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My son Liam stated yesterday, “Mom, no one has the answer to why we’re here.” I am trying to wrack my brain with what exactly myself and my MIL were talking about, but his innocence and acceptance in that moment opened my eyes.

Liam is almost 6 years old and is wise beyond his years. In those few words I realized how important the present moment is. When we spend too much time focusing on the past or future we can’t take in the world around us. We miss it.

My children teach me daily how important it is to stay connected. Identifying answers and searching for the unknown can be wonderful things, but when you do it so much you miss out on what’s right in front of you.

As I sit in here in silence at 5:30 AM in my cozy home I am reflecting on how grateful I am to have this home, my caring husband, my witty and amazing children, and a plethora of love that hits me in all directions. I further remember not everyone is this lucky.

Stay grateful for what you have. Enjoy those small life changing moments. Remember that when you show love and kindness others can feel it. That particular person may need that little bit of being able to be seen by another human being.

However, there are many reasons to let your kids play in the dirt. Here are the top benefits, and how you can get the balance just right.

Let your kids play in the dirt: Here’s why — When Women Inspire

https://pixabay.com/users/holmespj-2061998/ . . “Reframing is a technique used by counselors to shift a client’s view of a particular problem, event,…

Trauma Tentacles inside our Brain: Childhood Ptsd

I found this article very interesting. I went to a counselor when I was younger and returned as an adult due to previous trauma. Little did I know this would be my focus as an adult. Growing up gave me a new perspective and a way to guide my full healing process. My younger sessions were not a waste. I believe it helped me get to a place of acceptance until I was ready to uncover full complete healing.

Reflecting on my own experience with my children one thing has opened my eyes this new year. I can plan all the activities and projects with my kids, but sometime the simple moments overshadow the big moments I attempt to instill.

The moments that stand out to me are when I am laying with my daughter at night, our eyes facing each other, and she sweetly tells me about her day and kisses me on the cheek. The moments when my son amazes me by spelling words and doing math that he couldn’t do the other day, but somehow it clicked for him! The moments where I see my children laughing and cuddling each other when they think no one is watching.

These are the moments that I will forever cherish. My hope is that every child has an adult in their life that can show unconditional love and full engagement during these subtle moments that are so grand.

Goal for 2022: Be more present, take notice of those small moments, and encourage with a positive outlook for my children’s sake daily. I hope the same to all of you.

If these questions are at the core of every teen’s heart in general, they are really at the core of every foster teen’s heart.

Belonging, Identity, Purpose, and Teens in Foster Care

There is something excellent about having screen time for the kids. We’re living in digital times and that means that without screen time, your kids …

Entertaining The Kids Without Screen Time

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WJW) – There is a big push to get our children experiencing foster care into a happy and safe home in Ohio, especially as we head …

‘They just want someone to love them’: Foster care need grows ahead of holiday season

According to a health advisory published in early December by the U.S. Surgeon General, since the pandemic began, more young people are experiencing …

As remote learning continues, parents urged to be proactive on mental wellness

What are some traditions that make your heart feel full? Thinking about the holidays should be a thought of love, peace, and warmth. Some people have not had the traditional feels of the holiday season. What can you do to bring yourself warmth and light so that you can let in the love and harmony?

Begin by thinking about those that are part of your inner circle. Who do you want to share your love with? If there are children in your life how do we help them feel the reasons behind the season? Traditions new and old can help us feel connected to our families history and future. 

What can you do? Find your inner peace through meditation, Yoga, cooking, reading, really anything that can provide your inner self with positive self-care.

Nourish yourself with the love of your family. Begin a family game night. Attempt to engage in a family mystery. Make gifts for one another no matter which holiday you are celebrating. This will instill the importance of spending time and energy focusing on one person at a time. 

Allow yourself to let go of any guilt from the past. Use positive affirmations and love for self to promote positive thinking and love for self. 

I hope this holiday season more than anything brings love to you and your families.

Trauma can be hidden in so many different ways. When a person experiences trauma we can become more reactive, startle easier, feel as though our trauma is replaying, and avoid places or people that remind us of the trauma that we have experienced. A child that experiences trauma can look many different ways. If you have a child that has experienced trauma, read this article to identify why these behaviors could be occurring. Knowing the why can help you understand the need to find help and answers. This can provide the wraparound care that could greatly benefit your child and ensure a lasting relationship with you through trust and support. Please remember trauma does not just magically go away even if we ignore and avoid processing it. 

Click to access child-trauma.pdf