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Stepping into foster care or adoption without understanding trauma is like trying to navigate unfamiliar terrain without a map. That's why this conversation with Melissa Pemberton, a trauma-aware licensed therapist and parent coach with over 20 years of experience in child welfare, is absolutely essential listening for anyone caring for children from hard places.

Melissa shares her personal journey from being a teen mom with her own childhood trauma to becoming a powerful advocate for trauma-informed parenting approaches. She explains why traditional parenting methods often fail with children who have experienced early adversity—even those adopted at birth—and offers practical insights that transform how we understand challenging behaviors.

Whether you're already fostering or adopting, considering this path, or simply want to better support families in your community, this episode provides essential insights that will forever change how you view children's behaviors and your role in their healing journey. Download Melissa's free resource on regulating your nervous system and connect with her at mendingfamilieswa.com to continue learning these transformative approaches.

Melissa's Info:

www.mendingfamilieswa.com

www.instagram.com/mendingfamilieswa

FREEBIE for listeners - 6 Tips to Calm your Nervous System - https://mending-families.myflodesk.com/calm

OTHER RESOURCES Mentioned:

Get Nicole's Newsletter: https://nicoletbarlow.myflodesk.com/fosterparentwellnewsletter 

Mending Families Podcast: https://www.mendingfamilieswa.com/mending-families-podcast

Empowered to Connect Podcast: https://empowered-to-connect-podcast.castos.com/ 

The Connected Child: https://a.co/d/h6Ddu1v 

The Connected Parent: https://a.co/d/bl2Gwy9 

Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors: https://a.co/d/hDQXcDQ 

Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/