Experiencing miscarriage can be a traumatic and stressful experience. Preparing for a child then suddenly grieving his/her loss can seem insurmountable. Some will choose pregnancy again right away, and some will want to wait. Regardless of timing, getting pregnant again can lead to a number of emotions and concerns. Physically For many women, they are more fertile right … [Read more...] about Pregnancy After Miscarriage
Love
How to Talk to Kids about Drugs and Alcohol
It can be awkward to talk to kids about drugs and alcohol. You donât want to mess up their innocence. You might be afraid that if they know about these things, theyâll be more likely to try them. The opposite is actually trueâchildren who are informed are less likely to experiment with and less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. It is one of those difficult but necessary … [Read more...] about How to Talk to Kids about Drugs and Alcohol
Getting Help with Substance Abuse: Drugs and Alcohol
Many people experience depression, anxiety, emotional and/or physical pain and a host of other mental health struggles. Coping with these is not easy, and without a support system, many can turn to substance use to manage the pain. Use can lead to abuse, a condition that without treatment, can put lives at stake. So how do you know when to get help? According … [Read more...] about Getting Help with Substance Abuse: Drugs and Alcohol
6 Tips for Setting Boundaries During the Holidays
Your mental health is important, regardless of the time of year. An important part of self-care is knowing your limits and staying within them. Itâs okay to say âno,â if someone asks too much from you even when Santaâs on his way. Care for yourself and others by respecting boundaries this holiday season. Boundaries are there to help relationships grow and keep everyone … [Read more...] about 6 Tips for Setting Boundaries During the Holidays
Best Resources Regarding Adoption
Adoption is a choice that must be considered in depth, with regard to what is best for birthparents, adoptive parents, and children. Whether closed, semi-open, or open adoption is the best choice for your family, contact a qualified adoption agency. For further support, please look at these links: For birthmothers: On Your Feet Foundation is a group dedicated to empowering … [Read more...] about Best Resources Regarding Adoption
What is Semi-Open Adoption?
There are several good options when it comes to adoption. If you are not comfortable with either a closed or an open adoption, you may consider choosing a semi-open adoption. Semi-open adoptions allow birthparents to maintain contact with their child through a mediator, thus maintaining the privacy of both the birthparents and the adoptive family. This relationship allows for … [Read more...] about What is Semi-Open Adoption?
Pros and Cons of Open Adoption
When it comes to adoption, you have options. While in the past, closed adoptions were a popular method, today, open and semi-open adoptions are more and more common. For birthmothers or birthfathers who do not want the complete separation a closed adoption would bring, open adoption might be the best path. Open adoptions allow birthparents to maintain contact with their childâs … [Read more...] about Pros and Cons of Open Adoption
What You Need to Know About Closed Adoption
Adoption is a choice often offered if a mother cannot care for her baby in the way she desires to. Many adoptions are open or semi-open and those are good and legitimate choices. But if a mother decides that the best thing for her child would be complete separation, closed adoption might be the best option. This is a difficult decision, with many facets, and there can be no … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know About Closed Adoption
What to do if You are Stalked
Living in fear of another person potentially harming you (or your children) can cause an enormous amount of stress and disrupt your life. But how do you know when the fear is caused by the criminal act of stalking? According to the Victim Connect Center, a program of the Office for Victims of Crimes, stalking is a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would … [Read more...] about What to do if You are Stalked
50 Free Winter Activity Ideas
Winter. Itâs cold. The kids are home for the holidays or for snow days. You might be at a loss to figure out what to do with them that is affordable and fun. Here we have a list of 50 ideas of free or cheap activities for kids. Some of these activities are outdoors, so please keep our tips for keeping safe outside in mind. Snowball fightMake snow angelsMake a snowmanGo … [Read more...] about 50 Free Winter Activity Ideas
Helping Dad Balance Work and Being a Parent
Editorâs Note: We know that there are many different types of families, including those headed by a single parent, partnered parents, multigenerational households, etc. This article specifically addresses married, mother-father couples. Balancing parenting and work is no easy feat. Understandably, itâs a responsibility that many fathers juggle with. However, when handled … [Read more...] about Helping Dad Balance Work and Being a Parent
Common Adoption Myths Debunked
When it comes to adoption, there are several myths that the average person might mistakenly believe. Although this list is not exhaustive, here are some myths surrounding adoption and the truth to clarify them all: 1. Adoption takes years and years to complete. While there are several factors that play into the timeline of each adoption process, the truth is, 70% of U.S. … [Read more...] about Common Adoption Myths Debunked
6 Tips for Patient Parenting
Patience is hard. We know in our heads that it's the right thing, but itâs hard to incorporate the attribute in our daily actions, especially with our children. With our patience getting tested every day, how can we make sure that it ânever runs out?â How do we create a habit of choosing patience instead of a short temper? Here are 6 tips that can help lead you into becoming a … [Read more...] about 6 Tips for Patient Parenting
What Is Gentle Parenting?
