All the news that is relevant for our small community.
Between Families – November 2019
9 Activities for Thanksgiving Day After the turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie have all been gobbled up, what’s a family to do? Instead of piling onto the couch for an after-dinner snoozefest, gather the whole gang for some fun after-dinner activities that will keep all ages entertained! It’s a great way to bond as a…
Technology Contracts for Children in Foster Care
Technology contracts can help keep kids safe and prevent family conflicts. Careful planning and communication may be even more important for children in foster care who sometimes need to get used to new habits. Here are some suggestions for writing a contract that encourages family harmony. Be sure to put your contract in writing and…
Start a Gratitude Journal This Thanksgiving at Your Foster Home
If you’re looking for a rewarding way to celebrate Thanksgiving at your foster home this year, consider starting a gratitude journal. Indeed, it’s a proven way to increase happiness and strengthen relationships, which makes it an ideal Thanksgiving ritual. Benefits Numerous studies show that cultivating a sense of gratitude can improve your mental health. Indeed,…
Between Families – October 2019
12 Fun Fall Family Activities I’ll be the first to admit that out of all the seasons, summer is my favorite. But come September, when the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, my thoughts turn to all things fall. There’s just something about a bluebird sky, crisp air and a vibrant palette of…
What Do Foster Kids Need?
If you’re considering becoming a foster parent, it can seem a bit overwhelming. There are many unknowns in the process, and, usually, new parents are most worried about whether they’ll be able to meet the needs of the children placed in their home. Well, it may not be as complicated as you think. Here are…
Between Families – September 2019
10 Tips for Helping Children and Teens Develop Resilience We all can develop resilience, and we can help our children develop it as well. It involves behaviors, thoughts and actions that can be learned over time. Following are tips to building resilience. Make connections Teach your child how to make friends, including the skill of…
Between Families – August 2019
Back to school can be an exciting time for kids! They get back into routine, they can share about what they did on their summer vacation and the fun trips they took. They get to model new clothes (at least the girls!) and hang out with their friends. But if you are a child in…
Children in Foster Care Aren’t Bad Kids!
Did you know children are placed in foster care due to no fault of their own? They are just living their little lives while dealing with unstable parents. This might include: Physical or sexual abuse Neglect such as inadequate food, shoddy housing, or being left alone for long periods of time Being witness to violent…
Between Families – July 2019
Leave Fireworks to the Experts Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades and fireworks. The National Safety Council advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home. They may be legal but they are not safe. If consumer fireworks are legal to buy where you live…
Between Families – June 2019
Keep Kids Engaged This Summer! Finding ways to keep kids engaged in activities can sometimes seem like a challenge for parents and caregivers or financial restraints for summer care of children can deter parents from seeking out activities. On the flip side, some parents may find that they have overscheduled their children for the summer…
2019 Day at the K was a Homerun!
This year’s Foster Parent Appreciation “Day at the K” was a wonderful event filled with food, fun and families! Held on Saturday, May 11, TFI Foster Care Families and staff enjoyed an authentic tailgate party prior to the KC Royals game with hot dogs, burgers, pizza, drinks and dessert! Children of all ages had their…
Between Families – May 2019
Make Reading a Priority One of the most important gifts you can give your child this summer is the ability to enjoy reading. Some children are naturally eager readers; however, others would never associate “reading” and “fun”. For those children, we must pull out all the stops to foster a love of reading. It is…
Between Families – April 2019
Foster parents play a big role in keeping children safe and helping them to heal from abuse, neglect and trauma they have experienced and are vested in preventing abuse from occurring in the first place. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Children’s Bureau publishes a Resource…
Between Families – March 2019
Spring vacation is a time for families to recharge, get ready for the home stretch of the school year, and have some fun with healthy activities. Whether you’re planning to take it easy at home during spring break or take a fun family trip, here are ideas for activities to do with your kids. Play…
Between Families – February 2019
Making Your Foster Child Feel Loved This Valentine’s Day Showing your foster children that they are loved is important every day, but even more so on a day as special as Valentine’s Day. Holidays like these offer ideal opportunities to create special memories your foster child can cherish for life. Here are a few ideas…