Diapers to Diplomas | Genuine Parenting Conversations
44 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago -Being a parent hasn’t really worked out the way you thought it would. Your child has unique challenges and you’re at a loss on how to help him. As a result of these struggles, cracks in your other vital relationships, hidden beneath the surface, have begun to emerge. Your faith in the Lord has become dim. Your spouse seems distant. You’ve become isolated from your community.
If your child’s challenges stem from disability, trauma, or adoption, you need someone who has walked a similar journey. Join Michael and Christy Pritchard as they reveal the Family Framework that kept their family strong for 10 years and teach you how to build your own.
Are you ready for your family to be filled with hope again? Join us as we build the relationships that matter…together.
Season 1 - General parenting topics
Season 2 - Adoption topics
Season 3 - Building a Family Framework
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Diapers to Diplomas Starter Pack
May 16, 2023 03:20 - 2 minutes - 3.61 MBWelcome to Diapers to Diplomas! If you're wondering where to get started, this short episode will point you in the right direction. Our Adoption Story Episodes 2 & 3 Parenting Topics Episode 4 - How to Stop Parenting Fights Episode 16 - How to "Look Behind" the Behavior Episode 27 - Helping Your Child with Their Big Emotions Adoption Related Topics Episodes 13-30 Topics include - Securely attaching to your child, confronting racism, navigat...
The Power of Early Intervention
June 28, 2022 10:48 - 26 minutes - 51.3 MBWhat should you do when your child begins to show developmental delays? The decision to seek help for your child versus waiting to see if he’ll progress on his own is a decision filled with fear and anxiety. What if your child never catches up? What if you make the wrong choice? Should you wait until your child is older to start therapy? The questions can become overwhelming. That’s why we’re talking today with Janna Hacker, founder of Janna Hacker & Associates. Since 2009, Janna and h...
Staying Connected to God When Your Child is in Crisis
June 21, 2022 08:00 - 30 minutes - 57.8 MBSometimes, God completely changes the script with your child. Everything is going well, and you have his future already envisioned. But suddenly, things take a sharp turn, and you have no clue how his life is going to play out. In fact, you’re just trying to figure out how you are going to get him to the next week. And you realize that the God you have put ALL your trust in is allowing everything to go off the tracks. On today’s episode we are joined by Kris Hammons, an Indiana native...
Psalm 27
June 14, 2022 08:00 - 2 minutes - 6.47 MBWhen you feel surrounded and overwhelmed, may you remember the truth of Psalm 27. This reading of Psalms is from the New Living Translation. Click here to request access to our private group. Connect with Michael: Facebook – @MichaelPritchard901 Instagram – @MichaelPritchard901 Connect with Christy: Facebook – @ChristyPritchard901 Instagram – @ChristyPritchard901
How to Rebuild Community Around Your Family
June 07, 2022 08:00 - 21 minutes - 41.7 MBThink back to the last time you scrolled through social media. When you saw everyone out having fun, were you happy for your friends, or were you unexpectedly hit with loneliness? Have you lost touch with many of your friends? Does your family not get invited over to other people’s homes very often? You’ve fallen so far off the social map that you’re sure you’re never going to be able to reconnect with anyone again. Our family has never been what you would call “typical” since we deal ...
The Benefits of Being Honest About Your Needs with Your Spouse
May 31, 2022 08:00 - 20 minutes - 40.6 MBAre you hesitant to express your true feelings with your spouse? Do you find yourself thinking that it will be easier if you keep your needs to yourself and just take care of the needs of others? Unfortunately, now you’re filled with resentment because your needs aren’t being fulfilled. On today’s episode, you’ll hear how choosing to be honest can build trust with your spouse, even if it brings a little conflict. NEW COMMUNITY If you’re looking for a kind and loving community with ot...
Is God Committed to Your Family?
May 24, 2022 08:00 - 20 minutes - 40.7 MBHave you ever gotten to the end of a day that was much harder with your child than you were expecting and been so discouraged that you started wondering where God was? Why didn’t he do more? Why was your family still struggling? Was he still committed to you and your family? When we became parents 10 years ago, we believe God promised to provide for our boys every step of the way. While the journey has been harder than we expected, we have seen the Lord honor his word multiple times. ...
