Show notes
What supports are available for helping foster parents manage the challenging behaviors that often arise with foster children and children who have experienced trauma? Have you ever had a child in your care you just weren’t sure how to help?In the United States there are over 420,00 children in foster care. These children have experienced severe stress and trauma in their lives. Statistically these children’s life outcomes include early pregnancy, homelessness and placement in special education. Parenting foster children does not come without its challenges.Listen in as Amy Speidel shares her story of parenting both foster children and her own biological children with Conscious Discipline and the generational outcomes each have experienced.Essential Takeaways• No matter the challenges, extend energy and non-verbal messages that communicate the child is worthy and loved.• Model taking responsibility for your own upset to create a space for children to do the same and establish yourself as a trustworthy adult. Steps for Tomorrow • Build strong safety before trying to connect with foster children; speak a lot of safety language.• Create connections and rituals that begin to build a sense of value and belonging.• Help foster children with their story rather than ignore it because it’s difficult or painful.Important Links:• What is Conscious Discipline: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j3gF1dh_t4 • Wishing Well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8L8MMrRkGQ&index=14&list=PLC1FF90B6D998E9EE • Parenting Answers with Amy Speidel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwhBPqxwcu8qZlXXEbOVgYxzuPXgZfFt1 • Foster Care Statistics in the United States: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/faq/foster-care4 Product Mentions:• There’s Got to Be A Better Way: Discipline That Works (https://shop.consciousdiscipline.com/products/theres-got-to-be-a-better-way-discipline-that-works) • The NEW Conscious Discipline Book- Expanded and Updated (https://shop.consciousdiscipline.com/collections/conscious-discipline-core/products/the-new-conscious-discipline-book-expanded-updated) • Wish Well Board (https://shop.consciousdiscipline.com/collections/school-family/products/wish-well-board) Show Outline THANK YOU FOR LISTENINGThere are many ways you could have spent this time today, but you chose to spend it with me and I am grateful. If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it with others via your favorite social media platforms.Also, would you consider taking 60-seconds to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes? Your feedback is extremely helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and I love to hear your feedback! Also, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live!On behalf of our Conscious Discipline family, we wish you well.