"Do you think the way we respond to kids who have challenging behavior impacts the way they feel in the world? Do you think that makes a difference for the world?"

Whew! That is the really big question that we are going to be wrestling with today as I sit down with author, Kim Botto. Kim’s book, Boundless Hope for Every Child: Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely, is one of my personal favorite books on trauma, children, and the church. And today our conversation gets deep. Join us as we learn why being safe and feeling safe are two different things, what the 2 x 10 principle is, and hear Kim’s own story of adopting her daughters from a Ukrainian orphanage. Some really powerful stuff today (and practical tips for churches too.)

Kim Botto bio:

Kim is a mom of five and grandma of eleven. For the past several decades, she’s led children’s and student ministries in the local church while also leading initiatives around adoption and foster care. Sixteen of those years were at Crossroads, one of the largest and fastest growing churches in the country (according to Outreach Magazine) with sites in Kentucky and Ohio. She also served as Director of Training and Development at a Cincinnati nonprofit serving multi-system involved youth. She’s helped train thousands of children's ministry staff, educators, parents and nonprofit staff on engaging neurodivergent kids/teens and trauma informed care. She is a sought-after speaker and author of Boundless Hope for Every Child.

More from Kim:

Visit her website at kimbotto.com

Buy her book – Boundless Hope for Every Child on Amazon today.

Check out her Podcast: Every Child Belongs

A quick note on disability terms:

Before you listen, I wanted to talk to you about something important about our podcast, and that is how we will be referring to disability during our discussions. We want you to know that at Wonderful Works Ministry, we know that words matter. We will strive to use preferred language regarding disability. But we also understand that preferred terms change over time and also can be subjective and vary from person to person, even among those with a shared diagnosis. With this in mind, we ask that you understand that we, here at Wonderful Works, and our guests may use a variety of terms on this show and in our resources. Please know that we will always approach language with inclusion, dignity and respect, and we hope you will too. Thank for listening!

One more quick note:

The views and opinions expressed in our show are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Wonderful Works Ministry. Wonderful Works Ministry does not provide medical, legal, or therapeutic advice or services. Rather, we provide general information regarding disability ministry. The information provided in our content does not replace the advice of medical, legal, or educational professionals. Wonderful Works Ministry is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. It is recommended that you use independent judgement when considering any resource associated with serving those who have been impacted by disability. Thank you.