News & Library
Keep up with the latest news about Firefly Children and Family Alliance, from recent announcements to new programs and services
Kris’ Corner – What is TBRI?
So here’s the thing…often people think that kids in foster care cannot respond to love or affection. Many people think “they can’t change” or that their “damage” is permanent. And I am here to tell you that is simply not necessarily true. Kids who have experienced...
Kris’ Corner – When to say no
Here’s the thing…this answer is going to be a different answer for everyone, but when should you say “no” to a possible placement? There are many, many, many reasons to say yes…and for some of you, “yes” will always be the answer, because you have the capacity...
Kris’ Corner – Players to run
So…as a foster parent, you will have a number of different people with whom you have contact…or at the very least, you will know about their place in a case. In addition, there are other individuals with whom you will have contact because of the child…not necessarily...
CONVERSATION TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAY TABLE
Even though the holidays may look different this year due to COVID-19, they can still be a time for celebration. As you approach holiday table conversations, please remember that 2020 has been an emotionally intense and overwhelming year for many. So, whether your family celebrations take place in person or virtually, it’s quite possible that divisive topics are on people’s minds. Emotionally charged discussions often make the atmosphere tense and can cause rifts with those we’re close to.
Kris’ Corner – Vacations with your foster children
I know it seems random to be talking about vacation in November, but it is 2020 and nothing has really been on schedule this year. But seriously, we just got home from a family vacation so this was on my heart and I wanted to share. One thing I want to clarify before...
Kris’ Corner – Misconceptions about older youth in foster care
I haven’t written about foster care misconceptions for a while so let’s explore another common one. There are people (not to suggest you are among them) who believe some kids enter foster care due to their own poor choices and mistakes. No child has ever entered the...
MANAGING STRESS
Stress is something that everyone deals with. It can affect your body, behavior, and mood, and can contribute to health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes (mayoclinic.org.) Its effects are wide-ranging and can include sleep problems, headache, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, and upset stomach, among many others health issues.
Most of us are aware of the many unhealthy ways of coping with stress, but even some seemingly benign methods of relaxing, like watching tv, playing video games, or surfing the internet, can increase your stress over time.
KEEPING POLITICS IN PERSPECTIVE – MINIMIZING STRESS AROUND THE ELECTIONS
This year has been an emotionally intense, sometimes scary, and often overwhelming experience for many of us. While the reasons for this are plenty, we can add politics to the list. Being politically aware, engaged, and paying attention to the media are of top priority for a large part of the United States and some even see being politically active as their moral imperative. But, when does it all become too much for us to handle?
Kris’ Corner – Should Siblings Always Be Placed Together?
Should Siblings Always Be Placed Together? Well, the answer to this question is a definitive “maybe…it depends”…because there are a variety of circumstances that help determine if siblings should/could be placed together in a home. Unfortunately, it comes down to...
Kris’ Corner – The Importance of Respite
As I’ve mentioned previously, we are a respite foster home…this means that we provide respite (or a break) to homes placed with a longer-term placement. We know that full-time foster care can be exhausting, and sometimes foster parents simply need a break. And that’s...