Fostering Resilience

A WEEKLY SUPPORT GROUP FOR CAREGIVERS

We created this curriculum as an alternative to typical parenting advice, which doesn’t usually work for kids who’ve experienced trauma. But, the tactics we suggest are effective for all families. Sessions are interactive and solution-focused.

My doctoral research looked at how to better prepare and retain foster parents to effectively parent kids who have experienced trauma. It turns out that when caregivers feel like they have the tools they need to support their kids’ needs and take care of themselves, everyone does better.

The same goes for all caregivers. Nobody likes feeling like they don’t have the resources or the know-how to do right by someone they love–especially a kid.

Often we don’t know what we don’t know until we’re locked in power struggles, stuck in cycles of acting out, or feeling like we can’t keep our cool in the face of tough behaviors. When we find ourselves and our kids in crisis and reach out, it can take a long time to get the help we desperately need.

What can you do while you wait?

We developed modules that focus on some of the most common parenting issues and teach practical strategies that caregivers can put to immediate use. Parenting advice shouldn’t feel like a list of to-dos. We want caregivers to identify their own goals and values so they can parent in ways that work for them.

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Session TOPICS Include

Introduction to child development and trauma.

Explore the impact of childhood trauma and adverse experiences (ACEs) on mental and physical health outcomes later in life. The session includes strategies for promoting resilience and tools to support children who have experienced ACEs.

Building positive relationships with children to promote healing.

When kids experience trauma and disrupted attachments they often have unique needs when it comes to developing new bonds. This session describes the impact of trauma and introduces strategies caregivers can use to connect with children.

Caregiver self-awareness.

Navigating our own emotions and struggles while parenting children who have experienced trauma can lead to overwhelm and exhaustion in caregivers. Learn more about how focusing on your own emotional intelligence and self-awareness, nurturing yourself, and prioritizing self-care can make you feel more effective and fulfilled.

Setting boundaries and establishing routines.

When children know what to expect and experience consistent routines it can help them feel safe and stay regulated—the same is often true for their caregivers. In this session, participants reflect on the goals they have for their children and learn how they can integrate supportive routines to help children develop positive self-esteem.

Understanding behavior through a trauma lens.

Finding effective ways to manage difficult behavior can be especially challenging for caregivers supporting children who have experienced trauma. Understanding behavior as communication as well as building a toolbox of practical strategies to use in tricky moments are key to responding effectively in the moment.

Emotional awareness: grounding & resourcing.

How can we help children understand and manage their complex emotions, especially when those emotions lead to big behaviors? Learn about grounding techniques to use when children need help managing their emotions safely, as well as proactive strategies that help to reduce the frequency of challenging behavior.

Recovery and repair after conflict.

Disagreements, meltdowns, and upsets occur in every family. Although they are often unpleasant, tantrums and conflicts provide opportunities to strengthen relationships and deepen self-awareness. Explore tactics for finding meaningful resolutions and for coming back together after tough moments.

De-escalation.

Knowing the typical pattern of an escalation helps caregivers better understand what their child is trying to communicate through their behavior and the kinds of responses that will be most effective in the moment. Learn which strategies to use throughout the course of an escalation, as well as strategies that help both caregiver and child to recover and repair after these difficult moments.

Advocating for educational needs.

Children who have experienced trauma face unique challenges in the school setting, and many have learning difficulties that require extra help and attention. In this training, we discuss ways that school personnel can best support these children to succeed, and how parents can advocate effectively for their children to receive what they need in order to reach their full potential.

Supporting birth family relationships.

For foster and adoptive parents, forging connections and maintaining relationships with our children’s families can be a complicated and daunting undertaking. But learning how to navigate these relationships is critical to the well-being of the children in our care. We discuss how to nurture and manage these significant relationships in a healthy way.

Roadmaps to mental health resources.

Caregivers of children who are struggling often find navigating the mental health system and securing the right support extremely frustrating. This training focuses on helping you determine what you and your child need, identify available service options, and access these services for the youth in your care.