Episode 48 - Stepparenting 101: Understanding Your Role in a Child's Life

In today's episode, Debbie Ausburn talks about the importance of being there for kids and always having their back - especially during times of divorce or when they are in foster care. She emphasizes the need for healthy boundaries while acknowledging the impact of trauma on children's lives. Debbie has a unique perspective on this as a former criminal prosecutor of crimes against children, social worker, current litigation attorney advising youth-serving organizations, and foster and step-parent.


We also talked about the role of stepparents, mentors, and foster families in a child's life. We also learned about the dangers of grooming and how to protect kids from abuse. As a former prosecutor and advocate for children's rights, Debbie has extensive experience in helping children to deal with traumatic situations, including high-conflict divorces, and transitioning to having stepparents and different living arrangements through a divorce.


Debbie also talks about the importance of a one-way commitment when taking care of kids, and to always be there for them, no matter what. Her message that we should all work together to protect and empower our kids is critical for anyone going through separation and divorce or professionals and parents working with children of any age.


About the Guest:

Debbie Ausburn is a social worker turned lawyer who has worked with youth-serving organizations for more than 40 years. She has served as a camp counselor, juvenile court probation officer, group home parent, criminal prosecutor of crimes against children, and litigation attorney advising youth-serving organizations throughout the United States.


Her most important challenges, however, have been parenting foster children and stepchildren. She has never had biological children, but she has collected seven children and ten grandchildren.


She has put the lessons that her children taught her in her recent book Raising Other People’s Children: What Foster Parenting Taught Me about Bringing Together a Blended Family.


To connect with Debbie:


Website: www.DebbieAusburn.com


Book: RaisingOtherPeoplesChildren.com


Facebook: @OtherPeoplesChildrenLLC


IG: @DebbieAusburn


LinkedIn.com/company/other-people’s-children-llc

About the Host:

Mardi Winder-Adams is an ICF and BCC Executive and Leadership Coach, Certified Divorce Transition Coach, and a Credentialed Distinguished Mediator in Texas. She has worked with women in executive, entrepreneur, and leadership roles navigating personal, life, and professional transitions. She is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC.


To find out more about divorce coaching: www.divorcecoach4women.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/


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