You may have heard of âgentle parentingâ before. You might have heard people making fun of it or praising it. But what exactly is it? Itâs a philosophy of parenting that focuses on encouraging independence and a close relationship between the parent and child. The basis of gentle parenting is to work on building relationships, having the kind of relationship with your child … [Read more...] about What Is Gentle Parenting?
Track Your Pregnancy with Your App
Every moment of pregnancy contains exciting information about your baby. There are various apps out there today that make awareness of the stunning prenatal development of your baby available at your fingertips. Ten current pregnancy apps are listed in the article âMonitor Your Bump (and Enjoy the Ride!) With the 10 Best Pregnancy Apps for Parents-to-Be.â In my current … [Read more...] about Track Your Pregnancy with Your App
7 Tips on How to Talk to Your Child About Scary News
You canât watch the news without hearing about scary news. If we canât get away from the news, neither can our kids. It can be worrisome to talk to your kids about things like this when you are anxious yourself and donât have all the answers. Here is the best advice we could find from the CDC and experts: Take care of yourself. Do what you need to do to be calm for your … [Read more...] about 7 Tips on How to Talk to Your Child About Scary News
How to Lovingly Discipline Your Foster Child
Many, if not most, foster care systems forbid foster parents from using any kind of corporal punishment or any other kind of punishment (such as yelling) that is aimed at demeaning a child. Your foster child may have emotional or physical scars from punishments that she had received at her last home. This can make discipline issues hard to navigate for some parents. What can … [Read more...] about How to Lovingly Discipline Your Foster Child
How to Lovingly Discipline Teenagers
The most notorious stage after toddlerhood must be the teenager stage. Teenagers, like toddlers, are seeking independence and are working on developing the skills to handle that independence. Once again, some of the advice for earlier stages applies as well to teenagers, such as staying calm. But teenagers, as they will be happy to tell you, are also their own people. There are … [Read more...] about How to Lovingly Discipline Teenagers
How to Lovingly Discipline Elementary-Age Kids
Elementary school children are starting to spread their wings and work toward becoming the adults they one day will be, but they still need some guidance in learning what are good things to do. A lot of the advice for toddlers, funnily enough, still applies here, like staying calm and being prompt. But these older children are capable of a lot more than the toddlers, and here … [Read more...] about How to Lovingly Discipline Elementary-Age Kids
How to Lovingly Discipline Toddlers
Toddlers want to be independent, but they donât have the mental or physical capacity to do so. They have big emotions and tiny bodies that donât know how to express themselves. There are ways to discipline and help your child grow, even in this difficult stage. First and foremost, stay calm. An angry or frantic adult cannot deal well with a child who is having difficulties. … [Read more...] about How to Lovingly Discipline Toddlers
Peaceful Parenting
Recently, my parenting focus has been on discovering peaceful responses to juvenile spats. Whether your children have only seen a safe home environment or are recovering from parenting trauma, finding ways to teach self-regulation and emotional intelligence can be very challenging. Here are a few suggestions that have helped me. 1. When my children are fighting, we … [Read more...] about Peaceful Parenting
Family Law Basics
Divorce, child custody, and child support issues can be difficult and confusing. Family law issues are covered by state law. Here are some basics about these types of cases. Editorâs Note: This is general information and not legal advice. Please consult with a lawyer licensed in your state for legal advice. By Susan Schoppa, J.D. … [Read more...] about Family Law Basics
11 Ways to Communicate with Children Online
One of the most challenging things about living at a distance and social distancing in general right now is communicating with children via a screen. Small children just donât pay attention to chatting with grandparents through a screen. They donât understand not being able to touch them, and they bore easily. Here are 10 tips on how to communicate with children … [Read more...] about 11 Ways to Communicate with Children Online
How to Help a Friend Who’s Sick at Home
It is difficult not being able to see friends in person, and it can be scary when you learn that someone you know is sick at home and very infectious. You want to help, but you also donât want to fall ill yourself. Here are 7 ways you can help a friend who's sick at home, including some ideas on what you can send in a care package if you have a friend who is sick who lives a … [Read more...] about How to Help a Friend Who’s Sick at Home
Preparing to Say Goodbye to a Baby
