In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca continues her conversation with Dr. Ellen Weber Libby—psychotherapist, adoptive parent, and author of The Calling to Adopt: Should I or Shouldn’t I?
Part two dives deeper into the hard truths and family dynamics that shape the adoption journey. Dr. Libby unpacks the warning signs that signal someone may not be ready to adopt, why openness is non-negotiable, and how favoritism plays out in families (yes, there’s usually a “favorite child”). She also shares strategies for handling unsupportive relatives, protecting your child, and navigating the ripple effects adoption has on extended family.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore adoption or you’re already parenting, this episode offers powerful insights into the challenges—and gifts—of building your family through adoption.
🔗 Important Links
Chapters
00:00 – Welcome Back & Sponsor Message
01:19 – Introduction to Part 2 with Dr. Ellen Weber Libby
01:54 – Warning Signs: When You’re Not Ready to Adopt
04:22 – Soul-Searching Around Donor Conception vs. Adoption
05:56 – Why Rigidity Doesn’t Work in Adoption
07:33 – The “Favorite Child” Discussion
09:12 – How Favoritism Shapes Children (for better or worse)
12:45 – Will Parents Love Adopted & Biological Children Equally?
14:29 – Why Secrets Hurt Families More Than Favoritism
16:27 – How Adoption Impacts Extended Family Dynamics
18:30 – Sharing a Child’s Needs Without Oversharing Their Story
20:25 – Transracial Adoption & Shifting Family Legacy
21:40 – Handling Negative or Toxic Family Reactions
23:28 – Standing Up for Your Child in Hard Situations
25:03 – The Calling to Adopt: A Life’s Gift
26:37 – Why Dr. Libby Wrote The Calling to Adopt
29:00 – Writing Honestly Without Telling Her Children’s Stories
31:27 – Parenting Differences & Lessons from Risk-Taking Kids
32:30 – Finding a Therapist Who Truly Understands Adoption
33:33 – Attachment, Loss & the Roots of Trauma
35:44 – Dr. Libby on Retirement & Staying Connected
36:13 – Quickfire Round with Dr. Libby
37:22 – Closing Thoughts & Rebecca’s Sign-Off
Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!
For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, emailsupport@rgadoptionconsulting.com
