My Foster Care Home Essentials

Рет қаралды 136,680

Күн бұрын

In this episode, I share some things that I find to be most useful in my foster home.
(Affiliate links)
SELF-SERVE FOOD STATION
Cereal dispenser amzn.to/44tvFOw
Cart www.ikea.com/us/en/p/raskog-u...
BOOKS:
Maybe days amzn.to/3qRjOw2
Foster Care amzn.to/3srUcpX
A Terrible Thing Happened amzn.to/44oMgDe
Whole brain child amzn.to/3P4Zr6H
Kids need to be safe amzn.to/3Z35HjP
Families change amzn.to/45SxZ2S
How to talk to kids amzn.to/3P3rxPt
CALMING TOOLS:
Explorers Sofa www.samsclub.com/p/members-ma...
Weighted Blanket amzn.to/47TCImI
Sensory sock amzn.to/3ElscXA
Fidget toy amzn.to/3L7IS8X
Looking for more? I offer 1:1 DM support (plus checklists and templates) on Patreon for as little as $1. / fosterparenting
Find Me on Social Media:
Instagram: / foster.parenting
Tiktok: / fosterparenting
Facebook: / foster.parent.partner
00:00 Intro
00:15 Snack Cart
02:13 Books
05:54 Calming Tools
#fostercare #fosterparenting #fosterparent

Пікірлер: 183

@allison2360 8 ай бұрын

I was a case worker for years and LOVE your videos. They are so kind and real. They've also inspired me to reevaluate how I've approached different cases and conversations in the past. Whenever I meet anyone looking into fostering, I'm definitely going to share your channel with them!

@foster.parenting 8 ай бұрын

That is so kind! Thank you for all you do for families 💛

@miss.lakill 8 ай бұрын

Oh my god. The snack cart is so so spot on. I was gaslit into thinking I had a binge eating disorder for years and was constantly being grounded and punished for "stealing food". It wasn't until I was an adult managing my own meals that I realized-not only did experiencing food insecurity play a huge role. But that the way my behavior was mismanaged by workers and adults deeply affected my development. Being strict and trying to control a childs diet who has experienced something like that EXACERBATES hoarding and stealing. And its something I desperately wish people had understood while I was growing up.

@lemolea9571 4 ай бұрын

Shaming a child for being hungry is awful. Thankfully I never go hungry now, but I will always remember how weirdly painful it is to drink cold water on a totally empty stomach. The longest I ever went without food was just over 2 weeks and ended up with an ED as a result of my childhood. I still can't eat normally in meals, I'm just not used to eating a ton at once then waiting, I'm used to eating when I was hungry and could. My best friend at school made packlunches so she could give me her free school dinner and friends would usually chip in and give me some of their lunch too. I have lost touch with them now, but I am so thankful to them, they were very understanding even if they didn't fully know my situation until after I moved.

@Robynhoodlum 3 ай бұрын

OMG yes! I was adopted at a young age but I was food insecure before that. I have so many issues with food and my stepmom used to get so mad at me as a teenager for “hoarding”food in my room and eating too much and too fast. I now have to work through my binge eating disorder and I have type 2 diabetes. Like, yelling just made it worse!😢

@alexandragrace8164 7 ай бұрын

I was a homeless child. It was dreadful. Watching your videos inspires me to become a foster parent one day when I’m older.

@Spooky_cool 22 күн бұрын

I was a homeless child to it's scary

@hannahxx17 8 ай бұрын

A great thing about rotating out the toys/fidgets in the calm kit is that they wont be associated with difficult moments. I know for me when I've had an item regularly used as a calming tool during hard moments, that item became representative of bad feelings and whenever I saw that same item somewhere all those feelings would come flooding back.

@KatieCottingham 15 күн бұрын

First, I'm sorry that you carry those imprints and I hope you have the care you need to work through that. Second, you're absolutely correct in association difficulties. This is why even though blankets and stuffies can help a child find comfort immediately following a trauma, those items may bring nightmares later, and that includes kids who stay with their family, like kids who survive tornadoes, fires, or extreme car accidents.

