Tips for the First Day as a Foster Family
As foster parents, the worries arise as they are preparing a room for the new child they received a brief description of. They ask themselves: how do we ensure they feel supported; what resources will they need on days like this; how can we ease the stress they might feel; how do we create a welcoming environment and create a positive transition?Read More
Fixed or Growth Mindset – Which Type of Family Are You?
A fixed mindset often focuses solely on the end result. A growth mindset focuses on the journey and the effort put in, and not on the end result itself. Neither of these are wrong nor bad, as encouraging your child is always a great thing to do. However, by parenting from a growth mindset, you instill the idea of resilience and learning to achieve goals. So, how can you move your family from a fixed to a growth mindset?Read More
Recognition vs. Appreciation: What Makes a Greater Impact?
While the words “employee recognition” and “employee appreciation” are often used interchangeably, they are very different. Don’t get me wrong, there is a time and place for both; however, it is important to understand their differences and apply them correctly for optimal outcomes.Read More
Shattered Pieces: A Story of Explosive Behavior in Foster & Adoptive Youth
A foster and adoptive mother shares her personal experiences of explosive behavior and how she was able to change her mindset to become proactive in her parenting.Read More
Goal Setting as a Family
Have you ever set a goal for yourself or a new intention, and quickly found that it was unsustainable? This happens all too often when we set goals that are just too broad, and this practice is not one we want to instill in our children. Yes, being the best parent you can be is a great end goal, but you need smaller, actionable steps to get you there – and those steps are what should become your goals.Read More
Decluttering vs. Your Emotions
Decluttering is not just a physical process, it is emotional. Decluttering can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! Here are a few ways that help process your emotions as you declutter.Read More
Decluttering Your Tech Can Declutter Your Mind
Spring is the epitome of a fresh start. We often spend time decluttering our spaces as we prepare our homes for warmer weather. What if we took this same mentality to freshen up our technology spaces that may also be drab and holding us back?Read More
Thaw Out Your Cleaning Skills in Time for Spring
As we near springtime, I believe it’s important we take inventory of our environment. My own mental health is affected by cleanliness. I wouldn’t go as far as calling myself a neat freak, but I really don’t like clutter. For five years, I have worked on de-cluttering my mind from self-sabotaging thoughts due to clinical depression and anxiety. It’s always a bit of a battle for me, but I know in the long run, that taking small steps each day to de-clutter my world is important. If you struggle in this area yourself, you are not alone.Read More
You Are the Boss of You
Recently, I was contacted by a frontline staff member and new mom who asked to hear more about my career journey and any tips I had to help her excel in her career. Early in my career, I did the same thing. I, too, was a little hesitant and am so grateful to that senior leader who gave me her time. Here are some steps I’ve learned over the years to help you take control of your future.Read More
Making “Me” Time
One of the biggest shocks as a new foster parent is the complete upheaval of routines. Enter: children who never had a routine, innocent kids whose lives were completely uprooted, living in different phases of trauma. Routine and structure are things of privilege, but finding a way to love yourself is essential. Adoptive/foster parent Cherie Johnson shares five steps she took to make sure she made time for herself.Read More