the secret to all successful parenting...
routine
even in the crazy world of foster parenting... and in this case i'm referring to bee's routine.
our bio son (now 5 years old)
one of the top questions we get is "how is he handling it?"
we spent over a year talking about the idea of foster care and a good 6 mo's intensely prepping him for kids coming and going)
he gets it...
but the day to day handling of the whole deal is just as important as the explaining the comings and goings...
we have a routine.
he likes to help feed babies, totally cool
we do mealtime devotionals no matter what (even if i'm holding a screaming toddler --- or feeding her, even though family rule is everyone finishes and waits for devos)
whenever a foster kiddie is in the bath - that's bee's assigned wii time (insures he gets to do it w/ out being messed w/ - AND he is engrossed just in case it's a single parent night and whoever is home has to be focused on someone else)
we don't ditch big plans (4th of july w/ friends, church lunch time, playgroup) --- we need to keep his routine somewhat normal...
also his room is sacrisanct... no foster-kiddies allowed... we tell him (and them) it's b/c the legos aren't safe... but also - it gives him sanctuary...
he gets bedtime story and 5 minutes of momma snuggle time everynight
we do occasional movie nights after foster kiddies are to bed...
important for him to feel secure and loved and "special" w/o obviously excluding the other kids...
delicate, but important balance~
routine
even in the crazy world of foster parenting... and in this case i'm referring to bee's routine.
our bio son (now 5 years old)
one of the top questions we get is "how is he handling it?"
we spent over a year talking about the idea of foster care and a good 6 mo's intensely prepping him for kids coming and going)
he gets it...
but the day to day handling of the whole deal is just as important as the explaining the comings and goings...
we have a routine.
he likes to help feed babies, totally cool
we do mealtime devotionals no matter what (even if i'm holding a screaming toddler --- or feeding her, even though family rule is everyone finishes and waits for devos)
whenever a foster kiddie is in the bath - that's bee's assigned wii time (insures he gets to do it w/ out being messed w/ - AND he is engrossed just in case it's a single parent night and whoever is home has to be focused on someone else)
we don't ditch big plans (4th of july w/ friends, church lunch time, playgroup) --- we need to keep his routine somewhat normal...
also his room is sacrisanct... no foster-kiddies allowed... we tell him (and them) it's b/c the legos aren't safe... but also - it gives him sanctuary...
he gets bedtime story and 5 minutes of momma snuggle time everynight
we do occasional movie nights after foster kiddies are to bed...
important for him to feel secure and loved and "special" w/o obviously excluding the other kids...
delicate, but important balance~
So important! Must be why he has adjusted so well.
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