Mindfulness For
Foster Care
I have SO much to juggle, is this worth my time?
As a foster family, you have learned to make the most of every moment in order to manage it all. It's a lot.
I know from my own experience as a single, full-time working foster parent, that each minute counts.
And that's exactly the point.
The precious humans we take into our homes to provide a safe and loving place are carrying trauma and stress in their brains and bodies all day long. We can't eliminate it, but we can teach and model healthy, powerful ways to process scary thoughts and overwhelming emotions.
Century-old practices and follow-on research have demonstrated that a mindful practice has a calming effect. It can train the brain to find comfort when triggered, rather than hide, scream, hit, or run. Regardless of what comes next, mindfulness gives kids a tool no one can take away. And you can start with just a few minutes!
Mindfulness for Trauma
Trauma impacts individuals differently, and often it can pull us back to a moment that is painful, sometimes to the point of a panic attack or another overwhelming experience. A core principle of mindfulness is to come back to the breath. To this moment right here, right now. While this can be positive and helpful in some instances, using mindfulness for trauma takes special care and attention, and starting small is a great idea. Here are a few resources that can help you navigate supporting your foster child with mindfulness for trauma.