How Intentionality Creates Trust With Your Child
May 17, 2022 08:00 - 18 minutes - 36.6 MBWhile you knew that parenting would be a memorable ride, you did not realize it was going to be the turbulent rollercoaster you find yourself on. Your true desire is to have a strong healthy relationship with your child. But…it doesn’t seem to be happening. Listen in on today’s episode to see how the Hope Circle can help you bring peace and growth back into your up and down relationship with your child. Connect with Michael: Facebook – @MichaelPritchard901 Instagram – @MichaelPritc...
The One Thing That Can Bring Hope to Your Family
May 10, 2022 08:00 - 20 minutes - 37.5 MBWhen your child has unique challenges, the stress feels constant while hope slowly fades. How do you bring hope back to your family? If hope even still possible? If so, what should you focus on? Our family has thrived at times and struggled at others. What was the difference? It was whether we were actively working toward the one thing that could move our family forward. This one thing will be the foundation of all our topics moving forward, so we hope you’ll join us today as we ...
Season 3 Preview
May 03, 2022 08:00 - 2 minutes - 4.22 MBBeing a parent hasn’t really worked out the way you thought it would. Your child has unique challenges and you’re at a loss on how to help him. As a result of these struggles, cracks in your other vital relationships, hidden beneath the surface, have begun to emerge. Your faith in the Lord has become dim. Your spouse seems distant. You’ve become isolated from your community. If your child’s challenges stem from disability, trauma, or adoption, you need someone who has walked a similar j...
Season 2 Wrap-Up
March 08, 2022 09:00 - 1 minute - 2.36 MBMichael and Christy have loved encouraging other adoptive parents these last several months. They'll be back in a few weeks with new topics and exciting guests!
Navigating Your Young Child’s Questions About Their Adoption
March 01, 2022 09:00 - 23 minutes - 43.5 MBWhen your young child asks questions about their adoption, it’s hard to know what to share with them. Should you tell them everything? Only a little bit? What is the information they need today and what can wait until later? Join Michael and Christy as they share four steps to help you determine how to answer your young child’s questions concerning their adoption. These questions typically come when you least expect it, so be sure that you prepare today! Connect with Michael: Fac...
Adoption to Advocacy - with Ayden Lincoln
February 22, 2022 09:00 - 24 minutes - 44.3 MBJoin Michael and Christy today as they talk with Ayden Lincoln, an adult adoptee who was born in China. At one day old, she was abandoned in a shoebox with her umbilical cord still attached. Her journey hasn’t always been easy, but today, nineteen years later, she seeks to encourage others to adopt. Today you will hear the twists and turns of her journey from adoption to advocacy. Plus, she’ll share a few tips to help you with your adopted child at home. Connect with Ayden AydenLin...
Valuing Your Child's Identity - with Jeff McCord
February 15, 2022 09:00 - 31 minutes - 58.5 MB*Some topics mentioned in this episode may not be suitable for young children. Have you ever thought about the importance of helping your adoptive child figure out his identity concerning his heritage? Is it even important? What are the potential ramifications if you don’t? Join Michael and Christy today as they talk with Jeff McCord about his experience being adopted and growing up in a transracial family. You’ll hear about the decisions his adoptive parents made concerning his id...
Helping Your Child with Their Big Emotions
February 08, 2022 09:00 - 19 minutes - 35.4 MBWhen Christy goes down with COVID, who do you get to be your co-host? Your oldest son, of course! Join Michael and Zachary today as they talk about the reality of big emotions and how you, the parent, can help your child in those moments. It’s a conversation that will make you smile and, just maybe, fill you with a little hope. D2D Facebook Page Connect with Michael: Facebook – @MichaelPritchard901 Instagram – @MichaelPritchard901 Connect with Christy: Facebook – @Chris...
Creating a Healthy Connection with Your Child's Birth Family - with Jay Stephenson
February 01, 2022 09:00 - 23 minutes - 43 MBA consistent question an adoptive parent must answer is, “How connected should we be to our child’s birth family?” Before answering that question, though, many birth parents experience a range of emotions, from excitement to uncertainty, and even fear. Join us today as we talk with Jay Stephenson, dad of two adopted sons and one biological son, who answers that question with his own question, “What is best for my child?” D2D Facebook Page Connect with Michael: Facebook – @M...
What to Do When You Find Yourself on an Island
January 25, 2022 09:00 - 26 minutes - 49.1 MBNo one wakes up one morning and says, “I hope that I become completely separated from all of my friends and feel completely alone.” Yet, many adoptive parents find themselves in that exact position after constantly placing their child’s needs before their own. When you recognize you’re on an island, it is a dreadful realization, as you no longer have a strong support network to help you. Join Michael and Christy today as they discuss the four steps they’ve used over the years to get off ...
