Ever feel like your child is acting two different ages at once? One moment they’re clever beyond their years, and the next, they’re melting down like a toddler? Sound familiar? This blog dives into what I call The Aladdin Effect, when our kids’ age and maturity don’t quite match up. It’s more common than you think, especially for children from hard places. Through a Biblical lens, we’ll explore why it happens, how to spot it, and how God’s grace equips us to parent with empathy and wisdom.

When kids from hard places push away the very connection they need most, it can leave parents feeling confused and discouraged. This post explores why attachment is so difficult for our children—and how we can pursue them with the same steady, sacrificial love God shows us.

Ever drive away from the fast-food window only to realize your order is totally wrong—and you're too far down the road to fix it? That same feeling hit me in parenting. I had big expectations stepping into foster care and adoption. But when reality didn’t match the plan, frustration followed. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, underprepared, or just plain tired, you’re not alone. This post is for every parent who’s learning to adjust their expectations, create margin, and parent with grace—starting with their own hearts.

Challenging behaviors are often just the tip of the iceberg, hiding stress or trauma underneath. When we recognize our own and our child’s stress responses, we can respond with connection, not correction, and reflect Christ’s compassion in hard moments.

This initial blogpost explores the three pillars of trauma-responsive care—safety, connection, and discipleship—through the lens of the Gospel and the character of God. It encourages parents, caregivers, and mentors to reflect Christ in how they respond to children from hard places. Grounded in Scripture and practical wisdom, it reminds us that true transformation begins when God's love resounds through us.