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Brenda shares her advice for managing tough emotions during the adoption process
FOCUS Tools: Having a clear goal can help you stay motivated during the adoption process, try using the SCORE method.
Strategies like creating a predictable plan and communicating the order of events can be very helpful when it comes to preparing children for situations like visiting a birth parent.
FOCUS Tools: Holding a family meeting is a great place to address concerns about an upcoming visit.
Effective caregiver/youth communication can help young people identify their own strengths and feel heard by those around them.
FOCUS Tools: Effective communication helps families better understand each others needs.
Problem solving around difficult behavior and setting realistic expectations is an important part of creating a positive home environment.
FOCUS Tools: Understanding where a child is at developmentally will help you set realistic expectations as a caregiver.
FOCUS Tools: Holding a family meeting is a great way to get everyone's input and address concerns about an upcoming visit.
Setting aside a weekly (or monthly) time for a family meeting is a great way to involve everyone in new plans or problem solve around recent challenges.
FOCUS Tools: Download this PDF from FOCUS and use it as your guide for setting up a family meeting.
Play is an important part of your child's development and building a positive caregiving relationship.
FOCUS Tools: Knowing a little bit about child development will help you identify appropriate activities.
Communication and problem solving are key skills related to dealing with a tantrum or other challenging behavior.
FOCUS Tools: These effective communication strategies can help you get your point across.
Set up clear expectations for youth and be consistent when it comes to consequences
FOCUS Tools: The foster care/adoption process can be frustrating, check this list for some activities to help you destress.
Remember to reach out for support, you are not alone
FOCUS Tools: When you feel upset or frustrated, taking a moment for yourself can help