Helping Your Spouse When They Disengage
January 18, 2022 09:00 - 24 minutes - 44.7 MBHas your spouse become more distant and less engaged? Sometimes, because of the difficulties in the adoptive parenting journey, one spouse may begin to pull back from the family. If you’re on the receiving end of this disengagement, the temptation is to believe they don’t love you or your children, but it could be a sign they need your help. Join Michael and Christy today as Michael reveals a time when he began to disengage from his family and what led to his withdrawal. Plus, you’ll hea...
Truths to Hold on to When It Gets Hard
January 11, 2022 09:00 - 20 minutes - 37.4 MBSometimes your journey as an adoptive parent gets difficult. Conflict seems never-ending. Questions are endless. Options appear limited. When you’re overwhelmed and tired, are there any truths from the Bible for you to hold on to? Join Michael and Christy as they discuss two scripture passages that have brought them hope during difficult moments in their parenting journey. If you’re starting the new year and are filled with more questions than answers, then you just might find some enco...
Navigating the Holidays with Your Family
November 30, 2021 09:00 - 23 minutes - 43 MBThe most wonderful time of year has come! Parties. Candy. Lights. Sugar. Late bedtimes. Special programs. Concerts. Stress. Meltdowns. Full fledged come-aparts. For adoptive families, the Christmas season, when we celebrate peace on earth and goodwill toward men, can become a time known for little peace and no goodwill felt by anyone. Join Michael and Christy as they talk about the three strategies they’ve learned over the years to help their family navigate the holidays well. You...
How to Securely Attach to Your Adoptive Child (Part 2) - with Shelley Spence
November 23, 2021 09:00 - 24 minutes - 45.1 MBSometimes it can feel impossible to create a secure connection between you and your adoptive child. The outbursts are too intense. The distrust is too deep. The cavern between you and your adoptive child seems uncrossable. So, what can you actually do to help your child learn that you can be trusted? Join us as we continue our conversation with Shelley Spence, a nationally certified licensed professional counselor, about attachment. You will hear six strategies you can implement today to...
How to Securely Attach to Your Adopted Child (Part 1) - with Shelley Spence
November 16, 2021 09:00 - 26 minutes - 49.1 MBHelping your adopted child securely attach to you is top priority because it sets the foundation for all his or her future relationships. Join us as we talk with Shelley Spence, a nationally certified licensed professional counselor, about the definition of attachment, the different types of attachment, and how to determine your own attachment style. Understanding these topics is the first step in developing a strong and secure relationship with your child. How to Connect with Shelley Sp...
Strengthening the Bond of Your Adoptive Family
November 09, 2021 09:00 - 19 minutes - 35.5 MBDoes your family’s bond seem weak right now? Does everyone seem to be going in different directions? Join Michael and Christy as they discuss a different way to celebrate National Adoption Awareness Month this year. If you join their challenge, you may just create some wonderful memories while strengthening the bond of your family along the way. Connect with Michael: Facebook – @MichaelPritchard901 Instagram – @MichaelPritchard901 Connect with Christy: Facebook – @Chris...
Loving Your Child When They Push You Away (with Jasmine Duguid)
November 02, 2021 08:00 - 28 minutes - 52.2 MBJoin Michael and Christy today as they talk with Jasmine Duguid, a transracial adoptee with nine siblings, five of whom were also adopted. Jasmine’s journey with her adoptive parents has not always been easy, as she struggled with identity, anger, and rebellion as a teenager. However, her parents’ consistent response during those difficult years continues to resonate in her life to this day. Is your relationship with your adopted child on unstable ground, and you’re afraid that your rela...
Staying Emotionally Connected with Your Spouse
October 26, 2021 08:00 - 26 minutes - 48.4 MBOne of the best ways to provide a healthy environment for your children is to have a strong, vibrant relationship with your spouse. However, children who are adopted potentially have a higher risk of mental health disorders, which means that parenting them can be extremely stressful. As you face the challenges of attachment disorders, special needs, abuse, neglect, or depression, you may find yourself faced with another unexpected challenge – you’ve become emotionally disconnected with your s...
How to 'Look Behind' the Behavior: An Introduction to Childhood Trauma
October 19, 2021 08:00 - 23 minutes - 43.5 MBDid your adopted child experience abuse or neglect before you adopted them? Join us today as we talk with Dr. Ron Mumbower about the effects of trauma on children. Not only did Ron experience abuse as a child, but he is also a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He has been a counselor for over 35 years, and one of his specialties is trauma. This episode will help you ‘look behind’ your child’s challenging behavior that results from trauma so you can better meet his or her needs. Boo...
