Author: carissasouth81gmailcom

  • What Not to Say to Parents of RAD Kids: Part One: The Things We Hear Over and Over

    Parenting a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is nothing like typical parenting. Well-meaning comments like “She just needs love” or “Have you tried…?” can feel like daggers when you’re already giving everything you have. This post shares what not to say to RAD parents—and what to say instead. We don’t need advice. We need…

  • When the Hurt Comes from the Smallest Hands: Talking About Child-to-Parent Abuse in Young Children

    Conversations primarily focus on abuse from older children towards parents, neglecting the experiences of parents with very young children exhibiting harmful behaviors. Parents facing such challenges seek understanding and support rather than judgment. They describe physical and emotional abuse from their children, highlighting their love and efforts in managing complex trauma-related behaviors.

  • Getting Through the Storm: What’s Helping Us Survive as RAD Parents

    The author shares their six-year journey with Reactive Attachment Disorder, revealing the emotional and physical toll it has taken on their family. Despite challenges, they highlight coping strategies such as therapy, support from family and friends, and taking personal breaks. The importance of understanding and healing is emphasized, reinforcing that they are not alone in…

  • When Fatherhood Isn’t What You Pictured: A Conversation with My Husband on Parenting a Child with RAD

    Father’s Day isn’t easy for every dad—especially those parenting a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder. I sat down with my husband, Brett, to talk honestly about the grief, the growth, and the grit it takes to father a child who struggles with connection. This isn’t a story about picture-perfect parenthood. It’s about showing up. And…

  • The Empty Room

    After a flood, the narrator reflects on their feelings of sadness in an empty room that symbolizes lost love. They long for a connection with a beautiful girl who fears commitment. The narrator believes that love and family are essential, hoping that, through effort, the room will fill with trust and healing.

  • The Parent She Wants to Get Rid Of

    The post describes the struggles of a mother dealing with her daughter Bella’s intense attachment to her father, Brett, which escalates into rejection and hostility towards her. This dynamic reflects the complexities of Reactive Attachment Disorder, where love is perceived as a threat. The mother realizes that Bella’s behavior stems from a survival instinct rather…

  • Navigating Reactive Attachment Disorder: A Family’s Story

    Six years ago, a couple adopted a four-year-old girl in need of a forever home, but their lives transformed drastically as they faced the challenges of fostering a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder and other issues. This blog shares their journey, offering support to parents navigating similar experiences. You are not alone.