@hannahxx17 14 күн бұрын

@@KatieCottingham It doesnt even have to be a big trauma - it certainly wasn't for me. Just if every time you were agitated you got given a bubble wand, every time you saw a bubble want you might feel agitated. It's a real pavlov situation. Not to mention that being given the same item can start to reduce its effectiveness so rotating them can help keep things useful.

@scriptorpaulina 8 күн бұрын

See, with ASD+PTSD, I would have thrown a FIT if you changed anything without asking. Especially anything that helped me be calm. I needed that consistency

@NinaM86 8 ай бұрын

As a foster kid I really wish I had a foster parent like you 😢

@Stephanie-SageFox 8 ай бұрын

Big virtual hugs 🤗

@lauramolen9453 8 ай бұрын

I worked with children at a domestic abuse program, and I used “A Terrible Thing Happened” quite a bit. It’s a great book!

@misspatvandriverlady7555 7 ай бұрын

So many adults don’t even really understand what happens when we are traumatized, or that it’s not what objectively happened so much as how it affects us that is relevant. A good book for everyone! 👍

@dreaming-of-spots6805 8 ай бұрын

I had a weighted blanket in college- my little group of friends and I all had various mental issues (trauma or anxiety or depression, ADHD, etc) and we passed that thing between each other like a hot potato depending on who needed it that night. It was (still is) a wonderful calming aid.

@livelongandprospermary8796 8 ай бұрын

Sisterhood of the traveling weighted blankie

@valtoton2982 8 ай бұрын

Honestly, the Value of a weighted blanket is seriously underated!!!!

@kenyonbissett3512 8 ай бұрын

That reminds of rating when you are upset as a way to communicate. 5 friends, is it a one alarm blanket night, two alarm blanket night, all the way up to 5 alarm blanket night.

@carolbamforth7475 6 ай бұрын

I always had a bowl of fruits and vegetables for kids to help themselves to. And Friday nights were make your own pizza. Kids loved rolling out the dough and cutting ( with help) what they wanted on them.

@darcymoon2109 8 ай бұрын

I love how wonderfully visual the big the containers of cereal at the top are. If feeling a little anxious there it is: giant mound of cereal just for them.

@scobeymeister1 8 ай бұрын

I don't know if I'll ever be in a place in my life where I'll need this advice, but I'm crying into my coffee seeing you put so much effort and so much care into helping children feel safe and seen in a situation where they have so little control. I hope to one day be able to do this sort of good. Thank you for puttng this out into the world ❤❤❤

@sam_i_am_. 8 ай бұрын

Thank you for what you do. I was in foster care and had been intentionally starved when I was living at home. My foster parents allowed free access to all food and honestly it was exactly what I needed.

@Jettypilelegs 8 ай бұрын

Same. But without nice foster parents.

@sam_i_am_. 8 ай бұрын

@@Jettypilelegs I'm so sorry to hear that you also went through what I did. It absolutely breaks my heart to know what monsters people can be to children. I'm sorry you didn't end up in a good home. I feel extremely fortunate to have landed where I did. I hope things are better for you now ❤️

@MsFanpireProductions 8 ай бұрын

I hope your life is better now

@sam_i_am_. 8 ай бұрын

@@MsFanpireProductions It has been a hard journey but I take it one day at a time.

@miippi 2 ай бұрын

My mom used to care for my cousin who was severely autistic. His dad would drop him off to my mom's every morning before school, and my mom would walk him to school (my mom lived near the special ed school he was attending) and would pick him up afterwards to wait for his dad for a couple of hours. My mom always had some snacks and drinks he was allowed to go and pick out himself, but my mom also had a notebook and some brochures like for soda stream, that he could mark what he would like to have, and my mom could pick up those, so there would be something he enjoyed. He is non-communicative to this day, and haven't spoken to my mom at least for a decade at that point. He always waited till my mom was out of the room before he did write anything down. My mom never forced him to communicate, but always wanted to be sure he would eat something so even though it took weeks for him to ask anything, my mom left everything on the table every single day and went over how he can mark or write what he wants, or just point out if there is something he would like to try. If he didn't like it, it was okay.

