Anna Maria DiDio

About our guest: When Anna decided to start a family, she was unprepared for the journey ahead. Years of infertility struggles were isolating and sent her into depression. After two miscarriages, Anna and her husband Richard had a beautiful baby girl. Realizing they wanted to expand their family they began researching ways to do so… but adding to their family seemed impossible. Until… they found themselves at an orphanage in Mexico, meeting a beautiful six-year-old girl.

They thought they found the missing piece to their family puzzle but were unprepared for the trauma their newly adopted daughter’s experience in losing her culture, language, food and everything else that had been essential in her life.

Anna knew she had something to say about her family’s adoption journey so upon retiring from an incredible career as a Human Resource Consultant, Anna sat down at her desk and started writing. It began with a memoir, Love at the Border and has blossomed into writing children's books with the mission of encouraging adoptive parents and all blended families to acknowledge the trauma, various unknown challenges and to provide hope in moving forward as a thriving family.

In this conversation, Aaron Parry speaks with Anna-Marie DiDio, an adoptive mother and children's book author, about her experiences with adoption, the challenges faced by adopted children, and the importance of open communication within families. They discuss the trauma associated with adoption, the integration of adopted children into new families, and the significance of cultural heritage. Anna shares insights on the resources available for adoptive families and the evolving landscape of adoption in today's society.

Adopted our daughter from Mexico at age six. Trauma behaviors were obvious but we were a bit clueless. Trauma education and research enable us to see what was happening. With professional help, and our own parenting formula, we were able to thrive as a blended family

In this episode of Project Mindfully Outdoors, host Mike Martin welcomes guest Anna Maria DiDio for an insightful conversation on navigating the complexities of family dynamics related to adoption, foster care, and stepchildren. They emphasize the vital role of open communication and transparency in fostering healthy relationships within these families. Anna shares her expertise on observing children's behaviors and emotions, underscoring the significance of understanding and embracing one’s origin story.

The discussion also delves into the importance of seeking professional help to navigate emotional challenges and enhancing familial bonds. Anna and Mike highlight the unique journeys each family undertakes, celebrating the rewards of personal growth and mindfulness that come through these experiences. Listeners are encouraged to utilize available resources for support, reinforcing that no family has to face these challenges alone. Tune in for an enlightening episode that offers practical insights and encouragement for families in similar situations.

Blanka Falk is joined by Anna Maria DiDio, MSW, an adoptive mother and children’s author, to explore adoption and trauma through children's literature. Anna Maria, with a BA in Psychology and an MSW in Family Specialization, encourages open conversations between parents and children. They discuss the challenges adoptive families face and the importance of fostering empathy, awareness, and effective coping mechanisms in adoptive parenting.

When my husband and I began our adoption journey over twenty years ago, we had no idea of what was in store for us. The myth of adoption had us hooked and after the pain and isolation of infertility, we were willing to give it a try. The journey took us to an orphanage in Mexico where we met an adorable and precocious six-year-old girl. Once in the U.S., her pain at being separated from everything she knew and loved prompted my writing and I began to journal our experience. Many years later, I finished my memoir, Love at the Border, An Adoption Adventure. Now, reflecting on how unprepared we were for the emotional tumult of adoption, I decided to write children's books from the point of view of the child. Expressing the pain of separation and loss is an important part of what adopted children need to do. However, many times, it's not something that adoptive parents are able to hear. With my L.I.F.E.* series of children's books, I want to focus on what children of all blended family types are thinking and feeling as they acclimate to their new families.

Anna Maria DiDio, MSW is an adoptive mother and was inspired to write her memoir, Love at the Border, An Adoption Adventure after her family journey to Mexico. Now her L.I.F.E.* Adventures children’s books feature stories about adoption, foster care, stepchildren, and all blended families. Bestselling Adoption & Children's Book Author

In this episode of 'A Magical Life,' host Magic Barclay interviews Anna Maria DiDio, an adoptive mother and author of 'Love at the Border, an Adoption Adventure.' Anna Maria shares insights from her personal adoption journey and discusses the emotional struggles that adoptive families often face. She emphasizes the importance of honesty and open communication within adoptive families to promote overall wellbeing. Anna Maria's children's books aim to highlight adoption, foster care, and blended families, offering practical advice and exploring these experiences from the child's perspective. Additionally, she provides tips on creating personal and emotional wealth by acknowledging the unique backgrounds and cultures of adopted children. She also talks about coping with stress and weight management during the adoption process. The interview covers various topics, including the importance of support networks, cultural integration, and dealing with school-related challenges for adopted children.