While you are pregnant: Keep a journal.Save the positive pregnancy test.Ask for ultrasound pictures.Videotape the ultrasound.Record the babyâs heartbeat.Take pictures of your belly, or even make an imprint.Knit, sew, or buy a hat for your baby.And if you learn you are losing your baby while pregnant, knit, sew, or buy two blankets for your baby: one youâll use while your … [Read more...] about Preparing to Say Goodbye to a Baby
Tiny Babies, Big Miracles: A NICU Wonder in a Time of Coronavirus
On December 14, 2019, four months before the due date of her twin girls, Laura Freedland went to the hospital with what she thought were Braxton-Hicks contractions. Though only 22 weeks pregnant, she quickly realized she was in active labor. After 16 hours, little Vivienne entered the world 17 weeks early, weighing only 1 pound, 4 ounces. Her sister, Margot, remained in utero … [Read more...] about Tiny Babies, Big Miracles: A NICU Wonder in a Time of Coronavirus
Teaching About Race â from the Inside Out
In the midst of the Black Lives Matter uprising, the disparity between my light skin tone and my sonâs dark skin tone has never been more pronounced. I first noticed our difference when in the year of his birth, Trayvon Martin, an unarmed youth, was shot and killed. As I was reading the horrific news, my older boy walked in wearing a hoodie, as he often does, and the hood was … [Read more...] about Teaching About Race â from the Inside Out
Practical Tips When Caring for Our Elders
If you are a caretaker of an elderly person, help is here. Learn where help is available:The Administration on Aging offers many services such as fall prevention, aging and disability programs, brain, oral, and behavioral health programs, elder abuse prevention, legal assistance, and retirement planning, and has chapters in most of the U.S. Find AoA services in your area.The … [Read more...] about Practical Tips When Caring for Our Elders
Postpartum Options: Breastfeeding, Formula, and Weaning
How and what you want to feed your baby is a personal decision. You, as a mother, deserve to know all the facts of the various options without feeling ashamed or guilty about your decision. Nutritional possibilities for your babyâs first few months include breastfeeding (temporarily or long term) and formula feeding. Breastfeeding Breastfeeding is often considered … [Read more...] about Postpartum Options: Breastfeeding, Formula, and Weaning
What You Need to Know About Hospice
Cicely Saunders, the founder of the first hospice facility, St. Christopherâs Hospice in London, said to her patients, âYou matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.â Is your loved one a candidate for hospice? Just because the hospital recommended hospice for … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know About Hospice
American Indian Women and Men: Know Where to Seek Help in a Crisis
Shelter-in-place measurements to prevent the spread of COVID-19 can also increase the likelihood of women and men being trapped in domestic and/or sexual abuse situations at home. Despite the threat of the virus itself, stay-at-home orders and the suspension of community rituals and events have been attributed to a rise in domestic and sexual abuse in both rural Native … [Read more...] about American Indian Women and Men: Know Where to Seek Help in a Crisis
Find the Best Health Care (When You Canât Afford It)
Health insurance is essential â even if you feel healthy, accidents and sudden illnesses can happen. The first step has to be to check through your parents, employer, or school â wherever you can qualify for insurance now. See what they cover and donât cover. Are your pregnancy costs covered? Which pregnancy costs? Is your child covered? What will insurance cover for your … [Read more...] about Find the Best Health Care (When You Canât Afford It)
Your Guide to Guardianship and Kinship Care
Whatâs the difference between guardianship and kinship care? Guardianship is a legal process that allows a designated person to have responsibility for a child and the authority to make decisions on her or his behalf. Kinship is when the guardian is a relative or, in some cases, a close family friend. The guardian in both of these options is responsible for the well-being … [Read more...] about Your Guide to Guardianship and Kinship Care
How to Network and Build Your Personal Support System
Workers across industries know this proverb to be true: âItâs not what you know, itâs whom you know.â The key to building a great career is networking, or growing the circle of people in your field of work who can help you find a job. Although your skills and qualifications do matter, here is why networking may matter even more: Recommendations. Words on paper … [Read more...] about How to Network and Build Your Personal Support System
Dealing with Dejection
During a time of isolation, feelings of rejection heighten. If youâve dealt with a messy breakup, been abandoned, or experienced major death loss, the chaos of world events might bring you full circle to Stage 1 of grief, which you thought had passed. Add to that children in your face, fingers under the bathroom door, and tweenage attitudes about school assignments, and these … [Read more...] about Dealing with Dejection
What Do You Do When You Suspect Child Abuse?