@bevsmith8617 25 күн бұрын

My sister was a sister parent for years. I was fingerprinted and I was allowed to watch the kids if she needed to go anywhere. She ended up adopting 3 kids and they all call me aunt and I love them so much! Thank you for these videos! She kept comfort foods available and always took them shopping to get things they were familiar with. The last one she got was living in coffee and that’s it. But y her shopping and getting her the foods she liked really helped her to begin to eat. She loved candy and so I love candy as well and we bonded over that. I always bright her candy but always asked my sister first if she could have it. We kept things safe and had good things for the kids. All the kids she’s had still call me aunt and that just blesses me.

@rubylovelet1803 8 ай бұрын

I was a foster youth that aged out. I had mixed experiences in foster care, I had both foster parents that were amazing and foster parents that unfortunately did more harm than good. Watching this video and seeing everything you do for your fosters. Made me cry a little please continue to foster! You absolutely hit spot on for alot of stuff that helped me during my time in care. 💖💞 I hope more people like you start to foster!

@kjw2977 7 ай бұрын

I am beyond impressed and moved by the love and concern you show for these children. My heart aches for them; what a blessing that people like you are willing and able to step up.

@leeannsolice7473 3 ай бұрын

LOVE your snack cart! Did this for my own kids when they were young and it also made a nice support in our neighborhood for any kid who might need a little snack (their parents knew our home had this.) I also took one of the drawers in my fridge and turned it into always allowed/accessible kid snacks (or small meals) like little packs of carrots/ranch, cheese cubes, lunchables, fruit cups, "gogurt" and other items that needed a refrigeration. My kids knew that drawer was always ok to access and to offer to visiting friends. This was a lifesaver for me when my kids were that older elementary age when they were allowed to play with other friends on our street and were just little roving bands of kiddos moving from bikes, to skateboards, trampolines all over the neighborhood and then would straggle into the kitchen of the nearest home thirsty and peckish. No need to stop my work as a little line of sweaty kids all helped themselves to an item from the drawer or cart. I know fostering may not allow such unsupervised roaming, but we were lucky to have about 4-5 parents on our street who trusted each other with kids having access to play in all the yards within sight of their home. Love your work and wish you all the best.

@Itsjustmehere13 8 ай бұрын

I don't know anyone fostering and I probably won't but these seem so amazing

@nikkicanetti1215 8 ай бұрын

I wish I had found your channel when we had our foster kids in our home 😭 I realize how that experience didn’t have to be quite as hard as it was. We are on hiatus right now, but hopefully next time we can have new tools and ideas to help make things a little smoother!

@nikkicanetti1215 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing all your knowledge and resources ❤ it helps a ton!

@_Cloun 8 ай бұрын

Thank you for being willing to take a child into your home, and for being willing to adapt and grow ❤

@solitarelee6200 7 ай бұрын

When I saw the play room you have I got so excited I had to stop the video lol. I'm autistic and somehow you have a ton of my all time favorite childhood toys. The expanding ball! The fun textured plushies! THE GIANT COUCH BUILDING THINGS MY GOD. There was a playroom for kids attached to a museum near where I grew up and I used to get to go there once a year with my best friend and it was one of the highlights of my young life because of these things. You definitely have an amazing set-up.

@nancyracies8824 8 ай бұрын

I care for the elderly. The fidget or calming box is a great idea for seniors, too. Thanks!

@DallasAustin2477 8 ай бұрын

I am about to start the process, a lifelong desire to give hope, love, stability and care in a safe, caring environment! Got the green light from the agency this week. Both my children are grown and this desire has never left. These videos are awesome! Binge watching now!

@bluesoulsearcher5424 8 ай бұрын

Yay! Amazing stuff dude! 🎉

@fourever2ne1 7 ай бұрын

Ever since I had a friend in high school that was in the foster care system I’ve been interested in foster care and have wanted to be a foster parent. He shared some stories from his…less than good homes,to put it nicely,and it broke my heart.A few months later he went to a different home and we lost touch not long after that. I hope he’s doing okay now as an adult and I hope he found the love that he deserved

@AllieAtkinson 8 ай бұрын

I really appreciated you explaining why it’s important to have the junk food in your home. At first I was a little confused because it’s one of the worst things for a disregulated system, especially for growing bodies. I love that your perspective of how it can be familiar and therefore soothing really opened my mind. I hope to be a foster parent one day in the next few years and I’m going to subscribe to learn more tips and tricks!

