Is it possible for your child to perform "the task" or meet an expectation one day, only to struggle with it the next, even if it's critical?
Chances are, you've encountered this scenario with your child or teenager. "On and off days" are a nearly universal symptom for kids with brain-based differences.
Picture this: life with FASD is like being on a rollercoaster that you didn't sign up for.
It's got twists, turns, and loops that can leave your head spinning. Sure, there are moments of exhilaration, but let's not kid ourselves – it's also filled with those stomach-dropping, heart-racing moments that catch you off guard.
Caring for children often means dealing with big emotions and challenging behaviors like aggression, defiance, or meltdowns. Understanding how the brain works can help you respond with patience and confidence.
Children’s behavior is shaped by their brain development and environment.
Sleep plays a crucial role in the development and well-being of all children, but for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), sleep disorders can be a particularly challenging hurdle. It is estimated that 50-80% of children with ASD experience some form of sleep disorder, such as insomnia, night terrors, early waking, or excessive daytime sleepiness.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) are both complex neurodevelopmental conditions that impact behavior, learning, and social interactions. While the two disorders stem from different causes, they often present with overlapping symptoms, making it challenging to distinguish between them at times.
An Individualized Educational Program is meant to be a plan that adapts to the unique needs of every student. For families raising children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, the process of securing effective educational supports can be frustratingly complex. One challenge is a lack of understanding about the brain-based nature of FASD.
Have you ever wondered why emotions sometimes seem to take control, making it difficult to think clearly or make rational decisions? Dr. Daniel Siegel, a distinguished psychiatrist, and neuroscientist, has developed a simple model, the Hand Model of the Brain. This metaphor can help us understand how our emotions and rational thinking are interconnected.
In the landscape of caregiving advice and techniques, one approach stands out not just as a methodology but a profound shift in perspective: Brain-First parenting. Rooted in empathy, understanding, and connection, Brain-First parenting offers a transformative journey from traditional compliance to a more harmonious relationship with our children.
Interoception is like your body's internal GPS. It's the awareness of signals inside your body – things like your heartbeat, breath, hunger, and even emotions. Think of it as the communication network between your body and your brain. When you're tuned into your interoceptive awareness, you're better able to understand and respond to what your body needs.
As a caregiver, there are times when you might find yourself managing multiple children who are dysregulated at the same time. Dysregulation can manifest as emotional outbursts, physical aggression, or withdrawal, and can be particularly challenging when more than one child is experiencing it simultaneously. Here are some strategies to help:
Understanding the need behind the behavior and being a detective isn't always simple or easy....no matter how much coffee you've had to get your upstairs brain going. We have lots of tools already in our parenting toolbox, but how do we know which tool is the right 'fix' to the behavior? It's completely okay and normal to feel stuck and unsure of how to deal with a big behavior.
There isn't a definitive percentage of children with adverse experiences who have Sensory Processing Disorder, but research suggests that sensory processing challenges are common in this population. Estimates from studies on children in foster care or adopted from institutional settings suggest that 30% to 80% exhibit significant sensory difficulties.
Children who have been impacted by trauma are more likely to have sensory processing challenges, and therefore require some creativity from their caregivers. These activities, when combined with TBRI’s connecting principles of co-regulation, can help children feel more in control of their sensory worlds and more secure in their relationships with caregivers.
A sensory space can be a designated area where a child feels safe, calm, and regulated. The goal is to create an environment that reduces sensory overwhelm and promotes relaxation. You could have a small corner of a room dedicated to this, and when the child feels overwhelmed, they can go to this space for a few minutes to reset and calm their body.
Managing the flight response in children using Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) involves understanding and addressing the underlying reasons for their flight response while providing a safe and supportive environment. It requires patience, and understanding. Here are some strategies for managing flight response in children using TBRI®:
When it comes to dealing with lying behavior in children, TBRI® offers a compassionate and effective approach. By prioritizing empathy, understanding, and building trust, parents can address dishonesty while strengthening their relationship with their children. In this blog post, we'll explore some strategies for managing lying behavior using TBRI® principles.
