Categories
Foster Parenting

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 in their mouths.

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Early Intervention in Everyday Routines Foster Parenting

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.

Categories
Foster Parenting

“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.

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Challenging Behavior Foster Parenting

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.

Categories
Foster Parenting

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.