December 14, 2023
by Maralee
Comments Off on Sibling Day Out Launch
Siblings matter to children in foster care. They provide a source of stability and comfort when everything around them is changing. Whenever it’s safe and appropriate, brothers and sisters are supposed to be placed in homes together. For various reasons, … Continue reading
October 3, 2023
by Maralee
Comments Off on Making The Case for Toys
I was at a training about a month ago where a retired judge talked about the importance of creating a welcoming climate for kids who come to court. As part of his presentation he held up a board book and … Continue reading
November 10, 2022
by Maralee
Comments Off on Foster Kids Don’t Have Birthparents
Yesterday I was driving my six kids to a foster parent training class when one of my children said, “I want to see that Kung Fu Panda movie. The one where he finds his REAL dad.” I felt my stomach … Continue reading
November 2, 2022
by Maralee
Comments Off on I Don’t Need You to Lie to My Kid
I had an experience this last week that’s left me a little unsettled. I don’t like being unsettled. I took my daughter in for an appointment with a pediatric dentist. We typically all see the same dentist, but she had … Continue reading
June 9, 2022
by Maralee
Comments Off on My Son and The Baby Sister He Didn’t Want (a love story)
For many years I have been telling nervous potential foster parents that if God is asking you to become a foster family, he is also asking your kids. I have encouraged parents to talk to their children, include them in … Continue reading
April 14, 2022
by Maralee
Comments Off on Ignoring Your Adopted Child’s Questions Doesn’t Preserve Their Innocence
I read this summary of a podcast interview with Thomas Rhett about the adoption of his daughter and I’m not okay with it. I don’t want to pretend that this interview was a full description of how he’s handling adoption … Continue reading
March 29, 2022
by Maralee
Comments Off on Some Thoughts on Our (Maybe/Hopefully/Probably) Last Homestudy
I should definitely be cleaning right now. In less than two hours a woman will be coming to judge my home (very literally) and I’m sure I should go take the clean laundry out of the dryer and get it … Continue reading
January 20, 2022
by Maralee
Comments Off on How to Make Small Talk with a Large Family Mom
I had an awkward interaction with someone the other day. It wasn’t the first time. It certainly won’t be the last. When people see a large family, it’s kind of tough not to comment on it. In the immortal words … Continue reading
September 9, 2020
by Maralee
Comments Off on Every Baby Deserves to be Celebrated. Especially Foster Babies.
A couple months ago my neighbors brought home their premature twins after a lengthy hospital stay. It was a joyous occasion as our cul-de-sac hung streamers from trees and balloons on their porch. We lined the street and applauded as … Continue reading
July 30, 2020
by Maralee
Comments Off on I Am My Foster Child’s Umbrella
I got up early this morning– no easy feat when you’re dealing with the sleep interruptions of having a newborn in the house. I got up early so I could get a child ready for a visit. A quick morning … Continue reading