Supporting young kids in foster care (preschool, toddlers, elementary) #fosterparent #fostercare

[JadeStDenis]

I really love the “What do you need right now” diagram, that would be so handy for any child especially as they’re learning how to speak rather than all of us screaming in frustration

[diewaschmaschine]

It must feel great as a child when your fears are taken seriously

[smach.h]

Some advice for dealing with monsters, get the kid to ask the monster what they want. For younger brains, it can help dissolve the monster and if it’s still there, it often doesn’t want to hurt anyone. It’s also just sad or scared.

[HeatherRose]

It's nice to see someone taking a child's fears seriously, instead of saying something like monsters aren't real, or you're being silly, or there's nothing to be scared of.

[Chriscummings-rd]

Adopted my children out of CPS 2021… 5&6 when they came to me as foster. My 5 yr old daughter could not voice…worry, concern, being scared… her words were…. My stomach hurts…. My stomach hurts… at such young ages they are not always capable of explaining their emotions/feelings. Counseling and the realization over time she was loved, safe and well taken care of… helped her to grow her emotions and give her the stability, confidence and strength to allow her to be herself!!! Now she’s a totally self absorbed kid!!!! I’m a blessed Momma!!!❤❤❤❤

[nevitt]

I would get so excited if my child said there was a monster in her room. Time for a Daddy daughter monster Hunt!

[dezaraeberg]

When I was in foster care I’d get locked in a room if I told them I was scared…. I was 5. I’m 38 now and have yet to recover from the abuse in the system I faced for 8 years. Then my dad found out he had a daughter (me) and he saved me. He fought so hard to get full custody and he did I’m so thankful for my dad.

[messily]

That sheet protector picture option board is 🤯 genius.

[Lisa_Bailey]

The dignity and compassion you are showing these kids is phenomenal. There is no need to point out what is real and not real (“there is no monster, go back to bed”). Trauma goes deep, and shows up in unexpected ways. How is a child supposed to say things like “my prefrontal cortex has been chemically disconnected from the rest of my brain, and I’m currently being driven by my limbic system, so here are some behaviors for you to expect”. No, they start showing some unwanted, disruptive behaviors, or suddenly become incredibly docile and compliant. Both extremes need comfort, support, and a strategy to get their physiology calmed down again.

[laural.langstonphd]

I am a child therapist who works with children with early life trauma. You make such a difference! I wish all foster children have someone who gets it and cares so deeply! <3

[iCeleste]

The last part triggered something emotional in me, seeing you so calm and patience during the meltdown. 😢 Every child should have that adult in their life.

[feistsorcerer]

Modeling deep breathing rather than telling the kid to take deep breaths can be such a relief for kids. If someone is upset, and can't take deep breaths, giving them essentially an order can just make things worse. But if you breathe deep yourself it can encourage mirroring and gives them guidance without pressure.

I wish anyone dealing with kids or adults with anxiety or other things that you need to calm down from would learn this.

[gracealexandrea]

We made monster spray when I was a kid. Essential oils, light food coloring and water. We'd spray it under the bed and it made me feel safe.

[LilDinoGuy]

Honestly sometimes that “what do you need?” chart would be helpful for me, and I’m a grown-ass adult.

[Magic_Unicorn]

Thank you for setting a great example!

[uznaimat]

I love the fact that you always kneel down to the kid's level. You never look down on them. Thank you.

[kcnkck]

I love the first one. It’s so much better to me than just saying “no there isn’t, you’re being silly, go back to bed” xx

[DannietheSWAMPY]

When I was scared of monsters as a kid my dad made me stand infront of a mirror in the dark with my hands placed on top of my head until he felt it was enough. I will never forget that 🫤

[EranRaye]

As someone who sometimes gets so frustrated I can't speak, having charts to point to sounds so helpful

[ladulcemusica]

You are a blessing to so many children you will never meet. Thank you for your important work!