@gbrainy 6 ай бұрын

Yeah food is food. Maslow's hierarchy of needs comes to mind. The kid worried about safety and the foster parent worried about meeting that need should not be wrapped up on what is healthy for them. Let them find security in food and in the caretaker first, they have their whole life to worry about the healthiness of the food in their bodies.

@jordynensor2081 Ай бұрын

there are a lot of things that are significantly worse for a disregulated system than junk food. like not having food at all for example.

@AllieAtkinson Ай бұрын

@@jordynensor2081 I think very few foster parents wouldn’t have food in the house.

@Lady.Fern. 8 ай бұрын

I’ve never seen a sensory sock before, love it! Thank you for sharing your knowledge ❤

@foster.parenting 8 ай бұрын

It’s been really helpful for us! I hope it helps you!

@Katieishere15 8 ай бұрын

You seem like a very good foster carer my first foster carer was not a nice person to me and my siblings I was 7 and didn’t understand what was really going on to much I’m now 15 and I still don’t know what truly happened back then but what I know is what I needed was someone who was actually nice like u

@angeljamais8541 8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. Quite helpful not just to foster parents, but also to parents and babysitters.

@janellknudson4573 8 ай бұрын

I’ve been using calm down toys in my preschool classroom too! Mostly squishys and stress balls. I’ll have to try the breathing one and adding stuffed animals 😊

@lizzy9975 8 ай бұрын

I was that child who slept in layers of duvets, sheets and blankets. As an adult discovering weighted blankets exist is an absolute godsend.

@myrandapistokache6653 8 ай бұрын

My weighted blanket is the best thing I ever invested in for myself, I will fold it in half and place it on my chest and it typically helps me fall right to sleep! I’ve used it for my daughter (3) several times as well when she’s particularly upset or fighting big emotions.

@waffles3629 8 ай бұрын

Yep, weighted blankets are the absolute best. I have two, one for my bed and one for my couch. I'll even travel with it. Like I took it when I knew I'd be walking for over a mile carrying all my stuff. 100% worth it, and I was literally carrying a third of my weight in stuff.

@Skatejock21 8 ай бұрын

I really can believe that with food. People criticize food so much but dont want to acknowledge the importance of it. I can see how they need to feel free to take food if they're hungry. Since I'm sure some kids come from homes that were either restricted or weren't really fed at all. It is a security blanket for them and very important to become comfortable.

@jessicawiley5270 6 ай бұрын

I absolutely LOVE the snack cart idea! Smart idea! Teaches independence and grab a quick bite when hungry.

@TheMamaFitz 7 ай бұрын

QUESTION: Do you read these books at bedtime or earlier in the afternoon to facilitate a tough conversation? I’m wondering if reading at bedtime sets them up to be alone with their increased anxiety while also trying to fall asleep, if that makes sense. We are 7 months into our first foster placement & have found SO MUCH help from your videos; THANK YOU!!! ❤

@lynn858 7 ай бұрын

Ok... but of course many kids in foster care would benefit from sensory items to help them regulate emotions. 1. Those are BIG emotions. And most people, even on good days, benefit from some emotional regulation and sensory friendly strategies. They just don't "need" to use them in order to function, so society gate keeps and judges, or commodifies the use of those strategies. 2. "Neurodivergent" is a huge umbrella which includes PTSD, and C-PTSD. It's about brains that do things differently than the average/median/most common ways people of the same age group. Neurodivergence can be innate, or acquired. PTSD is of course, acquired, whereas ADHD and Autism (what is most frequently meant, when people use the term) are innate - even if they are only identified with or diagnosed later in life. 3. Not all neurodivergence is obvious, and the person of any gender, who makes eye contact, is well spoken, gets good grades, is a pleasure to have in class, seems pretty capable of interacting with people, has fairly average seeming eating habits... Yeah... we can be neurodivergent, or even Autistic too. So lacking a diagnosis, or major traits of neurodivergence, only means it's not apparent they're neurodivergent. And it definitely doesn't rule out subclinical ND traits, which will be more pleasant and manageable for the individual experiencing them, if they're able to use adaptations and tools that ND people find positive.

@allyrooh3628 8 ай бұрын

I would love to foster, but due to physical disability I will probably never be able to. What I can do is watch your videos and the ads to help support you and your mission. My cousin was adopted and then went on to foster/adopt. It's an amazing gift you give to those that need the most. Thanks for sharing and teaching others. How would you recommend someone like myself help?

@sophieirwin3497 8 ай бұрын

I suppose the food cart is especially important for kids who may have been denied food or from homes where there wasn't a lot of food and they had to go without. So it's good to have relatively healthy food always out so they know they don't have to ask for food, or feel they have to go hungry

@nondisclosureable 8 ай бұрын

I am 40 and I still have a lot of issues because my food insecurity was never really addressed. I still panic if someone rearranges my food trying to be helpful.

@facsmom 8 ай бұрын

You continue to amaze me with your understanding of the needs of foster children and how to meet those needs in a supportive, not a know-it -all way. I’m sure other foster parents would love to have your wisdom, but there is no substitute for experience. It’s just like beginner teachers. Some things you can’t teach or mentor. We’ve all (teachers) been there.

@ThatAmazingGirl-ui6op 6 ай бұрын

Right now I’m just a teenager but you have inspired me to be a foster parent when I’m old enough to be one

@emilymorris864 8 ай бұрын

Laura, I have watched you for a long time. I think you are such an amazing human ❤ What a gift you and your spouse are giving to kids who need it ! W

@KellyUnderwood-wk8zw 8 ай бұрын

My son loves that weighted blanket! He loves the soft texture on the back and calls it his “pop-it” blanket. Thank you so much for your channel! My husband and I hope to foster one day and this has been so helpful in learning a little more of what to expect 😊 Thank you for all that you do!

@christie724 8 ай бұрын

You are wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing like you do! Through this platform and sharing like you do you are now able to help many more foster children by taking time to help educate the rest of us on things we might not think of. ❤ God bless ❤

@SureHowDoYouKnow 6 ай бұрын

I think you are so wonderful. It is lovely to know that people like you are out there helping the system. I knew kids in foster care as I grew up and I never realized what they were going through. You are a tremendous help in spreading knowledge and understanding.

@jodycanfield6229 4 күн бұрын

After seven different foster homes, then an adoption home I learned that everyone has a different idea of what safe is. I wish the adoption home was where I felt the best but in my case that wasn't the most secure. Love how you talk to the kiddos. Don't believe I ever had that.

@TheLokoki 8 ай бұрын

You are such a kind soul Love from France

@leah-michelle5872 8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for all your wonderful advice. I've always thought I may foster someday. I use your videos as little classes to prepare me. God bless you and yours

@marmoth9786 6 ай бұрын

love the shirt. that saying has always resonated deeply with me.

@kenyonbissett3512 8 ай бұрын

This is great for all parents. Thank you!🎉🎉🎉

@veronicasbarn 8 ай бұрын

I so enjoy your videos. I have not had any exposure to the foster care system so it’s interesting to learn what it’s about. Great job.

@emmalu6720 4 ай бұрын

Thank you soooooooooo much for your awesome instruction, tips, and clearly thoughtful advice and insights to help foster parents and kids!! Wow so much info packed into this brief video, with cheerfulness and real guidance in mind! Foster kids need you as their advocate! 😊

@darcymoon2109 8 ай бұрын

You are a precious angel in this world.

@elphalindagirl 8 ай бұрын

How to talk so children will listen is a fantastic book. I work with children of all ages from 1y/o to 10yrs old. One of the classes I took used it as a textbook. But it’s very much not a textbook. It’s a very easy read. It has lots of realistic scenarios for you to work through. It’s fantastic.

@Elodie-xi3pp 6 ай бұрын

I love the book forever or a long long time ago this is a fiction book about two siblings in foster care named Flora and Julian they stay together and get adopted (not a spoiler this is the beginning) Flora is strong at math but bad with words. Julian usually talks for Flora they are living with their adopted mom Flora calls her Person instead of mom. Maybe not for the kids so much as for the parents

@avaDesdemona 8 ай бұрын

YES! @6:12 and not just children either. I love your channel and your setup and everything. I'm never going to foster, I'm german living in germany, and my kids are 16 and 23, it's still helpful!

@loganlentz 8 ай бұрын

Great video. Thank you Laura! I hope to be a foster parent some day, and you continue to inspire me. ❤

@kathrynharring8270 8 ай бұрын

I have the exact same fidget cube for myself. I even inspired my prof to get one because it was so great and quite I wouldn't distract anyone in class

@aparnamehta7036 8 ай бұрын

Foster parent or not, your videos are just so calming and reassuring to watch.

@amyfricke2657 8 ай бұрын

Thank you for all your videos as new foster parents these are so great

@foster.parenting 8 ай бұрын

Ty for watching!

@jessieely5363 7 ай бұрын

I love your book selections! Thanks!

@OccupationalThpy 8 ай бұрын

Love your channel. Thank you for all that you do!

@rebelant788 8 ай бұрын

Just started volunteering with foster village! 💕

@gabiitana6049 8 ай бұрын

this video is amazing! the production quality is chefs kiss ❤

@fabergefolliesdancentumble3023 6 ай бұрын

Laura- what a wonderful informative vdeo!

@sainaro2335 8 ай бұрын

The lighting, sound and framing are really good! :O quality!

@MiCas0205 8 ай бұрын

i use the tetrahedron and it's amaaaazing!! highly reccommend even for neurotypical adults with anxiety!

@tater_chip_ 8 ай бұрын

I had a family member removed from their home before the pandemic. The foster mom had tell tell signs that she was just in it for the money. She would cook spaghetti noodles on Sunday, dump them in a bowl and kept them like that for a the whole week. My niece was instructed to reheat the pasta and add jar pasta sauce, eat the wilted baged salad kit everyday for 1 year!! And all because she was a vegetarian and the foster mom refused to understand and cook what she could eat. When the pandemic hit, my niece was dumped at my doorstep foster mom never told the worker, thankfully I had full visitation rights and sleepover approval. I called my county to get my niece help but no one got back to me. She spent all of 2020 with me and the worker didn't do anything about. The foster mom would still get my nieces monthly check, never gave me money for anything and when she got all the food stamps that the government gave to foster kids. The foster mom took everything and bought her grandkids all kinds of food and she have me 400$ in total for one year. Once I got sull custody of ky niece a report was made against her but nothing was ever done!! Why? Because she was hired through an agency and not through the county.

@tater_chip_ 8 ай бұрын

When my niece was removed she didn't want to switch school but the foster mom threw a fit when she found out the county approved my niece to stay in her school. Which meant the foster mom would have to drive my niece to school instead of making her walk. She told me herself that she shouldn't have to take her to school and that an 11 year old can walk to the nearest elementary. She tried to get me to do pick up and drop off but I put my foot down and said no. That's your responsibility at the moment but I have to work at 8 and your house is 20 minutes away from my house and I would have had to drop off my niece at 7 am to be able to make it to work on time. The worst part is that she has all of her ratched family fostering kids. Kids that they don't care about but will happily take tax payers money.

@LlamaLlamaMamaJama 8 ай бұрын

That is absolutely infuriating… I’m glad your relative had you 😭

@tater_chip_ 8 ай бұрын

@@LlamaLlamaMamaJama very infuriating!! Especially since I was the one who called the 911 to have my niece removed for her mother's house and the reason why cps took her away.

@LlamaLlamaMamaJama 8 ай бұрын

@@tater_chip_ Alhamdoulilah/thank God for family like you ❤️

@CarolAnn-gh9fl 8 ай бұрын

Why didn’t the family step up immediately, if they were aware enough to make the initial CPS call?

@ninakaiser2930 8 ай бұрын

Great Video I am sure is also interesting for parents in general. Lots of great tips, thank you! 😊

@foster.parenting 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@car17yn71 8 ай бұрын

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen ... was recommended to my dad and stepmom by the case worker a couple years after we moved in with them.

@twentynineteen4687 8 ай бұрын

Thank you.

@JumuZica 4 күн бұрын

Laura, you’re so awesome.

@lady_ofthe_lens 8 ай бұрын

Love your videos ❤❤❤

@bryannab2703 8 ай бұрын

Thank you for the tips and suggestions. I full heartedly agree with How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and will definitely look into some of the books you mentioned. By the way, you might already know this but Gogo Squeeze sells apple sauce with dinosaurs on them. My 3 year old gets a kick out of it. I only found the dinosaur ones recently.

@foster.parenting 8 ай бұрын

Ohhh Dino version? Thanks for the tip!!

@BMarie774 6 ай бұрын

See, the problem is.. I feel like I’d have overdone it and would’ve been constantly eating. Because I very much lived under the mentality of “you better eat it while it’s there because it isn’t always going to be there”. This has caused severely unhealthy eating patterns for me even now as an adult where it’s hard for me to waste food, or decline food. If it’s there, you eat it, because you don’t know when it’ll be there again. That mentality is very hard to break.

@rebeccaconlon9743 24 күн бұрын

I have the equivalent for my own children, we have easy to see and access fruit and snack bowl on the table, so i can see if we're running low on anything

@pickwicksociety 8 ай бұрын

6:30 I love all your videos, but my favorite part of this one is where you’re explaining about sensory items and the camera zooms out to reveal the explorer sofa set up like a giant crazy pink dragon/bat/tree frog (see it?! The triangle bits are the eyes and the horizontal flat pieces are the mouth…) ANYWAY! Pretty sure that wasn’t intentional but still really enjoyed that part haha

@sophiawish9772 7 ай бұрын

Very nice video!

@nicolinadoe6427 8 ай бұрын

YES

@Annie-hv5uu 7 ай бұрын

I appreciate your videos! I’m in the process of considering fostering. I’m likely never able to conceive.

@Gaby74237 7 ай бұрын

Came across this wonderful channel of yours! I want to know everything😅 Do you have a Q and A video by any chance? Thanks a lot🎉

@carinen8119 8 ай бұрын

Wonderful

@edshep2openminds736 3 ай бұрын

Sensory toys sounds like a good idea I wonder if it will work for my autistic nephew

@widowswatch6610 8 ай бұрын

I like the snack cart. Can you get organic cereals? I like the books too. Great items thanks.

@aileen-heatherk5915 8 ай бұрын

Im curious if you have ever read Cathy Glass, who is a foster carer in the UK, she has some great help books, and then stories of her own experiences. I love some of the items you have shown and things that can be very helpful to children. I am not a foster carer, but I am trained as an early childhood educator, and often dealt with children in foster care, or families who needed support. Thank you for all you do.

@lauradavis4848 8 ай бұрын

I absolutely love Cathy Glass. I've read all of her books.

@sewamazing4498 8 ай бұрын

I love Cathy Glass. I'm rereading her series lol. Would recommend to anyone!!

@SpookyPharaoh13-gx1un 3 ай бұрын

Another book that is so so good is "What to do with a problem?" by Kobi Yamada.

@ninakoch1799 2 ай бұрын

You are a real life angel❤ I wish we could be friends

@Imbatmn57 6 ай бұрын

I noticed you don't have shredded wheat cereal, i feel like since foster care ive had a bigger issue with texture, once i spit up the shredded wheat cereal into the mud room sink on the way to school because i couldn't swallow it due to the mushy texture. I think i almost choked on those smooth stuffed pasta things too. Ive had good food in foster care but that cereal and pasta, just gave me the ick. The same with the light ranch they made me eat with my salad,it was disgusting, the last foster home cared more about my weight than my well being.

@LlamaLlamaMamaJama 8 ай бұрын

If you haven’t yet, I’d love to hear how you support a child/family’s religious or cultural dietary restrictions!

@SustainableSierra 8 ай бұрын

Agreed!

