Being a foster parent is hard. I thought it would be easier when we started fostering all those years ago. And to some degree it was easier. We were younger. We didn’t have any other kids. Starry eyed idealists I guess.
But things are changing. We’re getting older. We have three kids now and there don’t seem to be any kids without medical, emotional or behavioral issues in the system.
The emotional roller-coaster for both our family and our placements is difficult at best. I can’t imagine the trauma of another “new” home. Sometimes our kids don’t quite understand the screaming and temper tantrums. Sometimes I don’t understand the screaming and temper tantrums either. But I know that the Lord has each of these kids in our home for a purpose and we will be faithful to our calling as a family.
Ryan North is the Co-Founder of One Big Happy Home and creator of The Empowered Parent Podcast. He is a recognized expert on childhood trauma, a TBRI Practitioner, and develops training materials for parents, schools, churches, and child-placing agencies. Ryan is a sought-after speaker known for his engaging and practical approach to communicating complex issues clearly and relatable to a wide range of audiences.