022 - Intensity and Attachement in Adoptive and Foster Families - With Angie Grandt

Welcome back to "Parenting the Intensity!"

November is adoption month and this week on the podcast we are welcoming Angie Grandt. Angie is not only a dedicated bio and adoptive mom but also an adoption coach, speech therapist, and former foster mom who has worked in the autism field. Together, they dive deep into the emotional journey of parenting intense children, particularly those who have experienced trauma and disrupted attachment. Angie shares her own personal experiences and offers valuable insights and strategies for creating a safe and supportive environment for these unique children. Join us as we delve into the complexities, fears, and joys of parenting intense kids and gain tools to build strong attachments and navigate the emotional rollercoaster.

Although almost all we are taking about today can apply to any emotionally intense kids so I encourage you to listen anyway!

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

1️⃣ Respond vs. React: Angie emphasized the importance of responding to our children's needs, rather than reacting to their behaviors. By maintaining a calm and focused mindset, we can create a safe and supportive environment for our kids, regardless of their background or challenges. This approach fosters strong attachments and helps children feel loved and secure.

2️⃣ Shifting Perspectives: As parents, it's natural to have doubts and fears, especially in the case of adoptive or foster parents. Angie shared her own struggles with feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty. However, by working on our mindset and believing in our ability to create the family we envision, we can overcome these challenges and provide the love and support our children need.

3️⃣ Seek Support: Parenting emotionally intense children can be overwhelming, but we don't have to face it alone. Angie encourages parents to seek support from coaches, therapists, and communities like her Facebook group, Connected Parents with Angie. By connecting with others who understand their unique journey, parents can gain valuable insights, tools, and resources to thrive in their role.

If you're a parent facing the challenges of parenting emotionally intense children, I highly recommend tuning into this episode. Angie's wisdom and personal experience will inspire and empower you on your parenting journey. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review!

"Respond to your child as if the goal of your ideal relationship is already achieved instead of responding to the behavior."

"I can be happy no matter what"

Where to find Angie

Website Connected Parents with Angie

Facebook Group

Instagram

Show notes and transcript of the episode over here

Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for future episodes and leave a rating and review, that helps us get in front of more parents. Don't forget to check out the resources mentioned on our website at www.parentingtheintensity.ca

Join the "Parenting the Intensity Community" to find the right things that works for YOUR child and adapt them to YOUR reality.

To be able to enjoy your life and kids, not always being afraid of the next outburst

Take a deep breath, keep going, we’re all in this together!

Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay