Most foster parents think of fostering no differently than everyday life once they settle into a routine.

 

But nothing about foster care is “normal,” no matter how long you’ve been a foster parent.

 

In fact, a lot of the “day to day” of foster care keeps us in a state of hypervigilance and high stress/anxiety.  Your brain and body then hold that as trauma.  However, because it FEELS like “this is just what we do,” it’s easy to forget that there are mental and physical consequences to living that way for any extended period of time.

 

It may sound dramatic to consider fostering “trauma,” but your brain and body react the same way as someone with PTSD over time.

 

This is not meant to scare anyone out of fostering; it is simply a reminder that you can do hard things WHEN you appropriately take care of your body and mind.

 

This may mean:

Seeing a therapist and/or attending a support group.

Going on medication for a period of time.

Spending time DAILY activating your parasympathetic nervous system.

Foster mama trauma is real.

 

It’s time to start addressing the symptoms we often experience as foster parents and treat them accordingly.

 

YES, you can do hard things…but only if you take caring for your mind and body seriously as you do them.

 

Sending you so much love today!

 

Want more support and encouragement as you foster? Check out the Fearless Fostering Podcast, where I provide weekly education and encouragement for foster mamas!

P.S. Get my FREE anxiety reducing email course right here!