Parenting can be a rollercoaster ride, complete with ups, downs, and the occasional loop-de-loop. But what happens when the ride takes an unexpected turn into the realm of violent behavior in kids? Fear not, because Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) is here to guide you through the labyrinth. Managing violent behavior in children is not one-size-fits-all.
I wanted to take a moment to chat about something that affects us all at some point in our lives: grief. You know, that complex and often confusing mix of emotions that comes after we've experienced loss. Whether it's the passing of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or any significant change, grief is a journey that's anything but straightforward.
Let's talk about something we all know—food battles with our kids. We've all been there. Your child suddenly decides that broccoli is public enemy number one, and mealtime becomes a battleground. Fear not, we've got some strategies to make your life easier. It's not about who wins the battle; it's about raising healthy, happy, well-fed kids.
Let's have a real talk about something we don't always put on the highlight reel – blocked care. You know those moments when you're giving it your all as a parent, and suddenly, it's like you've hit a roadblock? You're in the parenting groove, doing your superhero thing, and then BAM! It feels like you've run into a wall made of frustration, exhaustion, and overwhelm.
One topic that deserves further discussion is the changing dynamics of a home when it includes biological, foster, and adoptive siblings. It's essential to acknowledge and meet the needs of every child in the family, making sure they feel supported and valued during times of change. We have some strategies to honor everyone's voice and choice within your family.
While technology offers incredible educational and entertainment opportunities, it also presents risks that can have significant implications on a child's development and safety. This is where parental controls come into play, acting as a crucial tool for caregivers to manage and safeguard their children’s digital experiences.
Keep in mind that children who come from challenging backgrounds, have experienced abuse, or struggle with attachment issues, often struggle to express themselves, which can erode their sense of safety and trust in adults. It's crucial to respond effectively to their behaviors, matching the level of response to the situation at hand, rather than driving behavior.
Children who have faced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)—like neglect, trauma, or loss—carry those experiences in ways that can shape their emotions, behaviors, and even their health. But you have the power to help them heal! The simple moments you share each day—the bedtime stories, the warm meals, the reassuring hugs—are more powerful than you realize.
One of the most common questions I get asked in behavioral consultations is Why is the word No such a trigger word for our children who come from a background of trauma? So I thought it might be important to discuss this in a blog so that we can understand that many times this is not so much willful disobedience as it is a survival response.
We need to talk about something serious: systemic trauma and how it affects the kids we look after. You may be thinking, “Systematic trauma in kinship care? That’s not a thing. Kids are with their families.” Systematic trauma refers to the emotional and psychological wounds that may unintentionally be inflicted upon children living without their biological parents.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while much of the focus is often on those receiving care, it's equally important to shine a light on the mental health of those giving care, the parents, grandparents, foster parents, kinship caregivers, and guardians who show up every day for children in need. Caregiving is a powerful act of love, but it’s also demanding.
Being a grandparent is supposed to be full of spoiling, storytelling, and sending the kids home when you're tired. But for thousands across the country, that season takes a different turn. Whether due to addiction, incarceration, mental health challenges, or other family disruptions, many grandparents find themselves stepping back into the role of full-time parent.
Parenting, especially in kinship caregiving, comes with unique emotional challenges. When a child misbehaves, it can feel like a personal attack—especially if their actions seem intentional. However, many behaviors stem from past trauma, stress, or unmet needs rather than a desire to hurt or manipulate you. That’s where the Q-TIP method comes in.
Life can get pretty hectic, and we often forget to appreciate the little moments that can actually heal and uplift us. Have you heard about glimmers? They are the opposite of triggers. A glimmer is a tiny micro-moment of happiness; a sign of hope. Once you begin to look for them, they will start to appear everywhere and have a massive positive impact on our well-being.
Sometimes we use all the parenting tools in their toolbox and still feel like behaviors aren’t changing and have no idea where to start. Many will tell me, “I feel like a failure because of my child’s behaviors!” I am here to tell you that you are NOT failing. I want to help you redefine successful caregiving as our ability to make our kids feel safe, seen, soothed, and secure..
