To the Dads They Didn't Have to Be
The following is a blog I did for Father's Day 2010 as part of an About.com Blog Carnival. In honor of Father's Day, I have decided to re-publish the blog each year. Please note that the links to the...
View ArticleFoster Parenting Hints to Help Prepare for the Summer
I love Summer and its longer days and of course, fun in the sun! Remember, with that fun in the sun comes a few extra responsibilities for foster families. Here is a quick checklist of things to...
View ArticleWorking a Family Reunification Plan - Another Skill of a Great Foster Parent
My foster parent friend has a lot of experience helping a foster child reunify back with a birth mother. The social worker or case manager on the case usually puts into action a visitation plan and a...
View ArticleSchool Starting This Week
My little girl is going to be a Junior this year - an upper classman. It's so hard to believe - time does fly. Thursday is her first day back. This will be her second year since we first moved here...
View ArticleA Children's Book Designed to Help Non-adopted Children Understand Adoption
Since school is starting soon, I thought it appropriate to bring up a children's book, What is Adoption? Helping Non-adopted Children Understand Adoption, as an excellent resource for adoptive...
View ArticleThe Comments and Rude Questions that Really Hurt Our Children
I've decided that I'm tired of rude people. I'm especially tired of rude people who think a simple, "just kidding" fixes all. I'm also tired of people who seem to believe that since a child is adopted...
View ArticleFinding Adoption Announcements for Older Child Adoptions
When I was trying to find some ideas for making my son's adoption announcements I had a very difficult time finding anything that wasn't covered with teddy bears or hearts. So I decided that I needed...
View ArticleLooking Out for Developmental Grieving
It seems like each fall the number of children that enter foster care shoots up with the start of school. This is probably due to teachers and other school officials making reports of abuse and...
View ArticleHappy Adoption Reunion Anniversary to Us!
Another year has gone by and it's amazing to me that it has now been 18 years since the adoption reunion with our sister, Pam. I think I remember things because I document almost every major event in...
View ArticleNew Articles for August 2013
This month I focused mainly on some basics of foster parenting - communication skills and what to expect with new foster placements. Also, please welcome our latest adoption search volunteer - Francis...
View ArticleCreate or Maintain a Bond with Extended Family - Grandparents Day Gift Ideas
Next Sunday, September 8th, marks the 34th anniversary of Grandparent's Day, a day to celebrate and honor the grandparents in our lives. Have you ever thought about creating a ...Read Full Post ...
View ArticleBack to School and Reports of Child Abuse Seem to Go Hand in Hand
Most foster care agencies and foster parents know that back to school can also mean more children entering foster care. Foster parents tend to try to be prepared for new placements between September...
View ArticleOn the Loss of a Son
While today - most people are remembering the losses of September 11, 2001, my family and I are in the middle of grieving the loss we experienced on September 5, 2013 - the death of our middle...
View ArticleA Fall Book with a Potential Foster Care or Adoption Message
I love the fall weather. The leaves are starting to change and the temperature drops a bit; not enough to be cold, but enough to need a light jacket. A Simple Brown Leaf...Read Full Post ...
View ArticleThe 2013 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces
The Dave Thomas Foundation has named the 2013 Best Adoption-friendly Workplaces. The Wendy's Company topped the list for the sixth year in a row offering up to $25,300 in adoption assistance and up to...
View ArticleLearning to Read Between the Lines of the Profiles of Waiting Children
A reader asked me to explain some of the cryptic phrases often seen in the profiles and adoption photolistings of waiting children. "Waiting children" is not only a term used to define children in...
View ArticleNew Articles for September 2013
Due to the tragic loss of our middle son this month, I was blessed with two guest authors, who wish to remain anonymous, to help with the writing of a couple of articles. I hope you enjoy their...
View ArticleOctober Is National Bullying Prevention Month
It all started in 2006, with a single week-long event, that has now grown into a month full of activities. The message for this year's campaign: The End of Bullying Begins with Me. Learn more about...
View ArticleFully Understanding Your Role as a Foster Parent
Part of becoming a new foster parent is understanding how to advocate for your foster children and who you will be partnering within the many different agencies. Take a moment and learn more about each...
View ArticleExtended Family Adopt Too
It's a concept that we may not think a lot about when we first decide to adopt a child, but whenever someone joins our family, our entire extended family is impacted as well. This is true no matter if...
View Article