Listen to Dr. Purvis’ 2007 interview on Think (KERA) about her book, The Connected Child, and the interventions and practical approaches that have helped countless parents create healthy and healing connections with their children.
In the process of walking with adoptive families through the years, we have come to realize that there are six words which identify some of the most effective mechanisms for building strong relationships between parents and children. Our six important words for adoptive parents to live by are: Be Compassionate! Be Firm! Be Proactive!
Most Americans who adopt children from other countries find joy. But others aren’t prepared for the risks—and may find themselves overwhelmed.
Pat Wingert of Newsweek takes a look at some of the often unfairly-told hardships Americans sometimes face when adopting. Read the full article on Newsweek’s website.
Dr. Purvis provides an overview of the basic elements for effectively using a trust-based relational model of parenting.
Tufts of red hair emerged over the kitchen counter followed by dancing blue eyes and a small freckled nose. “Mommy!” asked the pleading voice of a young five-year-old Suzie, “Can I have a power bar?” Busily working in the kitchen mother replied, “No sweetie, I’ve cooked a big dinner with some of your favorite foods and it will be ready in just ten minutes.” Without warning little Suzie erupted into a volcanic flurry of rage. “You’re so mean to me! You’re always mean to me! You never let me have anything I want! I hate you! I hate you! I HATE YOU!” As she ran to her bedroom her mother listened with dread to the slamming of the door followed by the all too familiar sound of toys being thrown against the wall, smashing new toys that replaced toys from her last rage. Mom sighed at the reverberation of another familiar sound – a crash, as Suzie pulled over her bookshelf – followed by the tearing and ripping sounds of Suzie’s books as they were disemboweled and thrown across the bedroom floor.
Listen to the audio recording of this presentation by Dr. Purvis at Summit IV (hosted by Christian Alliance for Orphans) in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. (Note: This file is large and may take a moment to download and begin playing.) audio recording of this presentation (mp3 file)
Over 100 people joined Texans Care at the Texas Capitol on October 3rd to hear Dr. Karyn Purvis speak on The Attachment Dance: How Abuse and Neglect Drive Attachment Problems.
Opening the presentation, Dr. Purvis analyzed drawings that children had made of their families and pointed out indicators that a child either feels a part of a healthy family unit or disconnected from other household members. She then explained the attachment cycle and how it affects a child behaviorally and neurochemically when he or she expresses a need that is met or, conversely, when that need is not met. The impact of this cycle on a child’s behavior, self-regulation, and mental health were discussed, as well as the importance of touch and sensory stimulation in forming healthy attachment between a baby and caregiver.
Dr. Purvis delivered this insightful presentation at the 2007 Tapestry Adoption & Foster Care Conference. Encouraging parents to use the gifts and resources God has given them to empower and connect with their children, Dr. Purvis offered several practical illustrations from both the Bible and her own experience in working Read more…