People are Staring...Again
October 12, 2021 08:00 - 25 minutes - 47.6 MBAdopted, transracial families stick out wherever they go. No matter where they are, their family’s racial makeup will always prompt curiosity in others. People will stare. You will get questions. Kids will make offhanded comments. People will offer unsolicited advice. But how should you respond in these situations? Are you obligated to give everyone your family’s life story? Should you keep everyone at arm’s length? Join Michael and Christy today as they share about a time when someone t...
Meeting Racism Face to Face
October 05, 2021 08:00 - 24 minutes - 44.7 MB“It’s a monkey!” “She’s not even human.” “She’s a n-----.” “I don’t like her kind.” “I want her to be dead.” As a white adoptive mom of a daughter from Ethiopia, Holly Prosser has seen racism up close many times. The fact that racism is alive and well in our society was a shock to her, and she was unprepared for that reality. Listen in on our conversation with Holly as she shares her experience raising a black daughter, and you will be shocked by her stories. If you’re a ...
Beauty from (Everyone's) Brokenness
September 28, 2021 09:00 - 26 minutes - 48.6 MBBrokenness. It’s a word we all try to avoid. No one wants to be known as “broken.” Yet, adoption exists because of brokenness. Often, the focus lands on the adopted child’s brokenness. Her background is rough. He experienced instability. She had no one to love her. He’s lived in four foster homes. Because these children need help, we rightly place our full attention on helping them with the loss, pain, and trauma of their past. However, there is still another person whose brokenness must ...
A New Direction for Diapers to Diplomas
September 23, 2021 08:00 - 1 minute - 2.87 MBIf you’re an adoptive parent and you’re looking for a bit of encouragement, needed laughter, and a gentle reminder that you’re not alone, you’re in the right place. Michael and Christy Pritchard know firsthand that beneath the surface of your beautiful family lies layers of questions and hurts that are now woven into your everyday life. Each week on Diapers to Diplomas, you’ll hear authentic stories and practical next steps to help you lead your family with wisdom and discernment. Not...
Podcast Update
September 07, 2021 07:00 - 4 minutes - 7.67 MBWe're taking a small break from our regular episodes to prepare for Season 2. If there is an episode from Season 1 that has been encouraging for you, be sure to share it with a friend. See you in just a few weeks!
How to Rediscover Your Identity as a Mom
August 31, 2021 07:00 - 21 minutes - 38.8 MBYour son needs help with his homework every day. Your daughter needs consoling after missing the cut for the cheerleading squad. Your family must eat every day (who knew?!). Clothing. Career. Laundry. Cleaning. Staff meetings. Groceries. Carpooling. Man Flu. The list goes on for a mile. The daily expectations on moms can lead to the loss of identity for many women. Join us today as Christy shares about a time when a broken-down car led her to ask the questions, “Who am I?” “How did I get h...
What?! I Don't Get Sex Every Time I Want It?
August 24, 2021 07:00 - 26 minutes - 48 MBJoin us today as Michael and Christy share their story of how they started dating and got married. In the middle of their journey, however, Michael realized he had a lot of growing up to do. This leads to a discussion about three common areas where husbands need to leave their “childish pursuits” and grow up in their family relationships. And, you just might have guessed it, one of these areas involves sex. Connect with Michael: Facebook – @MichaelPritchard901 Instagram – @MichaelP...
Seize the Journey (Part 3) - Celebrate the Wins!
August 17, 2021 07:00 - 19 minutes - 35.6 MBOnce you’ve reached your desired destination or attained your family’s goal, there’s only one thing left to do…celebrate! But families don’t often celebrate wins. Why? Because we compare our family to the Taylors, who all have rock hard abs and make straight A’s. At least, that’s what their Instagram stories tell us… Join us today as we conclude our Seize the Journey series and share about our first family trip to the beach. Vacations can be difficult for us, and we had no clue how our boy...
Seize the Journey (Part 2) - The Messy Middle
August 10, 2021 07:00 - 23 minutes - 43 MBAfter the excitement of beginning a new journey or pursuing a new goal wears off, you often find yourself in the “messy middle” before you make it to your destination. Things go wrong. Your kids aren’t cooperative. You lose your way. You get distracted by the thousand other things you must do. In these moments, you ask yourself if it’s even worth it and you’re tempted to turn back. Join us today as Christy shares about her “messy middle” experience as she attempted to lead a team of short-...
