Creating Whole Families: Lori Holden on Open Adoption and Compassion
We split their loyalties, we split their hearts, we split their psyches, we split their identities... And there's a certain generation of adoptees- or maybe that's still happening- where the adoptive parents just said: nope, we're not talking about it, I'm your parent, we're not even going there, and that is just so hard.
Imagine a family where openness isn't just encouraged but celebrated. In this episode of Safe Home Podcast, Beth sits down with Lori Holden, an adoptive mum of two teens and a leading voice in the adoption community. Lori's book, 'The Open-Hearted Way to Open Adoption', co-written with her daughter’s birth mom, is a must-read for anyone involved in the adoption process.
Through her blog at LavenderLuz.com and her podcast 'Adoption: The Long View', Lori has been a beacon for transparency and inclusivity in adoption relationships. Beth and Lori dive deep into the benefits of open adoption, where honesty and compassion play crucial roles. They discuss the hurdles both adoptive and birth parents face, and why maintaining transparency can be healing for everyone involved.
Lori opens up about her own journey as an adoptive parent, sharing invaluable advice on how to navigate the complex emotional landscape of adoption. This episode also touches on broader issues like childhood trauma and attachment, which can affect all children, adopted or not. Lori's insights offer a fresh perspective on how to create a nurturing and supportive family environment. Her words resonate deeply: 'We split their loyalties, we split their hearts, we split their psyches...
And there's a certain generation of adoptees- or maybe that's still happening- where the adoptive parents just said: nope, we're not talking about it, I'm your parent, we're not even going there, and that is just so hard'. Whether you're an adoptive parent, a birth parent, or someone considering adoption, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge and heartfelt stories that will inspire you to embrace openness and compassion in your family dynamics.