Back to School in a Changing Climate: Always Learning, Always Growing
In this August episode of Calendar Conversations: A Guide for Adoptive Parents, April Dinwoodie reflects on the realities of back-to-school season today versus her own childhood. While her school days were filled with questions of identity and belonging as a transracially adopted person, she never had to face active shooter drills or the fears that weigh on students now. Against the backdrop of political rollbacks in DEI, curriculum bans, and underfunded support systems, April shares how these shifts impact children—especially those navigating adoption and complex identities. She also lifts up a story of a Black father’s conversation with his son about their family name and connects it to the layers of meaning names hold in adoption. This episode offers practical ways parents can stay plugged in, advocate for their children, and create cultural safety nets at home. Above all, it is a reminder that back-to-school is not just for kids—we are all always learning, always growing.
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Exploring Freedom & Confronting Hard Truths in Adoption
In this July episode, host April Dinwoodie explores what freedom really means in adoption - personally, politically, and emotionally. Through four powerful lessons, she unpacks the complexitites of identity access, parental responsibility, grief, and the impact of systemic injustice. As July's national celebrations unfold, this episode challenges listeners to think beyond fireworks and flags - and instead, reflect on how freedom is experienced, denied, and protected in the lives of adopted people and the families who love them.
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Celebrating the Many Hands and Hearts That Hold Us (Part Two): Honoring Fatherhood in All Its Forms
In this heartfelt June episode of Calendar Conversations, host April Dinwoodie continues her two-part series exploring expansive definitions of family. With Father’s Day as our guidepost, we honor the many forms of fathering that show up in the lives of adopted persons — from fathers of origin and adoptive dads to mentors, uncles, grandfathers, and beyond. April shares personal reflections on the joy and ache of Father’s Day, shines a light on the systemic erasure of fathers (especially Black fathers), and offers tangible ways adoptive parents and caregivers can foster healing, identity, and connection during this emotionally complex season. Whether through naming, ritual, or brave conversation, this episode is an invitation to hold space for all the hands and hearts that shape a child’s life — and to offer them the gift of wholeness.
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Celebrating the Many Hands and Hearts That Hold Us: Part One - Honoring Motherhood in its Many Forms
This May, we are beginning a special two-part series: Celebrating the Many Hands and Hearts That Hold Us - an exploration of what it means to honor family expansively, through the lens of adoption. In this first part of the series, we focus on Mothers’ Day - the emotions it carries, the opportunities it presents, and how adoptive parents can hold space for the many hands and hearts that are part of a child’s life. This Mother’s Day, I invite you to celebrate expansively. Hold space for complexity. Honor the many hands and hearts that shape your child's life - including your own.
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Naming the Truth: Adoption, Identity & Belonging
In this episode, host April Dinwoodie unpacks the power of names—those given at birth, changed by adoption, or chosen later in life—and the deep emotional weight they carry. For adopted people, names are often tied to complex layers of identity, loss, and belonging. April shares a personal story that illuminates these truths and invites adoptive parents to reflect on what their child’s name might hold, and how to honor the full journey behind it.
About Calendar Conversations: A Guide for Adoptive Parents
"Calendar Conversations: A Guide for Adoptive Parents" is an engaging and informative podcast that explores the power of utilizing the calendar as a guide to create a brighter path to inclusive parenting. Hosted by transracially adopted person and parenting coach, April Dinwoodie, this podcast aims to provide valuable insights, practical tips, and emotional support.
Through thought-provoking discussions and personal stories, "Calendar Conversations" dives into the significance of recognizing and honoring important family milestones related to the life-long adoption journey. From adoption anniversaries and birthdays to navigating days of loss, this podcast offers guidance on how to navigate these experiences with sensitivity, inclusivity, and resilience.
Listeners can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by adoptive parents and discover strategies for creating meaningful traditions and rituals that encourage a deeper sense of belonging for children and stronger family bonds. The podcast also explores the importance of self-care and provides resources for building a supportive community.
With its conversational tone and expert advice, "Calendar Conversations: A Guide for Adoptive Parents" is an invaluable resource for adoptive parents seeking guidance, inspiration, and a sense of connection. Tune in to this podcast and embark on a journey of growth, understanding, and celebration one month at a time.
Listen to Calendar Conversations: A Guide for Adoptive Parents, The Mel Robbins Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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