A classic dance between caregivers and kids with big behaviors is what I call “overdrive parenting” mode— and we have all been there— the instinct to respond to your child’s intense moments with equally intense responses. The aftermath can feel like running a marathon. The guilt, the frustration, the total energy drain—it all leaves you feeling isolated and stuck.
Across the country, kinship caregivers are raising children whose parents are struggling with substance use disorders. These heroes often navigate complex challenges and stigmas while providing the love and stability that these children desperately need. We must equip kinship caregivers with the tools and resources to face these challenges head-on.
In a galaxy far, far away, two siblings embarked on a journey that would shape the fate of worlds. Before they became the iconic heroes we know, Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa were raised in the humble embrace of kinship care. Two ordinary siblings became legends—a testament to the resilience and enduring power of love and family.
In the world we live in, finding moments of peace and contentment can be a challenging task. The philosophy of "Let Go and Fill Up" suggests that embracing a paradoxical approach can lead to a more fulfilling and enriched life. By releasing the burdens that hold you back and actively choosing to fill up with positivity, you embark on a journey of personal growth.
Starting the new year with new parenting strategies and resources can contribute to a positive and enriching family environment. Here are some uplifting parenting strategies and resources you might consider! Remember that parenting is a journey and embrace the opportunity to enhance the positive aspects of your parenting approach.
I was asked, “How can we get others to understand brain-first parenting?”. It requires understanding the neurological and cognitive processes underlying behaviors rather than just focusing on the behaviors themselves. Shifting from a behavioral lens is a process that requires education, practical application, consistent reinforcement, and collaboration.
What is kinship care? It's when a child is taken care of by a family member other than their parents. It's like when Aunt Mae and Uncle Ben stepped in to raise Peter Parker. It's all about keeping the family ties strong and providing a safe, loving home for kids who need it; and of course teaching them all about, "with great power, comes great responsibilities".
But Black History Month isn't just about looking back—it's about looking forward, too. It's about recognizing that the fight for equality is far from over. We're talking about systemic racism, social injustice, and all the things that still need fixing. It's about having those tough conversations and taking real action to make things better for everyone.
National Adoption Month is a time to celebrate the beauty of adoption and its life-changing impact. It's a reminder that family isn't just about biology but the love and care we offer one another. By understanding the different sides of adoption and supporting those involved, we can make a real difference in the lives of kids still waiting for their forever families.
Social Work Month is celebrated annually in March to honor the contributions and impact of social workers in our communities. By celebrating Social Work Month, we recognize the invaluable contributions of social workers and reaffirm our commitment to promoting social justice, equality, and well-being for all individuals and communities.
It's a time to celebrate and honor the often unsung heroes among us—kinship caregivers. It's important to recognize the vital role that these caregivers play in the lives of children who cannot remain with their birth parents. Kinship caregivers provide a sense of stability, love, and continuity that is crucial for a child's development and well-being.
Excitement is in the air as Foster Kinship, a dedicated organization committed to supporting and empowering kinship caregivers, opens the doors to our brand-new building space, Located at 8691 W. Sahara Ave Las Vegas, NV 89117. This milestone marks not only a physical expansion but also a transformative moment for the community we serve.
Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from September 15th to October 15th, is a time to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States. This month-long celebration highlights the diversity within these communities, encompassing a wide range of countries, traditions, and experiences.
The essence of Kinship Awareness Month is a reminder to appreciate the bonds that tie us all together. Kinship is all about those connections that make us feel at home. It's not just about parents, siblings, and cousins; it's about the people who understand us, who have been there through thick and thin, and who support us no matter what.
For children in the foster care system—particularly Black children who are disproportionately represented—Black History Month holds profound significance. it’s a celebration of culture, resilience, and the innumerable contributions of Black individuals to our society. It provides an opportunity to affirm identity, foster pride, and bridge gaps in understanding.
Our child's journey is unique, it takes a special kind of caregiver/parent to navigate the complexities of childhood trauma and bring forth the healing power of connection and understanding. Welcome to "T.I.P.S by Foster Kinship," This podcast focuses on discussing trauma-informed parenting strategies to help our children thrive beyond their past adverse experiences. Join your host, Michelle Rupe, TBRI® Practitioner and passionate advocate for trauma-informed approaches.