When I first started parenting kids from hard places, I thought I was prepared.I had read the books.I had attended the trainings.I had even practiced my calm voice in the mirror (true story). But nothing fully prepared me for the moment I was in the middle of a screaming match with a 6-year-old who had […]

If you’re a foster or adoptive mom, there’s a good chance you’ve felt it. That deep, nagging guilt that whispers:You’re not doing enough. You should have handled that better. You shouldn’t feel this way. They deserve more than you can give. I call it the guilt spiral—and it’s a space so many of us end […]

When I began fostering, I felt like I had prepared as much as any human possibly could. I read all the books. I watched the webinars. I went to the trainings. I talked to seasoned foster parents. I even practiced “holding space” for imaginary scenarios in my head. I was ready—or so I thought. But […]

As a former school social worker and someone currently serving as a long-term social work sub in a public school, I’ve had a front-row seat to how schools function behind the scenes. I’ve also witnessed how challenging it can be for foster mamas to advocate for their children in the school system. Many foster children […]

Between navigating trauma-informed parenting, balancing the needs of multiple children, and dealing with the emotions that come with the foster and adoption process, it’s easy to put yourself last. But here’s the truth: if you’re running on empty, you can’t give your best to your children. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. And I’m not talking about […]

As a foster mama, you carry a weight that few truly understand—the sleepless nights worrying about your child’s emotional well-being, the endless advocacy to ensure they get the right support, and the deep emotional investment in their healing. You’re juggling doctor’s appointments, IEP meetings, sibling visits, birth parent relationships, and behaviors that other parents don’t […]

When you become a foster or adoptive parent, you enter into a world that is filled with love, challenges, joy, and, at times, pain. It’s a journey that requires constant learning, compassion, and understanding as you help your child navigate their own emotions, identity, and relationship with their biological roots. As adoptive parents, we often […]

Amidst the demands of appointments, paperwork, advocating for your child’s needs, and navigating the complexities of trauma-informed parenting, there’s one thing that often falls by the wayside: self-care. We hear the term “self-care” everywhere, but for many foster and adoptive moms, it feels like an unattainable luxury. After all, how can you make time for […]

Winter brings a unique opportunity for families to slow down, cozy up, and create meaningful memories together. Between the chilly weather and shorter days, it’s the perfect season to focus on strengthening your bond with your children. Whether you’re a foster parent, adoptive parent, or biological parent, prioritizing connection can bring warmth to your home […]