The month of May is significant for two great reasons: National Foster Care Month and Mother’s Day. May is a special time to celebrate the true heroes who are making the world a better place for children. Trinity Youth Services is excited to honor our dedicated social workers, foster and adoptive parents, advocates, and partners who go the extra mile to help transform the lives of abused and neglected children. From the bottom of our hearts, we truly appreciate all that you do to ensure that foster children have the love, guidance and support they need and deserve.
This year, Trinity Youth Services is hosting online educational workshops, Foster Care Chats, Foster Care Q&A Sessions and more to encourage more amazing, dedicated and passionate people who love children to open their homes and give love to a child in crisis. Our awesome foster parents are loving people who truly enjoy proving a high level of care and nurturing to children. They believe that fostering is a very rewarding experience that has given them a sense of purpose and joy.
For this Mother’s Day, we would like to honor you for everything you do in helping children feel safe, loved and valued. Your patience, kindness, compassion and dedication is always recognized and greatly appreciated at Trinity Youth Services! Being a foster mom is one of the most satisfying and fulfilling jobs on the planet. We are truly aware of the effort and determination it takes on a daily basis to raise a healthy, happy family.
Juggling a hectic work schedule, fixing meals, attending after-school activities, therapy appointments and tending to other activities on your to-do list can pose a challenge. Are you always on the go, feeling tired or operating on auto-pilot? Have you stopped meeting your own needs because you’re focusing on caring for your family? Taking the time to nourish your mind, body and spirit will not only help you feel better, but will also help you become more effective in your day-to-day tasks.
These super simple tips can help you increase your energy, reduce stress and allow you to experience more peace and joy in your everyday life.
1: Practice Morning Meditation
JAMA Internal Medicine found that meditation is helpful for relieving anxiety, pain and depression. It has been found to decrease cortisol levels, which is a significant stress hormone, helps in managing positive emotions, and cultivating compassion. Dr. Wayne Dyer’s Ah Meditation can be a good start.
2: Add Fun to Your Life
Being a foster mom means putting the needs of children first, but be sure to set aside time for yourself at least twice a week. Scheduling ‘mini play dates’ or allocating times during the day to do a fun activity, such as painting, dancing, singing, reading your favorite book or working on a hobby that you enjoy can help you experience more bliss.
3: Connect with Loved Ones & Friends
Maintaining your relationships is crucial to self-care. According to The Mayo Clinic, adults with strong social support have a reduced risk of many significant health problems, including depression, high blood pressure and an unhealthy body mass index (BMI). With a busy schedule, it can be difficult to meet with your friends or loved ones in person. Decide to keep in touch by calling, emailing or video calling a loved one using Duo, or other apps. Doing this once a week can have a tremendous impact on your well-being.
We’d love to hear from you!
Do you have tips you’d like to share with other foster parents? Send an email to Florence, and we will post your response in our next newsletter! Stay tuned for more exciting parenting tips, inspiring stories and supportive resources!
Florence Edwards, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Florence has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Florence obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Florence’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Florence continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California. Email: fedwards@trinityys.org | Phone: (888) 346-9645
Being a foster parent is something that comes naturally to Waridi Heard, a resource parent at Trinity Youth Services. After raising her own children, Waridi felt it was her calling to help boys in crisis live happy and successful lives. Currently fostering three boys, Waridi’s mission is to help traumatized boys learn the value of self-love, compassion and respect.
Q: What is the most rewarding thing about being a foster parent?
A: Seeing a child transform before my very eyes. Seeing young men have self-respect, the ability to respect others and be able to receive and give love back. It’s a joy seeing their chivalrous behaviors and teaching them how to be of service.
Q: How did becoming a foster parent change your life for the better?
A: I worked alongside of my mom. She had a group home in 1990 and had it for about ten years. We helped care for medically fragile children, and I saw the need. I also saw that you could treat the children like your own child. I believe that God placed it in my heart. Our young men are suffering. I want to give boys the opportunity to live and do so more abundantly.
Q: Why was becoming a foster parent important to you?
A: I realized that it was my purpose. Giving back to children is where my gift is. It has opened up the parameters for me to see them grow up, move on to have an enjoyable life and be able to demonstrate love. I feel joy watching them go from being insecure and scared to feeling safe, secure and stable.
Q: What would you like to tell other people who may be thinking about foster parenting but are unsure?
A: Be the best foster parent you can be and look at them like they are your own children. Provide unconditional love to them. Practice patience and acceptance. You may take a couple of steps forward and one step back, but it is ok.
Q: What is your secret to being a successful foster parent?
A: Providing unconditional love, safety, security, stability and consistency.
Q: What is one myth about foster parenting that you once believed?
A: Some people feel that foster children are a lost cause, but they aren’t. They desire to be part of a family and desire to be loved. Being a consistent, loving parent: change just happens. They come in broken, but it’s a blessing and joy that I can see miracles right before my eyes. I really couldn’t do it without Ms. Laura [Foster Care Director] and Trinity’s support and direction. This is a team effort.
Stay tuned for more exciting parenting tips, inspiring stories and supportive resources! For more information, email info@trinityys.org or call 800.964.9811.
Florence Edwards, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Florence has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Florence obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Florence’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Florence continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California. Email: fedwards@trinityys.org | Phone: (888) 346-9645