@theyxaj 8 ай бұрын

It might be nice to add some scent-related items in the calm-down bin. Just a thought

@lynn858 7 ай бұрын

If I may explain why I'd caution against including scented anything in the calm basket: A number of people have sensitivities or allergies to scents - and since you don't know the needs of who will be in your home next, avoiding scents that will transfer onto other items is probably best. Some people have only have issues with perfumes, or certain scents, because they can trigger respiratory problems. Others people may have skin reactions chemicals that create scents. Yet others get headaches, or nausea. And, scents are a powerful memory trigger. While lavender may be calming for many people, it may be an overwhelming reminder of a bad person/situation for others. But a child may not recognize or be able to tell anyone what's causing them the problem - physical, sensory, or emotional. The child is just... moody, grumpy, having headaches. All things that could have a lot of causes for a child going through trauma and upheaval. Scented items tend to contaminate everything they come near, so it would be difficult to remove them if someone needs to avoid it. Additionally, If you enjoy a scented soap, go for it. But also, having an unscented option available in this kind of situation - and in workplaces, is a kindness that may improve hand washing compliance. Having my hands smell like something, is often a nausea trigger for me. (As are a number of hand sanitizers). Using paper towels to touch every surface is ridiculous. And we all want everyone to wash their hands properly. Thanks for hearing me out.

@theyxaj 7 ай бұрын

@@lynn858 Thank you for the info! I know scents can be comforting for me, but the things you mention here are indeed very important! Seems like any scented offerings would ideally be kept separate and in an airtight container. Thanks for the insight :)

@greeneileen 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing. Just curious, is there a reason not to have some fresh fruit on the cart?

@trinity3272 8 ай бұрын

tell me why this video made me cry

@livelongandprospermary8796 8 ай бұрын

Might pick up “a terrible thing happened” for me (im 29 and reparenting myself)

@sewamazing4498 8 ай бұрын

This is so helpful !!!

@foster.parenting 8 ай бұрын

Ty for watching and considering!

@Sam-rl5er Ай бұрын

Even as an adult, I can't do anything smothering like a weighted blanket. To get me to do things I didn't want to (like doctors or talking to people I didn't feel comfortable around) she'd pick me up and force me. To this day I can't do blankets like that because of her

@WenzelSays 8 ай бұрын

Yogibo is a brand that I really like for kids with sensory issues. They have apron sized weighted blankets and weighted plushies as well as larger bean bag esk "chairs" they are fairly pricey but they last a really long time and definitely worth the investment if you can swing it. A family friend brought their (4yo) son over and he would stand on a table (with supervision) and jump into the one I have. Kept him contained and entertained for the better part of an hour. He then was able to sit and hangout with the rest of the party. None of our pets (and we've had many through our home) have been remotely interested in it. And it can double as an extra bed for sleepovers or nap time.

@jdmmg4904 8 ай бұрын

❤

@theonewiththecrazyidk8413 8 ай бұрын

Here’s one: Costco or Sam’s club membership is a must

@lottieseligman 8 ай бұрын

Love the video! But the captions at the start are difficult to read -- please consider adding a darker background and showing more words at a time (it's easier to read the captions that way) or using youtube's native captions as they can be customised.

@baerbelleksa 19 күн бұрын

you can just turn on KZfaq's captions yourself when you want them

@tabitas.2719 8 ай бұрын

❤❤❤

@lilythearcticfox 8 ай бұрын

I feel almost kind of weird watching a KZfaq channel about fostering kids, considering I've never been fostered nor will I probably foster when I'm an adult and stuff. I imagine I'd adopt or something. Maybe I'm hoping for parental advice to take care of myself (you'd be surprised how much attention you lose the more siblings you have) or because I'm not very good with kids, idk. Also SAM'S CLUB!!! Favorite store. Cheap, delicious food.

@lynn858 7 ай бұрын

A lot of the perspectives here really are good strategies for having compassion for yourself, and others. The world would be a better place if more of us spent time learning about human things that aren't directly relevant to us.

@GayA.F 8 ай бұрын

What to you find most helpful for kids with restrictive eating disorders? I imagine most of them would struggle with getting their on food or big enough servings so how do you tackle that?

@foster.parenting 8 ай бұрын

I am not a professional, but have gotten advice from professionals. Every kid is different. I start with safe food and offer multiple times a day. I try to then expand from safe foods - even if that is sweets. For example, if a child likes chocolate, I may try chocolate pudding or add chocolate chips to full fat yogurt. Highly recommend working with a dietician. They have been so helpful to me as a caregiver.