only way to capture it all was in the form of a five-part series. A Texas Police Officer minding his own business, Brad got a Facebook message at age 48 that completely changed his life. As he pulled the threads of his own life story, even he couldn't have predicted the twists and turns that emerged. This Episode is the finale, Part 5: Life Without Parole? Wanna talk more about this series and all things parenting? Want to find a community of likeminded peers with no judgment or shame? Join our new, free online ETC Podcast Community here! #family #familysecrets #adoption #podcast #empoweredtoconnect #latediscoveryadoptee #nonpaternityevent #mpe #npe #ancestrydna #domesticadoption #adoptionjourney

We have a special gift for you today as we head into December - our first ever ETC Podcast Mini-Series! A surprising connection to ETC's own Tona Ottinger led us to booking Brad Ewell as a podcast guest. When we sat down to talk, his story was so unbelievable, we decided the only way to capture it all was in the form of a five-part series. A Texas Police Officer minding his own business, Brad got a Facebook message at age 48 that completely changed his life. As he pulled the threads of his own life story, even he couldn't have predicted the twists and turns that emerged. This Episode is Part 4: Pop Wanna talk more about this series and all things parenting? Want to find a community of likeminded peers with no judgment or shame? Join our new, free online ETC Podcast Community here! #family #familysecrets #adoption #podcast #empoweredtoconnect #latediscoveryadoptee #nonpaternityevent #mpe #npe #ancestrydna #domesticadoption #adoptionjourney

We have a special gift for you today as we head into December - our first ever ETC Podcast Mini-Series! A surprising connection to ETC's own Tona Ottinger led us to booking Brad Ewell as a podcast guest. When we sat down to talk, his story was so unbelievable, we decided the only way to capture it all was in the form of a five-part series. A Texas Police Officer minding his own business, Brad got a Facebook message at age 48 that completely changed his life. As he pulled the threads of his own life story, even he couldn't have predicted the twists and turns that emerged. This Episode is Part 3: Family Ties Wanna talk more about this series and all things parenting? Want to find a community of likeminded peers with no judgment or shame? Join our new, free online ETC Podcast Community here! #family #familysecrets #adoption #podcast #empoweredtoconnect #latediscoveryadoptee #nonpaternityevent #mpe #npe #ancestrydna #domesticadoption #adoptionjourney

We have a special gift for you today as we head into December - our first ever ETC Podcast Mini-Series! A surprising connection to ETC's own Tona Ottinger led us to booking Brad Ewell as a podcast guest. When we sat down to talk, his story was so unbelievable, we decided the only way to capture it all was in the form of a five-part series. A Texas Police Officer minding his own business, Brad got a Facebook message at age 48 that completely changed his life. As he pulled the threads of his own life story, even he couldn't have predicted the twists and turns that emerged. This Episode is Part 2: Family Lies Wanna talk more about this series and all things parenting? Want to find a community of likeminded peers with no judgment or shame? Join our new, free online ETC Podcast Community here! #family #familysecrets #adoption #podcast #empoweredtoconnect #latediscoveryadoptee #nonpaternityevent #mpe #npe #ancestrydna #domesticadoption #adoptionjourney

We have a special gift for you today as we head into December - our first ever ETC Podcast Mini-Series! A surprising connection to ETC's own Tona Ottinger led us to booking Brad Ewell as a podcast guest. When we sat down to talk, his story was so unbelievable, we decided the only way to capture it all was in the form of a five-part series. A Texas Police Officer minding his own business, Brad got a Facebook message at age 48 that completely changed his life. As he pulled the threads of his own life story, even he couldn't have predicted the twists and turns that emerged. This Episode is Part 1: Ancestry.com Wanna talk more about this series and all things parenting? Want to find a community of likeminded peers with no judgment or shame? Join our new, free online ETC Podcast Community here! #family #familysecrets #adoption #podcast #empoweredtoconnect #latediscoveryadoptee #nonpaternityevent #mpe #npe #ancestrydna #domesticadoption #adoptionjourney

Natalie Bergstrasser is a Cultivate Connection Facilitator, Social Worker, Mom and more. She experienced the foster care system from the inside as a biological child in a foster family and then later as a child in the foster care system. She now is working from multiple angles to affect change in the system and make sure that children and families have what they need to thrive and you're going to love hearing from her! Natalie is brilliant, thoughtful and the kind of person everybody wants on their team - tune in to hear why! To learn more about Empowered to Connect, visit us on our website, find us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram or check out all of our podcast episodes and video resources on YouTube!

