Dr. Michelle Alden: Family Therapist & Parent Coach

11/10/2025

You kid?

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQ4KxF2kXCA/?igsh=MWdzamZ4bzFxZ2pkaw==

11/09/2025

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQ1uZD3kczy/?igsh=ejVmNnVqbHpzZWFj

11/06/2025

Every little thing is going to be ok.

11/06/2025

National Adoption Month:I was 6½ when I was adopted after about a year in foster care with my two brothers. Back then, my brother (only 11 months older) and I were considered “older child adoptions.” He ended up leaving before the adoption was finalized. Looking back, it was likely full-blown attachment trauma before anyone really knew what that was. My younger brother was just 3 and adopted quickly during that time. I remember trying my best to be “good enough” so I wouldn’t be sent away too.

My adoptive parents did their best to create stability, love, and healing—and that foundation gave me faith, values, and a deep love for horses, sports, and helping others. Even as a kid, I knew I wanted to work with “tough” kids. Years later, after raising six children (one adopted at 13), I built a national program to help parents navigate the challenges that come with trauma, ADHD, and big emotions.

I understand adoption from many sides: as a child, a parent, and a professional. To every adoptive and foster parent out there: hang in there. The road can be tough, but the healing you’re helping create matters more than you know.

11/04/2025

Hey parents — if your child struggles with anxiety (worries, meltdowns, or always needing reassurance), I made something for you. 💛

It’s a free guide for parents and grandparents to help anxious kids feel calmer and more confident — and to help you understand what’s really going on underneath the anxiety.

Grab it here 👉 https://form.jotform.com/253066354203046

You don’t have to walk on eggshells forever. There are ways to bring peace back into your home.

Please click the link to complete this form.

10/19/2025

Working on new content today! Who all is tuning in lately? Drop a 👋 or tell me where you’re watching from!

10/13/2025

I’m doing some research for Parenting Challenging Kids, and I’m wondering how many of you have adopted? Yes kin care also counts. Thanks!

10/09/2025

I had a group of 13 year old kids that asked if I had a quiz for kids to take to see if their parents were challenging 😁 I don’t. But you can take the quiz and see if your kid is…

2710 W Sunrise Rim Rd Suite 110 Boise ID 83705 (208) 860-7828 office@healthyfoundations.co ​

09/29/2025

Here's one to remember at IEP meetings...

If your child has trouble with executive functioning there are many seemingly simple tasks that may require support or adaptation to accomplish. For ex: filing things into a folder, turning in completed work, organizing a locker, getting papers from teacher to mom, just to name a few we struggle with everyday. Look for ways to support rather than shame or consequences. Your child will learn with consistency and repetition.

And this:
When we chronically misinterpret a child's trauma and see it as manipulative, defiance or avoidance, we tend to discipline them in ways that do not teach them or help them to resolve their trauma. Their behaviors (the ones we just want to stop by punishing), are the only ways the child knows to manage their trauma and it is up to the caring adults in their lives to step in and help them find healthier ways in a safe environment.-from Sheila Strugeon Freitas, Ph.D

09/21/2025

Last night I had a really cool dream that all the parents that had come to parent classes, or done HF Family Program (Family First) came to a be gathering. We had food and great conversation. It was supportive, fun and a great party. 🎉