As early intervention providers, we’re often tasked with supporting families facing complex challenges. For me, the most effective strategies arise from my own parenting experiences. This is the tale of two books which led to the development of a practical framework that has proven quite useful.

Our adjustment into foster care was exciting. Initially expecting one child, we welcomed two, leading to a period of intense on-the-job learning. With our second placement, again two children, I looked for patterns for what to expect and reflected on what worked and what didn’t.

I started to develop a “Standard Operating Procedure” for how our family will function when we bring home a new foster child. Our family now uses standard operating procedures (SOP’s) for traveling, hurricane season, football games, and now foster care. The idea of a “Standard Operating Procedure” was inspired by a book I read by David Allen. In his book “Getting Things Done,” he emphasizes the importance of externalizing tasks and information. He states, “Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them.” (Allen, 2001).

The Eat, Sleep, Poop Protocol Begins

What made our SOP different was that it is was inspired by other book I had heard of recently, “Eat, Sleep, Poop: A Common Sense Guide to Your Baby’s First Year,” by Scott W. Cohen. In this book he reinforces the foundational importance of these three functions in a child’s life: eating, sleeping and pooping.

“These three functions are the core of a baby’s life and should be the primary focus for new parents.”

(Cohen, 2010)

One of our foster care placements began on the eve of the COVID-19 pandemic. The unexpected complications of COVID-19 on our “Eat, Sleep, Poop” protocol presented challenges, but having a foundational plan proved helpful.

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.

Here is one of the iterations of our own “Eat, Sleep, Poop” protocol for receiving a new foster child. Use it for developing your own SOPs, inspired by our experiences.

1. Eat

For The Foster Child

• Questions:
  • What does the child eat? (Formula, solids, etc.)
  • Are there any allergies?
  • How do they eat? (Bottles, high chair, spoons, etc.)
  • Is the child enrolled in WIC?
• To do:
  • Schedule WIC apt.
  • Go to the grocery store
  • Collect needed equipment

For the Rest of the Family

• Plan:
  • switch to paper plates and a steady stream of take-out as well as a
  • go-to list of family favorite foods to have on hand. And a bottle of wine.
  • support system maybe brings us dinners a few times a week for a period of adjustment and this helps so much.
• To Do:
  • Buy paper plates, cups and silverware, AND papertowels.
  • Call the support system and give them the green light on bringing food if offered.
  • Go to the liquor store for some wine.
  • Go to the grocery store.

2. Sleep

For the Foster Child

• Questions to ask:
  • What kind of sleeping environment and bed do they need? Depends on age.
  • What are their sleep routines? Depends on history.
• To Do:
  • Get the bed ready. Assemble the toddler bed or the crib? Adjust the mattress height.
  • Find the extra sheets and blankets and pillows if needed.
  • Get the other sleep equipment needed: baby monitor, sound machine, nightlight etc.

For the Rest of the Family

• Question: How will caregivers adjust to possible interrupted sleep?
• Plan:
  • Take some time off work when possible.
  • Push off any extra responsibilities for the time being.
  • Protect the sleep of the other children.
  • Switch off sleep/wake turn taking with partner.

3. Poop

For the Foster Child

• Questions:
  • Diapers, pull-ups, or underwear? Daytime and nighttime.
  • Do we need a diaper bag?
  • Do they need assistance with bathroom needs?
  • Where are we in potty training an issue?
  • Where will we change diapers?
  • How will we throw away stinky diapers?
• Plan:
  • Buy diapers, pullups or underwear. And wipes. Just in case
  • Establish a changing area with supplies for changing and hand washing.
  • Establish a stash of grocery sacks for the stink bombs.
  • Get the garbage can with the lid.
  • Buy extra garbage bags.

For the Rest of the Family

• Plan:
  • Stock up on household essentials like toilet paper, hand soap, paper towels, disinfectant cleaners to keep your bathroom routines flowing.
  • Wash all the towels.
  • Assign cleaning duties to teenagers.

Additional Resources:

Watch this Ted Talk on David Allens’s Getting Things Done…

Like the idea of Eat, Sleep, Poop? Listen to the author, Scott Cohen’s podcast here.

https://www.daddyvsdoctor.com/#listen

In the dynamic world of early intervention, a structured approach can make a significant difference. By focusing on fundamental needs and developing adaptable SOPs, we coach families to provide a more stable and supportive environment for the children we serve. I encourage you to reflect on your own experiences and develop SOPs that work for you.

What are your thoughts on this approach? Do you have any tips or experiences to share? Please leave a comment below!

References:

• Getting Things Done: https://gettingthingsdone.com/
• Eat, Sleep, Poop: https://scottcohenmd.com/book