We're joined today by one of our favorite guests of all time - Carissa Woodwyk is a licensed professional therapist, mom, adoptee advocate and adult adoptee herself (among lots of other things). 10 years ago Carissa took the stage at the Created for Care Conference and sparked a complex conversation about the many nuanced sides of the adoption conversation. Carissa speaks often of the "both and" within adoption and unpacks that thought and so many more with us today. To learn more about Empowered to Connect, visit us on our website, find us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram or check out all of our podcast episodes and video resources on YouTube!

We are throwing it back to one of our most impactful episodes of the year for this moment. It's National Adoption Awareness Month and the perfect time to revisit this conversation between a Birth Mother (Ashley Mitchell), Adoptee (Carissa Woodwyk) and Adoptive Mother (Tona Ottinger). What if instead of being separated into our corners of the triad focusing on what makes us different we found ourselves drawn together through our similarities? Join us on this episode where Tona is joined by her dear friends Carissa Woodwyk and Ashley Mitchell. Together they represent the three parts of the adoption triad in all of its brokenness, beauty, pain and possibility. This conversation is courageous, bold, heartfelt, and raw as it invites us to reimagine moving TOGETHER towards connection, hope, healing and wholeness. To learn more about Empowered to Connect, visit us on our website, find us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram or check out all of our podcast episodes and video resources on YouTube!

Remember that social media post you made years ago? The one that just popped up in your timehop or Facebook memories and reminded you of just how ignorant you USED TO be? We all have those posts and today on the show we have a brilliant guest to remind us that we can celebrate the gift of growing, learning and changing perspectives. Ashley Mitchell, or @bigtoughgirl as she's known on Instagram, is a leader in the adoption advocacy space and a fierce defender of birth mothers in the adoption constellation (or 'triad' - more on that in today's episode), of which she is one herself. Today, Ashley joins us to share about the incredible work being done in a variety of sectors in the adoption world, how she's working to bring an end to human trafficking of adoptees and so, so much more. To learn more about ETC, follow our Youtube Channel, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram!

Ok we admit - the title is a little 'click-baity', but don't we all want the secrets to caring for our tweens and teens without losing our minds!? We brought Scott Watters from Arms of Hope in today to tell us how we can do that and let me tell you - he did not disappoint! Over the years Scott has worked with Arms of Hope but also with our great friends at the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development as a TBRI mentor and he brings a refreshing, thoughtful and experienced voice to the show to help us all have hope that we can parent through these teen years while still building connection with our kids. To learn more about ETC, follow our Youtube Channel, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram!

Sheila Wise Rowe is a brilliant author, speaker, thinker and guest on today's episode! She is the author of two incredible books: Healing Racial Trauma: The Road to Resilience and Young, Gifted and Black, a Journey of Lament and Celebration (both incredible books that you should add to your library right now). Sheila joins us to define racial trauma and speaks to how we need to understand racial trauma in our own history as parents before we can lead our children to healing. We cover a LOT in this episode and whether it's talking about her own experience being part of bussing integration efforts in Boston or giving advice to transracial adoptive families, you won't want to miss what Sheila brings to the episode today! To learn more about ETC, follow our Youtube Channel, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram!

We hear people talk about doing 'the work' all the time. In different contexts, it holds different meanings, but generally, this phrase refers to the work needed that cannot be substituted. Today, we add to our conversation about attachment from a parenting standpoint to discuss what it means and how to begin doing 'the work' as parents. To hear our episode on Attachment with Dr. Jamie DeLuna, listen here, To hear our episode on Attachment and Attachment Styles with Dr. Casey Call, listen here and as always, to check us out on YouTube, head to our channel!

Our latest animated video helping explain attachment cycles is live on YouTube and it got us thinking about something. For all of us here at ETC, learning about attachment theory and the attachment styles was a game changer. We all know that when it comes to parenting, there's no miracle button that makes everything easy - there are, however, pieces of information that make a radical difference in how we parent. This is one of those topics. Becca McKay, Tona Ottinger and JD Wilson discuss the personal and parenting implications for their own lives once they began learning about the attachment cycle and attachment styles. To hear our episode on Attachment with Dr. Jamie DeLuna, listen here, To hear our episode on Attachment and Attachment Styles with Dr. Casey Call, listen here and as always, to check us out on YouTube, head to our channel!