Seize the Journey (Part 1) - Hit the Road
August 03, 2021 07:00 - 22 minutes - 40.5 MBNew beginnings are a part of every family’s journey. Whether your child is starting at a new school, you’re beginning a new job, or your family is seeking to accomplish a new goal, every journey must start at the beginning. However, the beginning can be filled with uncertainty, wrong turns, and confronting your ego. These obstacles cause many families to turn back and never reach their new goal or desired destination. Join us today as we talk about our experience driving in a foreign count...
Should You Raise Your Children to be Colorblind?
July 27, 2021 07:00 - 21 minutes - 39.7 MBIn our multicultural society, what is the best way to equip your children to develop relationships with people who don’t look like them? A common phrase heard today is, “I’m going to raise my children to be colorblind. We just don’t see race.” Join us today as we discuss if being colorblind is the best response when engaging with people of another race. Plus, we’ll share four steps on how to teach your children to show value to someone’s race and culture. Book mentioned in today’s ep...
How to Stop Parenting Fights
July 20, 2021 07:00 - 21 minutes - 39.6 MBAre you tired of fighting with your spouse over how to parent your kids? Do you wish you and your spouse could be unified in your decisions? Join us today as we share about the time that our son’s refusal to eat his peas and potatoes resulted in major conflict between us. Plus, we’ll share four steps that will help you fight less with your spouse and become more unified in your parenting decisions.
Our Adoption Story - Part 2
July 13, 2021 07:00 - 25 minutes - 46.1 MBWhen difficult circumstances occur, fear is ready to pounce and cement its lies into your spirit. How you react in those situations reveals whether you truly believe God’s Word and trust his promises or not. Join us today as we conclude our adoption story by sharing how we responded when everything fell apart on our adoption day. Plus, we’ll discuss two steps you can take when fear threatens to block your path forward. Click here for periodic updates about Diapers to Diplomas. Connec...
Our Adoption Story
July 06, 2021 07:00 - 19 minutes - 35.8 MBWhat story is your family telling? Each day, your family is weaving a narrative that reveals to the world what your family is all about. Your family continuously faces unexpected choices, and how you respond in those situations reveals the story you’re living. Join us as we share the twists and turns of how our family’s story began with adoption. We thought our story was headed in one direction, only to find ourselves faced with a sudden decision that would change everything. Click here fo...
Prepare Your Family for Tomorrow, Today
June 29, 2021 08:00 - 23 minutes - 42.2 MBLeading a family is a joy a minute…until your son on the Autism Spectrum locks everyone out of the house while he’s stuck inside. Join us today as we introduce ourselves and share how we learned the importance of not just knowing the right thing to do, but actually doing it. Proverbs 24:3 – A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Click here for periodic updates about Diapers to Diplomas. Connect with Michael: Facebook – @MichaelPritchard901 Instagram – @Mic...
Season 3 Trailer
June 16, 2021 15:55 - 2 minutes - 4.22 MBBeing a parent hasn’t really worked out the way you thought it would. Your child has unique challenges and you’re at a loss on how to help him. As a result of these struggles, cracks in your other vital relationships, hidden beneath the surface, have begun to emerge. Your faith in the Lord has become dim. Your spouse seems distant. You’ve become isolated from your community. If your child’s challenges stem from disability, trauma, or adoption, you need someone who has walked a similar...
Introducing Diapers to Diplomas
June 16, 2021 15:55 - 2 minutes - 3.82 MBJoin Michael and Christy Pritchard as they lead their transracial, adopted, special needs family through the adventures of marriage and parenting. Each week, you’ll find hope for your parenting journey through authentic stories and practical next steps. Plus, the Pritchards will share insight from their combined 29 years of ministry leadership experience from working with young children all the way up to college students. Whether your child is learning to take their first step or they’re wal...
Re-introducing Diapers to Diplomas
June 16, 2021 15:55 - 1 minute - 14.1 MBIf you’re an adoptive parent and you’re looking for a bit of encouragement, needed laughter, and a gentle reminder that you’re not alone, you’re in the right place. Michael and Christy Pritchard know firsthand that beneath the surface of your beautiful family lies layers of questions and hurts that are now woven into your everyday life. Each week on Diapers to Diplomas, you’ll hear authentic stories and practical next steps to help you lead your family with wisdom and discernment. Not...