Hello Parents! In today's episode, Part 1 - What is Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), I share how learning about the diagnosis in 1993 shifted my career path from serving children with special abilities to supporting kids with mental health diagnosis and their parents.

This episode just barely touches on the diagnosis and is definitely a brief introduction of what can happen when infants and toddlers experience early life trauma or separation from their primary caregivers.

And, there are many children that have a rough start in life that do not develop these symptoms so this episode does not intend to diagnosis your child's behavior.

I'm sharing my experiences with the diagnosis in hopes that any parent (or child) that feels misunderstood, has tried everything, has been pushed to an emotional limit or has been blamed (or is shaming themselves) due to their child's behavior and/or how they are responding to their child's behavior; that they will find hope and support.

In Part 2 I'll share more symptoms that children with Reactive Attachment Disorder or trauma disorders can display and I'll share a few tips and resources on how to respond to and help children who are truly afraid to trust their caregivers.

When we seek first to understand why our children are behaving the way they are and when we prepare ourselves for "the worst", we can respond as the confident leaders our kids crave us to be.

To learn more about Reactive Attachment Disorder and to find clinical support for your child go to https://attach.org/

To learn more about how to become a No-Problem Parent™ go to No Problem Parents

And please share this episode with the people in your community. Too often children with this diagnosis appear to be just fine to their extended family and community while their parents are judged and looked down upon for how they discipline their kids. Don't assume it is the parents fault, especially if you knew the parents to be kind and loving people before they had children. Children with Reactive Attachment Disorder often reserve their toughest behaviors for their parents and can "hold it together" in front of others. Parents raising these children need our support and understanding so please learn more about why the parent is frustrated or hurting and then support the child - by supporting the parent.

Hugs and High Fives,

Jaci