The Mayo Clinic defines abuse as âany intentional harm or mistreatment to a child under 18 years old.â Abuse takes many forms: emotional, physical, sexual, medical and neglect. All community members are responsible for protecting the most defenseless among them. Children may not speak up and they certainly cannot protect themselves, but you can be their voice and you can … [Read more...] about What Do You Do When You Suspect Child Abuse?
8 Ways to Keep in Touch with Elderly Loved Ones When You Canât See Them in Person
The elderly, especially those with preexisting conditions (heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, respiratory issues including asthma and COPD, etc.) are at highest risk of dying from infectious disease. When they have to go into isolation, they still need regular contact with their family and friends. Here are ideas to keep up their spirits while you are separated. … [Read more...] about 8 Ways to Keep in Touch with Elderly Loved Ones When You Canât See Them in Person
14 Tips to Take Care of Your Own Mental Health
Your mental health is so important, but it can be hard to find time to take care of yourself. Luckily, you can improve your mental health even when you canât take the day off or spend time with others! Here are 12 tips to help you get through challenging times: By Clare Hettich … [Read more...] about 14 Tips to Take Care of Your Own Mental Health
16 Ideas for Stay-at-Home Dates
Watch a movie with a new snack. Pick up some weird flavor of popcorn or some other new snack and pop in a movie.Candlelight dinner for two under your own roof. Buy something special at the grocery store and put the kids to bed early. Cook it together for some extra fun.Have a game night! Break out your favorite board game or just a deck of cards and look up the instructions for … [Read more...] about 16 Ideas for Stay-at-Home Dates
50 Cheap Date Night Ideas
Dates donât have to be expensive. No rule says it has to be at a fancy restaurant or pricey theater. Any quality time spent with the one you love can be a date. Here are 50 ideas for dates that wonât break the bank: By Bethanie Ryan … [Read more...] about 50 Cheap Date Night Ideas
18 Tips for Bathing Baby
Bathing your baby is an important part of keeping him or her happy and healthy. It might seem scary at first, but with the right preparation and a little practice, youâll have this routine down. Until his or her umbilical cord falls off, itâs best to give Baby sponge baths. -dry towel -baby soap -bowl or cup -washcloths -clean diaper -change of … [Read more...] about 18 Tips for Bathing Baby
7 Tips to Ease Painful Goodbyes
Itâs always easier to say goodbye when you know your child is well cared for and you are choosing the separation for one reason or another. When Mom is going to do something fun or at least distracting, the separation seems less sharp. Itâs much harder when you are forced into that separation. The divorce culture certainly understands well how traumatic court-mandated … [Read more...] about 7 Tips to Ease Painful Goodbyes
10 Tips for Dealing with Typical Separation Anxiety
In all situations, there comes a time when separation is inevitable. Whether a death across the country or a business trip in another state mandates it, there will come a time when you have to pull the tiny fingers off of your own and step away from the leg hug so familiar to you. Some mothers have expressed to me the trauma experienced from the first morning of day care … [Read more...] about 10 Tips for Dealing with Typical Separation Anxiety
How Can Infant Massage Help You Better Bond with Your Baby?
