How has the Supreme Court’s decision on Dobbs v. Jackson affected foster care and adoption in the United States during the past two years?

This week, Naomi and Ian are joined by Herbie Newell, President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services, one of the largest adoption agencies in the United States. Herbie discusses how the recent limits on abortion access in some states have impacted adoption agencies. He highlights the cultural shifts that have emerged since the Dobbs decision, including the decreased stigma surrounding adoption. He also addresses the slight increase in foster care numbers following the ruling, and how to interpret it, as well as how we can create a more positive outlook on adoption as an option for mothers, fathers, and children in the United States.

Resources

-Doing Adoption the “Right” Way Can Work for Everyone Involved | Naomi Schaefer Riley

-Elizabeth Kirk on Adoption Post Dobbs | Naomi Schaefer Riley | Ian Rowe

-What is it Like to Place Your Child For Adoption | Naomi Schaefer Riley | Timothy P. Carney

Show Notes

-0:00:57 | How has the atmosphere around adoption changed post Dobbs?

-0:03:59 | How has the view of adoption shifted in the pro-life community?

-0:06:31 | Has there been an increase in foster care post-Dobbs?

-0:09:44 | How should we think about adoption as an option for mothers and how can we reduce the stigma women choosing adoption face?

-0:13:20 | What pressures might women feel in the adoption process? How do we address them?

-0:18:23 | Does adoption stigma drive single-mother households? How do we better involve men throughout the adoption process?

The steep increase in mental health challenges among young children is one of today’s most widely discussed issues. But why is so little attention paid to the role of family dynamics in creating or reducing stress for kids?

This week, Ian and Naomi are joined by Dr. Nicholas Zill, research psychologist and senior fellow at the Institute for Family Studies, to discuss his most recent report, “Families Matter to Kids’ Mental Health.” In the report, Dr. Zill analyzes data from the National Survey on Children’s Health to demonstrate how family structure affects not only the likelihood children will need mental health services, but also whether they will receive them. He points out a number of striking findings, including how foster children are the group most likely to be using medication to treat mental health problems. Dr. Zill emphasizes how understanding a child’s family structure is vital to treating their mental health, and how other methods of combatting mental illness beyond medication should be employed as well.

Resources

-Families Matter to Kids’ Mental Health | Nicholas Zill

-Why Foster Kids Aren’t Getting the Mental Health Care They Need | Naomi Schaefer Riley

Show Notes

-00:44 | Why does family structure get missed in the conversation about kids’ mental health?

-08:25 | Why does the gap between the need and receipt of mental health services come from? How can we close that gap?

-11:48 | How do we share this data without seeming like we are blaming families for their impact on a child’s mental health?

-13:08 | How do we make sure we are talking about the youth mental health crisis in an accurate, right-sized way?

-16:46 | Do younger generations having different attitudes toward marriage and forming families?

-18:29 | What is the good news on this issue?

-21:23 | How can we encourage reporting of data on family structure?

Conventional wisdom suggests that developing a child’s intellect is the job of schools, but parents spend far more time with their kids than teachers do. There is a lot that parents can and should do on this front.

This week, Naomi is joined by Eva Moskowitz, founder and CEO of Success Academy Charter Schools in New York City, and author of the recent book, A+ Parenting: The Surprisingly Fun Guide to Raising Surprisingly Smart Kids. Eva discusses how many parents feel an obligation to come down to their child’s level when it comes to speech or play, but in fact, their child may benefit more from being included in the complex or stimulating discussions and activities that parents are already enjoying. From movies, to games, to music played in the car, Eva has curated a list of materials and activities that are both age-appropriate and intellectually challenging for kids. What is important, Eva argues, is for parents to enjoy time with their kids, as this creates greater satisfaction for children, too.

Resources

-A+ Parenting: The Surprisingly Fun Guide to Raising Surprisingly Smart Kids | Eva Moskowitz

-Teach Your Children Well | Naomi Schaefer Riley

Show Notes

-00:55 | What inspired you to write this book?

-03:27 | How should parents work to develop their child’s intellect differently than schools?

-06:16 | How does this guidance translate across class divides? Are you hoping to bridge the gap between parents who are familiar with these cultural staples and those who aren’t?

-09:57 | Why does the specific book a child reads matter beyond just the fact that they are reading at all?

-11:59 | Can you give an example of the type of movie that is worthwhile for kids to watch, and why?

-15:46 | How do you know when these activities are appropriate, or if too much is going over the child’s head?

-18:08 | What are your thoughts on the impact of cellphones and social media on children’s intellectual development?

-21:08 | How can we engage in parenting in a way that helps us find more of the joy in the process?