Foster parent house tour example with a new foster teen

Here is an example of walking a teen through your home for the first time. Of course, a lot depends on the teen and their needs. Feel free to share your experiences in the comments!

[stay_gold]

i really like that you said “this is where i sleep” instead of “this is MY room”

[kate_]

I like how you’re giving info on foster parenting without exploiting the experiences of any children your care

[KhadijahW.]

I love that you're so chill with them, such as offering to text, knocking on a strangers bedroom door in the middle if the night is intimidating.

[melissawaugh]

Every home I stayed in was just a empty room with a bed and a dresser. Posters get ripped and creased after putting them up and take them down so much so....
When I stayed at the ecu I was able to earn an allowance for chores. I saved that money went to the dollar store and got some glass bowls little glass stones and floating candles (because it was the 90's lol) and had a little cloth. It was easy to pack and take to another home, and I was so proud of my little decor set up.

[wellhi]

I can't even imagine how many kids are grateful to have you as a foster mom.
My best friend was a foster kid and she told me horrible stories.
Luckily she found a mom that was willing to reunite her with her sister and adopt them both.
She even took me in for a few months.
Human kindness goes so far

[ttrya]

Whoa, thank you in particular for the note about care products in the bathroom. It just brought to my attention how un-intuitive my current placement of those supplies are (in a hallway closet rather than the bathroom itself).

I thought that including a note on the wall across from the toilet was enough, but it sure would be nice to have those items within reach while ON the toilet, huh? After some research, I think I’ll be grabbing a lidded trash can too, to replace the old open one. Better for privacy and for cleanliness.

Thank you again for constantly opening our minds to new ways to make hard transitions a little less painful and demoralizing. Watching and rewatching your videos are part of my weekly (almost daily) routine, and I’m still learning so much from you and other creators in this space. Much much appreciated, and please have a nice, toasty day!

[MsBELLE]

Holy crap why did that pantry one hit me so hard?

"This side is free game, have what you want" damn.

[deborahcavel-greant]

And "welcome to eat in your room if you want". We had kids who hoarded food in their rooms because they were so accustomed to scarcity and really fearful of hunger. We found a Rubbermaid tub with a lid specifically for food was good, and when we shopped the 1st time with them we'd shop to fill that tub with more or less healthy snacks. It helped a lot to allay anxiety. You've got great tips. Our fostering days are over, due to age and health. I really miss fostering, we had 36 children over a 12-year span, some for several years. I miss those kids, some of whom are now grandparents! Boy time flies.

[labambinax]

as a former foster child, I love how dedicated and caring you are and that you're teaching others to do the same. ❤️

[ToasteredBread]

You’re literally an angel. Giving kids a good experience is the best thing you can do for the kiddos

[mvinson]

Ill never forget it. I came to my foster parents now permanent parents home on Halloween day. My dad took me shopping for a costume to go trick or treating. I came from a strick religious house before and they didnt believe in celebrating halloween even tho i loved it. Ill never forget it how hard he fought to keep me. God rest his soul ❤

[CoCoBang]

I'm 23 now but I spent 11 years total in fostercare, 47 foster homes. Out of that many homes I had 2 good ones that I stayed longer than a month. I did not have good experiences and endured a lot more abuse than I did at home. I started to runaway constantly from fosterhomes and group homes because I was so terrified of everyone. Feeling alone and scared for so long was devastating for me. I had the mindset that being homeless and sleeping outside was safer than a strangers home. I never finished 9th grade because I was never at a school long enough to get any credit. I aged out of fostercare with nothing but a suitcase and the will to survive. I'm now a stay at home mom of 3 boys and have never been more grateful to have a stable home.

[SavageMinnow]

I've been considering taking in foster kids for a long time. I love that you don't shy away from all the hard work that's required, but you show that it can be done with grace and love. You make me feel like this is something I can handle. ❤️❤️❤️

[lindsayhobbs]

Your channel is 100% educational, and it's inspiring! I'm a psych nurse, and the way you speak to the foster kids is indicative of years of experience and some advanced knowledge of psychology and sociology. You're an angel on earth, and the foster system is so blessed to have you!!!

[Lolalaughsx]

You’re an angel.


Not only do these lessons apply to fostering kids and teens, but to just how to treat others; with kindness, patience, empathy and respect. It’s beautiful just like yourself and your soul!

[shermikkamonroe]

This is what us foster kids need more of. I went thru hell and back in foster kid and no one was nearly as understanding or loving as this woman is she need an award or something 🎉

[sanastratus]

I really like that there’s nothing in the room except space for them. I’ve lived in so many places where the closets and storage are packed with other people’s things and it always made me feel like the space wasn’t my own. Having a whole room that’s just for you can make a huge difference.

[victoriap]

Wow this is so amazing. The pantries were always locked at the foster home my older cousin lived in growing up. It always felt wrong to me but I felt I couldn’t judge, cuz I’d never been a foster parent. It feels really nice to see this though 💞

[katto]

I need this but from my actual parents, I’m terrified to do anything in my own home without explicit permission first. Can’t eat, shower, clean, cook, go to sleep, watch tv without feeling the need to ask.

[hereiamaliveyetagain]

She makes me want to foster since I don't want kids of my own, but to help. But I also realize that I need to be there mentally and physically. And be a safe space for them. I'd have to work on myself