Massages arenât just for adults anymore â just like you, your baby might enjoy a relaxing massage. Baby/infant massage consists of specific techniques and patterns for touching your baby, not too differently from adult massages. Research suggests many benefits of baby massage. Massages can lower your babyâs levels of stress hormones like cortisol, reducing fussiness, … [Read more...] about How Can Infant Massage Help You Better Bond with Your Baby?
Customize Your Relationships with Grandparents
Youâve heard it said, âCommunication is key,â and that certainly applies to getting your parents plugged in as grandparents. Talking to your parents about your needs and how they might be able to help can open opportunities for them to engage as grandparents. Some donât mind the occasional babysitting, whereas others might prefer to send you money to cover a child care … [Read more...] about Customize Your Relationships with Grandparents
What to Expect When Raising a Multiracial Child
As a white mother raising a multiracial child, I can assure you, the racial experiences for my son and me are not the sameâthat is the first lesson I learned. We are living in ever-changing times right now that have challenged us as adults and especially as parents. A spotlight has been cast on racism that is bringing to light a much-needed conversation. In the school of … [Read more...] about What to Expect When Raising a Multiracial Child
Have You Heard About Financial Abuse?
Internet usage can possibly be monitored. If you need to exit this page quickly, close the tab or click "Women Deserve Better" in the upper left corner. To delete this webpage from your browser's memory, go to your browser's settings. If you need immediate help, call The Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 911. The majority of people who are abused by their significant others … [Read more...] about Have You Heard About Financial Abuse?
What to Do If Your Child Is Bullied
Bullying has become a huge problem in schools, and every day we see its terrible consequences all over the news. Children are often reluctant to talk about it. Here are some warning signs to look for: If you suspect your child is being bullied, talk to her first. Let her know you are proud of her and you love her regardless of what happened. Give her space to express … [Read more...] about What to Do If Your Child Is Bullied
17 Ways to Include Your Child in Your Wedding
It has become more and more common for children from a previous relationship or from the couple pre-marriage to be included in weddings. On your big day, itâs completely understandable that you want children who mean so much to you to be involved. They are part of your life, too! When planning your wedding day, you will need to keep your kids in mind and how much they can … [Read more...] about 17 Ways to Include Your Child in Your Wedding
Why Friendship Matters (and How That Changes As a Parent!)
Maybe meeting your friends at the movies on a Friday night helps you relax after a tough week at work. Perhaps calling a friend after receiving difficult news provides you with the support you need to complete a semester at school. Or maybe hearing a friendâs excitement about the fact that you got into the graduate program of your choice makes you feel loved and encouraged as … [Read more...] about Why Friendship Matters (and How That Changes As a Parent!)
Why Friendship Matters (and How That Changes While Pregnant!)
According to a study from UCLA, women may not respond to stress with the popularly referred to âfight-or-flightâ mechanism, but rather, with a âtend-and-befriendâ mechanism. In other words, women typically rely on friend networks to cope with difficult situations and times of change. Finding out that youâre pregnant means that youâre about to go through a lot of changes, and … [Read more...] about Why Friendship Matters (and How That Changes While Pregnant!)
7 Reasons Why Dads Are So Important
Being a father is one of the greatest things a man can do in this life. But in America, almost one in every four households is lacking a father. This has a huge negative impact on these children who are growing up without a father to look up to. One of the biggest roles for a dad is to provide for his children. Yet, this is one of the most intimidating roles to give … [Read more...] about 7 Reasons Why Dads Are So Important
Fathers Talk About Becoming a Dad
Fatherhood is a powerful thing. There is nothing quite like knowing that there is a tiny human being who is counting on you for his or her safety, security, example, and love. We spoke to a few seasoned dads about what they wish they had known about fatherhood before becoming fathers, and what they wished their wives knew about the awesome (and sometimes daunting!) … [Read more...] about Fathers Talk About Becoming a Dad
Should YOU Become a Foster Parent?
There are over 428,000 children, on any given day, in the foster care system here in America. There is also an increasing disparity between the number of children needing foster care and the number of foster parents who are able to care for them. Fostering a child can be one of the most rewarding and beautiful decisions a person or couple will make, but it can also be one of … [Read more...] about Should YOU Become a Foster Parent?
