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Author: Bethany Hall, MSN, FNP

Connecting with Teens through Shared Journaling

A teen sitting on a couch, smiling as she writes in a journal at home with guidance from ConnectionPlus resources.

1. Shared journaling creates connection without pressure.  2. A journal can build trust, openness, and understanding over time.  3. Simple routines and gentle creativity help it work well.  This blog is part of our “Trauma & Adolescence” Training. If you would like to learn more about this training or any of other trainings. Click Here. Connecting with […]

The Hidden Struggles of Foster Families—And What Actually Helps

Smiling couple sitting together on a couch, looking at a laptop screen with interest and warmth, symbolizing connection and support in family relationships.

1. Shared journaling creates connection without pressure.  2. A journal can build trust, openness, and understanding over time.  3. Simple routines and gentle creativity help it work well.  This blog is part of our “Trauma & Adolescence” Training. If you would like to learn more about this training or any of other trainings. Click Here. Who Supports […]

5 Trauma-Informed Parenting Hacks That Work

Parent and teenage daughter smiling together on a couch with a laptop and coffee, sharing a relaxed moment of connection and conversation.

1.  Your regulation sets the tone. 2.  Behavior communicates unmet needs   3.  Safety and repair drive healing. This blog is part of our “Creative Correction” Training. If you would like to learn more about this training or any of other trainings. Click Here. 5 Trauma-Informed Parenting Hacks That Work Parenting children with challenging backgrounds can feel […]

Setting Boundaries Without Losing Compassion

Thoughtful woman holding a mug and writing in a notebook while sitting on a gray couch.

Key Takeaways Boundaries protect your well-being while allowing you to show up fully for others. Saying no with kindness helps create mutual respect and prevents burnout. Clear, confident communication makes boundary-setting easier. Letting go of guilt is essential for maintaining balance and self-care. Strong Boundaries, Stronger Relationships Setting boundaries can be challenging, especially if you […]

How to Help Children Feel Valued and Build Confidence

A young girl with pigtails smiling at her reflection in a large mirror, while another girl with a ponytail stands nearby, smiling supportively.

When We Value Something, We Hold Space For It. What We Treasure, We Esteem. To be valued is to know, deep in your core, that you matter—not for what you do, but for who you are. It’s the assurance that you are worthy of love and care.   For children who have experienced the trauma of […]

Understanding Childhood Sexual Development: A Shame-Free Guide for Parents

A young boy sitting at a table with two adults, smiling and engaging in a positive, caring conversation. Bright natural light and a warm atmosphere suggest a safe, nurturing environment.

1.  Curiosity about bodies is often developmentally normal. 2. Guidance and boundaries should be clear and shame-free. 3. Ongoing conversations build safety and trust. This blog is part of our “Displacing Shame” Training. If you would like to learn more about this training or any of other trainings. Click Here. “Is This Normal?” It’s a question […]

From Bathtime to Big Talks: Everyday Ways to Teach Kids About Their Bodies

Two people sit closely together on a couch, with one adult-sized person beside a child-sized person in a calm indoor setting.

1.  Small, ongoing talks matter more than one big talk 2. Use real words and simple answers. 3.  Safety and openness build lasting trust. This blog is part of our “Displacing Shame” Training. If you would like to learn more about this training or any of other trainings. Click Here. It Happened in the Car Out […]

More than Words: How Listening Builds Connection

A mother and daughter sit closely on a couch, holding hands and smiling warmly at each other, conveying a sense of connection and understanding.

For Children with Trauma Histories, Being Heard is Critical. Many have never been given a voice in decisions that affect them. If they have experienced neglect, they receive a clear message: no one listens. Over time, they may stop expressing themselves altogether. Internalizing emotions to avoid rejection can lead to fear and anxiety. Drawing out […]

From Burnout to Connection: Using Points of Joy to Overcome Blocked Care

Children and an adult sit together on the floor with open books and papers, working on activities in a bright room with natural light coming through a window.

1. Blocked care is a stress response, not a character flaw  2. Chronic stress can shut down connection and compassion 3. Small daily joys can help restore margin and reconnect your heart. This blog is part of our “Rewiring Connection: The Science of Blocked Care” Training. If you would like to learn more about this training or […]

Starting Small The Power of Tolerable Connection in Parenting

Two individuals sit on a yoga mat in a living room, practicing a seated meditation pose with legs crossed. A couch, pillows, dumbbells, and a water bottle are visible in the background.

1. Blocked care is a stress response, not a character flaw.  2. Chronic stress can shut down connection and compassion. 3. Small daily joys can help restore margin and reconnect your heart. This blog is part of our “Rewiring Connection: The Science of Blocked Care” Training. If you would like to learn more about this training […]

Eyes to See: True Presence is the Beginning of Connection

A joyful family moment, with parents and two children laughing together on a cozy couch in a bright living room.

Last month, I introduced the Circle of Connection framework. You can catch up here. The Circle of Connection—being seen, heard, valued, and known—is a blueprint to bring healing to the broken places of our stories. Children with hard histories of trauma are often mired in shame. They have internalized messages like, “I have to take […]

Leaping into 2025: Embracing Change with Confidence and Trust

Leaping into 2025: Embracing Change with Confidence and Trust

Key Takeaways Trust in Support: We can lean on those around us (friends, family, community members, or Chosen) for support when facing challenges or unknowns.  Perseverance Through Fear: Fear is natural, but it doesn’t have to stop us. We can move forward with excitement and anticipation, knowing it’s part of growth. Generational Life’s Journey is […]