If you’ve been searching for answers about how to help your child through addiction, you’ve probably run into one of two messages: And if you’ve ever pushed back on either of those and thought, “But I don’t want to abandon my child. I want to help.” Chances are someone slapped a label on you. They […]
This interview with Listen Notes is a behind-the-scenes look at why I started Living While Loving Your Child Through Addiction podcast, what families are getting wrong about addiction recovery, and why I believe parents deserve practical, compassionate, evidence-based support that strengthens connection instead of destroying it. Full Interview ► Tell us about you and your
From Tough Love to Connection: Why I Started This Podcast Read More »
If you feel like your mood depends on your child, you’re not alone. When your child is struggling with substance use, it can feel like your entire day rises and falls with what they do. If they’re doing well, you’re okay.If they’re not, everything feels off. One interaction can determine your whole day. This is
Why Your Child’s Behavior Hijacks Your Mood (and How to Take Your Life Back) Read More »
If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I enabling my child?” you’re not alone. Many parents are told that helping their child struggling with substance use will make things worse, but the truth is more nuanced. In this post, you’ll learn what enabling actually means and how to make decisions that truly support change. Cigarettes used to
Is Helping Your Child Enabling? A New Perspective for Parents Read More »
In this guest conversation, Heather Ross shares a different way to think about family recovery, one that moves away from shame, confrontation, and “there’s nothing you can do” advice. Heather is a Family Recovery Coach and the host of Living While Loving Your Child Through Addiction, and she helps parents learn science-based tools that strengthen
Parents are often told to have faith and just pray about i – as if that alone will fix their child’s struggles with substance use. But what about the mom who’s been praying for years and feels like she’s failing because her prayers haven’t been asnwered? In this powerful conversation, I join my coach April
When “Just Pray About It” Isn’t Enough Read More »
If you’re a parent whose child is struggling with alcohol or substance use, you’ve probably been told a hundred different things to do or not do and many probably feel like blame and make you feel worse. Let them hit rock bottom. You can’t help unless they want it. Don’t enable. I tried all of
What Is CRAFT? A Science-Based Approach to Helping Your Child Struggling with Addiction Read More »
A Compassionate Approach to One of the Hardest Parenting Decisions When your child is struggling with substance use, one of the most painful and confusing questions you may face is:“Should I kick them out?” There’s no easy answer. No perfect formula. And certainly no one-size-fits-all approach. But what I know for sure is this:This decision
Should I Kick Out My Child Who Uses Substances? Read More »
The holidays can be a challenging time, especially if you’re carrying the weight of your child’s substance use. If you’re dreading Thanksgiving, Christmas, or the holiday season in general, please know you’re not alone. I understand how overwhelming it can feel. The holidays often magnify everything we’re struggling with—the pain, the uncertainty, and the longing
How to Navigate the Holidays with Peace and Intention Read More »
I recently appeared on the Women in the Middle Entrepreneurs podcast! In this episode, we discuss the unique intersection of my work with families and the reality of being an entrepreneur after 50. It’s a bit different from my usual topics, focusing on the journey of changing careers in midlife and how my personal recovery
Women in the Middle Entrepreneurs Read More »
When I see family involvement in recovery, it reminds me of how it’s considered “normal” for families to invest heavily in sports. From wearing team colors to traveling long distances and making significant investments in equipment and competitions. It’s a collective family effort that’s celebrated. Yet, when it comes to supporting a child struggling with
Why Do We Celebrate Family Involvement in Sports, But Not Recovery? Read More »
Recently, I started watching a series called “The Resident”. It tries to show both the noble dedication of medical professionals and the dark, unethical side of hospitals and healthcare. This narrative also contains a storyline about one of the main character’s sisters and her struggles with addiction. The portrayal is full of shame, stigma, and
The Danger of Media Induced Stigma Read More »
I had the honor of writing a guest blog post for Barb Klein. As the founder of Inspired Possibility, life coach, recovery coach, meditation instructor, retreat leader, and author of 111 Invitations: Step into the Full Richness of Life, Barb aspires to help people find fresh perspective and possibility as they step into the next chapter of
Tending Your Heart Read More »
I had the honor of being a guest on Debby Henry’s podcast, Momentous Living. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6LZ5Fy4paqLPNUapPczcnf?si=aef965bbb6a44f42 https://momentousliving.com/podcast By exploring words, books, thoughts, and all those burning whys that stew and stir from within our souls, the Momentous Living podcast contemplates how health begins with self before it can go beyond, that our best selves are our truest selves, and
The Momentous Living Podcast Read More »
Yesterday I was sitting at my desk contemplating a social media post when I got an email thanking me for some of the classes I’ve offered. The sender shared she is now navigating her relationships confidently without sacrificing what feels right to her. Her email got me thinking about values, the impact they’ve had on
Parenting With Values Read More »
How many times have you heard that if a person wants recovery they’ll figure it out? The first time Helanna wanted to try Suboxone she didn’t have insurance so we went to a free clinic that didn’t take appointments. We went there and waited all day 3 days in a row until she finally got
Recovery Capital: The Key Resources Needed for Lasting Change Read More »
Absolutely honored to have been a guest on the Raw and Radiant podcast! During our chat, I shared about my journey as a parent supporting a child with substance use disorder navigating through anxiety, depression, and self-harm. We explored themes of letting go, embracing intuition, and finding gratitude in vulnerability. Together, we delved into the
The Raw and Radiant podcast by Victoria Starr Read More »
We discuss the pressures, stigmas, and complexities associated with addiction, especially when intertwined with holidays and family dynamics. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-15-navigating-the-holidays-with-compassion/id1706884272?i=1000638161110 About the Wired BioHealth™ Podcast: We delve into the fascinating world of mental health complexities beyond addiction. This groundbreaking podcast marks the expansion of our brand’s mission to optimize mental health on
The Wired BioHealth Podcast Read More »
The sibling of your child struggling with substances has their own struggle with what their family is going through, but I haven’t shared much about supporting them, so I thought I’d do that today. Everything I share in this post is a slightly modified version of what I would tell you to do for your
Siblings Need Support Too Read More »
I was in Destin with two of my best friends for the last week. It’s always incredible to be in their presence and being with them on a beautiful white sand beach with crystal clear turquoise water is a bonus. I drove home from Destin yesterday feeling restored by our time together. After about 2 days with
Do You Need Rest, Restoration, Rejuvination, or Self Care? Read More »