Being a mom to three little ones is a never-ending source of inspiration, especially when it comes to the beautiful chaos of early childhood. For years, I’ve worn two hats: one as a dedicated early intervention provider, serving countless children within the system, and another as a foster parent. But here’s an update – I’m now also a therapeutic foster parent, meaning the amazing kiddos who come into our home will have additional needs.
Protecting a child’s privacy is a priority in foster care and Early Intervention. So, the characters in my blog posts—the ones with the epic meltdowns, the heartwarming breakthroughs, and the laugh-out-loud moments—have been given playful aliases. They represent the many incredible children I’ve had the privilege of working with, both as a provider and as a foster mom.
But here’s the thing: the stories aren’t about who these children are but rather the lessons I’ve learned from each experience. Every giggle fit, every tear-streaked frustration, and every tiny victory has shaped me not just as a mom but as an Early Intervention provider.
These blog posts allow me to share those lessons with you, my fellow Early Intervention tribe. They’re a glimpse into the messy, magnificent world of early childhood, where every day brings a new challenge and a new opportunity to connect, guide, and celebrate each child.
So, while you won’t find real names or specific details, you will find relatable stories with practical advice, heartwarming moments, and a belief in the potential that lies within every child.
Learning Not to Judge Parenting Choices Different Than My Own
One of the hardest parts of being a foster parent is finding the middle ground. This is the space between your own family’s ideal normal and the reality of a child’s birth family. It is like walking a tightrope. You want to keep your home healthy, but you also want to make sure a child…
Fostering Parenting Is Its Own Foreign Mission Field
While the foreign missionary crosses an ocean to find the “stranger,” the foster parent finds the “stranger” at their own front door. Both roles require a high degree of cultural humility, a willingness to be uncomfortable, and a commitment to serving someone whose life experience is vastly different from their own.
Surviving A Full Day in the Family Court Waiting Room
Going to court as a foster parent can feel incredibly daunting. The atmosphere is often tense, and the stakes are impossibly high: a child’s entire future hangs in the balance. We know our input is crucial for the judge to make informed decisions, yet the sheer process of getting our two minutes of testimony can…
Balancing the Needs of Biological and Foster Children
When we first announced our intention to become foster parents, the response wasn’t a universal chorus of support. While friends and family knew our hearts, several expressed a deep, lingering concern: “What about your own children? How will this experience affect them?” It was a fair question, one that sat heavy on our minds as…
Managing Germs in a Houseful of Children: Lessons Learned
This experience forced a complete reassessment of our health protocols to move from general hygiene to strategic infection control. “Germs” is a non-medical term for microscopic organisms—bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa—that cause disease. Children under seven are particularly vulnerable because they have immature immune systems and a natural tendency to put their hands and toys…
What a Ketchup and Mayonnaise Sandwich Taught Me about Early Intervention
She pointed to the ketchup. Okay, —a bit strange, but whatever brings comfort. Then she pointed to the mayonnaise.
Ketchup. Mayonnaise. On white bread. This is where my inner dialogue—screamed, No, that’s gross. I draw the line.
“Eat, Sleep, Poop” Standard Operating Procedure
The act of having an adaptable yet specific Standard Operating Procedure or “SOP” proved crucial during the chaos of bringing home a medically fragile foster child during a global pandemic. The Framework of the SOP being so simple reminded us to focus on essential needs to create a foundation of stability in the chaos.
How Conscious Discipline Prepared Me To Be A Foster Parent
Being a foster parent to a child with behavioral challenges can be emotionally draining. By developing strategies for maintaining composure, you can have a clear head to make decisions to put into practice to maintain a positive environment for both yourself and the child.
Becoming Foster Parents: A Bridge Between Early Intervention And Family
Our family recently embarked on a new adventure—becoming licensed therapeutic foster parents. Yep, that’s right—we’re officially in the business of opening our hearts and homes to kids with special needs.
All Things Early Intervention 