4 Considerations for Prospective Foster Parents
Bringing a new child into your home, perhaps from less than ideal circumstances, is a serious decision. The rewards of becoming a foster parent are great: You are given the chance to unconditionally love a child who needs your care; you witness the power of love and how being in a healthy and stable family environment can change a childâs life forever. If you are considering … [Read more...] about 4 Considerations for Prospective Foster Parents
When You Need to Call for Help: Domestic Violence
Internet usage can possibly be monitored. If you need to exit this page quickly, close the tab or click "Women Deserve Better" in the upper left corner. To delete this webpage from your browser's memory, go to your browser's settings. If you need immediate help, call The Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 911. Domestic violence affects every social class, race, and ethnicity … [Read more...] about When You Need to Call for Help: Domestic Violence
8 Tips to Help Dad Be a Dad to a Newborn
Many dads can sometimes feel left out of the relationship when they see how close Mom and Baby are. It takes time and effort for dads to find ways to bond with their new baby in the early months, especially when Mom is breastfeeding well. Here are 8 tips suggested for bondingâwithout using a bottle or feeding the baby: Wear the baby (sling, carrier, wrap), which allows the … [Read more...] about 8 Tips to Help Dad Be a Dad to a Newborn
8 Tips When Choosing International Adoption
While there are many options in adoptionâdomestic, newborn, foster care, relative, etc.âperhaps the scariest can be bringing a new child into your home from a foreign country. The costs, the language barrier, the paperwork, the cultural differences, oh my! Despite the unique obstacles, people are still drawn to international adoption. Many Americans and Canadians trace … [Read more...] about 8 Tips When Choosing International Adoption
How to Tell Him Heâs Going to Be a Dad
Let Yourself Adjust to the News, Then Make a Plan Sometimes pregnancy can come as a surprise. Sometimes it is something you have been trying for, and when it actually happens, it is shocking! Whatever your personal reaction to your pregnancy, allow yourself the time you need to adjust to your new reality. There is a brand new little human being in your life nowâthat is … [Read more...] about How to Tell Him Heâs Going to Be a Dad
An Adoption Journey of Openness and Authenticity
Beginnings: Cobbling the Path The spring of 2012 marked the beginning of a journey down a new and uncharted path to become a mom. The path to motherhood already proving to be much more difficult than originally anticipated, I apprehensively asked a colleague who recently adopted her daughter about her experience. Looking back, that conversation now represents the first stone … [Read more...] about An Adoption Journey of Openness and Authenticity
Find Your Village
You have probably heard the phrase, âIt takes a village.â Usually, this phrase refers to child-rearing and birth, and while it may not take a literal village to successfully give birth and raise children, it does take a metaphorical one. That is why we encourage you to find your village. Women have very powerful instincts. When a baby is conceived, a mother is born. This … [Read more...] about Find Your Village
Fatherhood on the Brain
A Father Is Born When a baby is on the way, everyone talks about the mother. Motherhood is a powerful force. The changes that happen in a womanâs body and brain all prepare her for motherhood as her baby is growing and preparing for birth. But what about fathers? What makes a father? Are they merely bystanders in the drama of birth and baby? Are they expendable? … [Read more...] about Fatherhood on the Brain
How to Work with Grandparents
Children develop self-esteem and feel secure about the world through the love they receive by the adults around them. Grandparents can be wonderful assets. Not only can they be occasional caretakers, but they might also offer knowledge and comfort to you and to your baby. No matter what kind of relationship you may have with your parents, children will change the … [Read more...] about How to Work with Grandparents
Do You Know the Signs of Intimate Partner Violence?
Internet usage can possibly be monitored. If you need to exit this page quickly, close the tab or click "Women Deserve Better" in the upper left corner. To delete this webpage from your browser's memory, go to your browser's settings. If you need immediate help, call The Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 911. If you are experiencing physical, emotional, financial, and … [Read more...] about Do You Know the Signs of Intimate Partner Violence?
