In this episode, Dan and Lindsay share their journey through infertility, adoption, and a situation that took an unexpected turn, including navigating an adoption scam and the ethical gaps that made it possible. Their story sheds light on the realities that aren’t always talked about and the importance of asking hard questions along the way.

We talk about red flags, due diligence, and what it looks like to pursue adoption with both hope and wisdom. Through it all, their journey also points to resilience, faith, and the moment they finally welcomed their daughter.

This episode is both cautionary and deeply hopeful and full of insight for anyone considering adoption.

We’re so glad you’re here.

Resources:

A Step Ahead Adoption Services

Our Season 1 episode with Valerie from A Step Ahead

Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!
Instagram, Facebook, & check out our website!

Thanks for joining us for this meaningful conversation!

In this episode, we sit down with Erin to talk about her international adoption journey and the unexpected challenges along the way. She shares how she went into the process knowing there could be unknowns—but later discovered her child had a cleft palate that wasn’t disclosed in the paperwork and required surgery.

We talk through the emotional and ethical layers of that experience, the gap between expectations and reality, and why transparency in adoption matters so much. Erin also shares what it’s looked like to support her child well and navigate it all with openness and grace.

We’re so glad you’re here!

Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!
Instagram, Facebook, & check out our website!

Thanks for joining us for this meaningful conversation!

In this episode, we sit down with Erin to talk about her international adoption journey and the unexpected challenges along the way. She shares how she went into the process knowing there could be unknowns but later discovered her child had a cleft palate that wasn’t disclosed in the paperwork and required surgery.

We talk through the emotional and ethical layers of that experience, the gap between expectations and reality, and why transparency in adoption matters so much. Erin also shares what it’s looked like to support her child well and navigate it all with openness and grace.

We’re so glad you’re here!

Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!
Instagram, Facebook, & check out our website!

Thanks for joining us for this fun, off-the-cuff episode! We’re ditching the usual format and just catching up on real life—what’s been happening in our homes, what’s making us laugh, and what’s stretching us in this season.

From Easter celebrations to the everyday rhythms of family life, this conversation moves through the real highs and lows of parenting little ones in a way that feels honest and familiar. It’s a mix of stories, a little chaos, and moments that might just make you think, “same here.”

We’re all figuring it out as we go, and we’re really glad you’re here!

Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!
Instagram, Facebook, & check out our website!

Thanks for joining us for our final episode in the March Behavior Series! In this episode, we host a casual book club conversation on The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel M.D. , Tina Payne Bryson.

Earlier this month, we invited you to read along with us, and now we’re sharing our honest thoughts—what we loved, what didn’t quite land for us, and whether we’d recommend it to a friend.

Listen in as we break down some of the key concepts from the book, how they show up in real-life parenting, and where theory can feel different than practice (especially in the middle of everyday moments with kids).

This episode is a relaxed, real-life reflection on one of the most popular parenting books out there—and a chance to think through what actually feels helpful in your own home.

If you read along with us (or even if you didn’t), we’d love for you to join the conversation!

Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!

Instagram, Facebook, & check out our website!

Thanks for joining us for a bonus conversation in our March Behavior Series. In this episode, we sit down with adoptive mom Jess Pruess as she shares her journey through adoption, early behavioral challenges, and learning to advocate for her son.

Jess opens up about the gap between expectations and reality, recognizing early signs of trauma, and learning to trust her instincts when something felt off.

Listen in as we talk about early intervention, therapy supports like speech and occupational therapy, navigating school challenges, and her son’s ADHD diagnosis. Jess also shares what it’s looked like to grow in confidence as an advocate and parent.

This episode is a reminder that you are the right parent for your child—and that trusting your gut and seeking support can make all the difference.

Check out these resources mentioned in the episode:

- The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk

- The Primal Wound by Nancy Newton Verrier

Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & check out our website!

Thanks for joining us for another conversation in our March Behavior Series. In this episode, we sit down with adoptive mom Kristi Powell as she shares her firsthand experience parenting children with significant trauma and big behaviors.

Kristi opens up about adopting four biological siblings from Brazil during the pandemic, and what it looked like to navigate intense transitions, unexpected challenges, and the realities of trauma in everyday family life.

Listen in as we talk about what’s really underneath extreme behaviors, why traditional parenting approaches often fall short, and how safety, connection, and the right support can make all the difference. Kristi also shares practical insights on pursuing therapy, building a support system, and holding onto hope in the midst of hard seasons.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by big behaviors or wondered how to better support a child from a hard place, this episode is for you.

Check out Kristi's books here!

Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!

Instagram, Facebook, & check out our new website!

Welcome back to our March Behavior Series on Beyond the Home Study.

In this episode (Part 2 of 2), we continue our conversation with TBRI practitioners Amie Huggins and Marti Smith as we talk even more about the relationship between trauma and behavior.

Listen in as we dig into why behavior charts often miss the mark for kids from hard places, how schools can better support regulation and connection, and we chat about their new book, Creating a Connected Classroom.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s really going on underneath big behaviors (especially in school settings), this episode is for you.

Get Creating a Connected Classroom here!
Want to connect with our guests? Send them an email!

Marti Smith, OT & Amie Huggins, M.Ed

Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!

Instagram, Facebook, & check out our new website!

Welcome back to our March Behavior Series on Beyond the Home Study.

In this episode (Part 1 of 2), we sit down with TBRI practitioners Amie Huggins and Marti Smith to talk about what’s really going on underneath the behaviors we see in foster and adoptive children.

We explore how Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and occupational therapy help us better understand things like regulation, sensory needs, and proprioception — and why behavior is communication, not blatant defiance.

Listen as we break down practical ways to respond to big behaviors while building safety, connection, and trust with the kids in our care.

Get Creating a Connected Classroom here!

Want to connect with our guests? Send them an email!

Marti Smith ,OTR & Amie Huggins, M.Ed

Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!

Instagram, Facebook, & check out our *new* website!

It's March and this month we’re talking all about behavior.

Today's episode is about the realities of parenting foster and adopted children: big behaviors, unmet expectations, emotional triggers, and the differences between bio and adopted dynamics.

Listen as we talk through the moments that leave you exhausted, second-guessing yourself, and wondering if you’re doing any of this right.

Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!

Instagram

Facebook

Website: www.yourehomenetwork.com