In this episode of Calendar Conversations, host April Dinwoodie leans into the profound emotional tension of May—a month often defined by Mother's Day and National Foster Care Month. For adoptive and foster families, May isn't just about flowers and brunch; it is a complex landscape of "disenfranchised grief," curiosity, and deep connection.

April shares her personal journey as an adoptee named June by her mother of origin and April by her adoptive parents. She explores why the "April showers" of original mother loss are necessary for the "May flowers" of a new family to bloom. This conversation provides adoptive parents with a vital "toolbox" to help their children navigate the questions they may be too afraid to ask.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Disenfranchised Grief: Understanding the loss that society often fails to acknowledge.

• Managing the Mothering Landscape: Why parents must heal their own mother wounds to hold space for their child's grief.

• The Bridge of Curiosity: Practical ways to validate a child's wonder about their mother of origin.

• National Foster Care Month: The role of foster parents as stewards of original connections.

• Managing Expectations: How to celebrate Mother's Day without placing the burden of emotional validation on your child.

Join us as we practice this month's mantra: Care comes from many hands.

• Acknowledge the Sadness: It is okay to feel grief even in a month of celebration.

• Be the Bridge: Ask the questions your child might be too afraid to voice.

• Self-Care is Child-Care: Manage your own emotional needs on Mother's Day so your child doesn't have to.

• Celebrate the Blend: Recognition for the original mother, the foster mother, and the mother raising the child today.

Links:

Learn more about April's work and book a parent coaching session https://aprildinwoodie.com/

Learn more about TRJ Family Camp at Ohio University July 30-Aug 2 https://www.togetheronthejourney.org/

Learn about Disenfranchised Grief in Adoption from Dr. Gregory Manning https://youtu.be/UYfAcHGkRLs?si=mbwcJgfSiouawB-0

In rural New England, we're taught that "April showers bring May flowers"—the idea that hardship eventually leads to joy. But for adopted and foster youth, the "showers" of grief, identity confusion, and ambiguous loss don't follow a simple weather pattern.

In this episode, April Dinwoodie explores why adopted children are often labeled as "dramatic" or "attention-seeking" when they are actually navigating profound emotional pain. April shares her own journey as a transracially adopted person and dives into the data from C.A.S.E. that highlights the unique mental health needs of the adoption community.

Visit C.A.S.E to learn more https://adoptionsupport.org/stateofpractice/#survey-highlights

March is filled with symbols of luck—four-leaf clovers, leprechauns, and pots of gold. But for many adopted people, the idea of being "lucky" can feel far more complicated.

In this episode of Calendar Conversations with June in April, April Dinwoodie explores the powerful narratives that often surround adoption—especially the message that adopted children should feel "lucky." While often well-intended, this narrative can unintentionally silence the very real experiences of loss, grief, curiosity, and identity that many adopted people carry.

April shares research on openness in adoption, explains the concept of genetic bewilderment, and introduces the L.U.C.K.Y. framework—a practical guide to help parents navigate difficult moments with empathy, honesty, and connection.