- Routine, Routine, Routine.
- They are coming to you home from a traumatic situation and don’t know what to expect next. I let them know the upcoming schedule for a week at a time. It’s located on a big chalkboard, with their names next to the event. Picture boards are usefully for younger children.
- Talk About Family Rules and Expectations Right Away
- You want to be clear about your rules and expectations, I know you don’t want to overwhelm them right when they arrive, but I feel this is a must. Think like they probably didn’t have any rules where they came from.
- Get Organized
- I know what is expected when children arrive in our care, so one of the first things I do is set up all the appointments. The appointment consists of doctor, (well check) dentist, (probably haven’t been to one) eye doctor, (again probably haven’t been to one) therapist, (from the traumatic experience)
- Let Them Know Your Available To Talk
- Let them know that they can come talk to you anytime, don’t pressure them into talking. They will eventually open up in their own time. Ask simple questions “How are you feeling?” “What do you do for fun?” “What’s your favorite color?” Let them be heard and feel important and included.
- Prepare for Challenges
- The routine will be tough and adjusting to the rules. Bedtimes, bath times, and regular mealtimes. You don’t know what they have been through. For example, I’ve had 3 children in my care sneaking food and hiding food. They would wake up early and go to our pantry and hide snacks in various places around our house. We sat them down and let them know we understood why they were doing this, but the food will be available, so you don’t need to sneak and hide the food here at our home.
- Finally Ask Questions For Yourself
- You don’t have to take in every call, ask questions about the child, what’s their history, why did they end up in the system, behaviors are they suicidal, cutter. My big question is always asked has there been any sexual assault of any kind. I have my family and kids which comes first. I don’t want to put them in danger, and or I need to have all my radars up. We have cameras up in the main parts of our home as an extra precaution (living rooms, entrances, and if there is movement our phones ding.
