Why does your child’s behavior feel so hard… even when you’re trying to do everything right?

In adoption, behavior isn’t just behavior.

It’s layered with loss, attachment, and experiences that often go unseen.

And in the moments that feel the most overwhelming—when your child is melting down, shutting down, or pushing you away—it’s easy to wonder:

Am I handling this wrong?

In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s really happening beneath those moments—and how to respond in a way that actually builds trust and connection over time.

I’m joined by Jeanette Yoffe, adoptee, therapist, and founder of the Celia Center, who brings both lived experience and over 20 years of clinical work supporting adoptive families.

This conversation goes beyond surface-level parenting advice.

We talk about why behavior can feel so intense in adoptive families, how early experiences shape the way children relate to their parents, and what it really looks like to stay grounded when emotions run high.

If you’ve ever felt triggered, unsure, or like you’re not getting it “right,” this episode will meet you there—and give you a different way to move forward.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why behavior in adopted children can feel more intense and personal
• What’s actually happening beneath meltdowns, shutdowns, and pushing away
• The difference between reacting vs. responding in high-stress moments
• What “co-regulation” really looks like in real life
• How trauma and early separation impact attachment and trust
• Why children often internalize blame—and how that shows up in behavior
• Recognizing when your child is emotionally younger than their age
• The 5 A’s framework and how to use it in everyday moments
• How to manage your own triggers so you can show up more consistently
• What helps build safety, connection, and long-term trust

About Jeanette:

Jeanette Yoffe is a licensed psychotherapist, adoptee, and founder of the Celia Center, a nonprofit supporting individuals and families impacted by adoption and foster care. With over two decades of experience, she specializes in attachment, trauma integration, and family healing. She is also the author of The Traumatized and At-Risk Youth Toolbox and creator of the YouTube channel Genetically Speaking, where she breaks down complex topics into practical, accessible tools for families.

Connect with Jeanette: https://www.jeanetteyoffe.com

Learn more about Celia Center: https://celiacenter.org

RG Adoption Consulting

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For questions about adoption, episode suggestions, or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠ [email protected]⁠⁠⁠