8 Tools for Coping with Miscarriage
Emotions You May Feel: Itâs normal to feel an array of emotions after a pregnancy loss. These emotions can range from but are not limited to: sadness, numbness, shock, depression, anger, disbelief, a sense of failure, and vulnerability. The first thing to remember during this time is that itâs OK to feel these emotions. Second, the loss of pregnancy isnât your fault; … [Read more...] about 8 Tools for Coping with Miscarriage
What to Do If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted
If you have been sexually assaulted, or suspect that you have been drugged without your consent and suspect that you have been assaulted, you need to know that help is available. What has happened to you is a crime. It is NOT your fault. You are NOT to blame. No matter what you were wearing or doing, no one has a right to your body without your consent. Whatever you feel is … [Read more...] about What to Do If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted
Whatever You Need Is OK When Dealing with Pregnancy Loss
One in three women will experience pregnancy loss. This is a staggering number. Sadly, most of these women will experience a miscarriage, late miscarriage (sometimes called a demise by doctors), or stillbirth without any support. They will be alone, emotionally and physically. But it doesnât have to be this way. If this is your experience, we are sorry for your … [Read more...] about Whatever You Need Is OK When Dealing with Pregnancy Loss
How to Get Help If You Are Being Trafficked
If someone is forcing you, coercing you, or manipulating you to perform sex acts in exchange for money, food, a place to stay, or because you âowe them,â please know this is illegal and is a crime! It could be a pimp/madam (trafficker) or anyone. If you have run away or are homeless, please know you do not have to do engage in prostitution. You CAN get help! Your safety is … [Read more...] about How to Get Help If You Are Being Trafficked
How Do I Tell My Parents Iâm Pregnant?
Preparation for Delivering the News First, allow yourself to feel your own reaction to your pregnancy. It is common to have a range of emotions, and for feelings to evolve during a pregnancy. Second, think about goodânot perfectâtiming, like after dinner, not when your dadâs team is losing on TV, when your mom just had a super bad day at work, or they are having a … [Read more...] about How Do I Tell My Parents Iâm Pregnant?
What Is Domestic Adoption?
Domestic adoption rates have increased over the last few decades. According to the National Council for Adoption, there are now over 20,000 domestic adoptions per year. While the annual number of domestic adoptions has been increasing, the annual number of international adoptions has been decreasing. Adoption is a journey for all involved in the process with the hope of the … [Read more...] about What Is Domestic Adoption?
How to Adopt Internationally
The decision to bring a child into your home through adoption is an admirable one, but unfortunately, the adoption process can be long and confusing. This is especially true when it comes to adopting from abroad. Before you jump headfirst into the international adoption/intercountry adoption process, it is useful to keep the following things in mind. Knowing the … [Read more...] about How to Adopt Internationally
How Can Tax Benefits Help When Adopting
Adoption can be an expensive option outside of the foster care system. For individuals or families who choose private adoption of a childâdomestically or internationallyâthere are some tax benefits that can help offset expenses. The two most useful benefits are the Adoption Tax Credit and the Adoption Tax Exclusion. Tax Deductions Under the Federal Adoption Tax Credit, … [Read more...] about How Can Tax Benefits Help When Adopting
What You Need to Know about Paternal Support
A father can be incredibly important to the mother of the child as well as their child. His active participation in their lives can enrich everyoneâs on many levelsâincluding his own. In many cases, without his financial support, women and children are more likely to live in poverty. Of course, every situation and relationship is different, and there may be circumstances in … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know about Paternal Support
When Paternal Involvement Isn’t an Option
Unexpected pregnancies can bring about a lot of emotions. Besides navigating all your own feelings, we often have to deal with the expectations of others, which can place a lot of pressure on you. Even though there are all kinds of families in our society, there is still a common stereotype that all children must have a biological mother and biological father in their lives to … [Read more...] about When Paternal Involvement Isn’t an Option
Your Rights As a Birthmother in the Workplace
Being a birthmother can be difficult, and one part of that difficulty can be navigating the minefield at work. How to discuss it with your co-workers? How to discuss it with your boss? Are you entitled to the same benefits as your co-workers who do not place their child for adoption? A mother who places her child for adoption is still entitled to the same benefits at work as a … [Read more...] about Your Rights As a Birthmother in the Workplace