Setting the Tone

Take care of yourself first: It’s so important to make sure you take good care of your body, mind, and soul every day, not just when you get sick. 3 John 1:2

Give yourself permission to need something. Keep it simple. Stop comparing yourself to other adults and families. Know which part of the day is the hardest and have a plan to make it go more smoothly. Join a foster/adoptive parent support group. Have down time every day.

Be aware of your own stress and what anxieties you are passing on: Philippians 4:6-9. When we start showing these signs, chances are we aren’t providing the consistent, predictable, enriching, and nurturing care the children in our homes need. Self-care can help us get back on track; it can also keep us from getting to this point in the first place.

Have your own ways of self-regulating: Isaiah 26:3-4. Walk the dog, play with the cat, exercise, pray/meditate/listen for God’s guidance, read a book for pleasure, journal, or listen to music/Podcast in the car while taking a relaxing drive.