Blog - Are All Foster Kids Trouble?
Meeting the challenge of foster parenting
My husband and I have been foster parents for eight years and have fostered 18 kids. Many of those kids were a delight to have in our home. However, some kids, because of trauma from their birth family or a genetic predisposition, are more challenging. The foster care agency should provide as much information as possible when you accept a foster child. A potential foster parent can then decide if the child is an appropriate placement for their family. Some foster parents, like Wesley Conner, have accepted the challenge:
The transition from foster care to a forever family is a journey built on a million little everyday moments, alongside profound milestones of healing. My oldest son is currently receiving treatment in a residential psychiatric facility, but he is doing incredibly well with his overnight visits home. He brings so much vibrant energy into our lives with his deep love for music and art.
There is hope for these children affected by trauma or predisposed to challenging behaviors because of genetics. Research shows that early, stable, and nurturing relationships in foster care can counteract genetic risk. Positive relationships between a child and foster parent create positive childhood experiences and help a child build resilience.* Foster parents who model consistent emotional regulation help a child regulate their emotions. Foster parents must meet not only the physical, but also the emotional needs of a child.*
Thank you, Wesley Conner, for accepting the challenge! Wesley’s family is transitioning from fostering to supporting other foster families, especially with housing and building playsets for foster homes.
Wesley Conner is a member of the Jesse Bless: Foster Care Warriors Facebook
Jesse Bless: Foster Care Warriors | Facebook