Blog 3

Therapist: Do you like your foster parents?

Client: It's confusing.

Therapist:  How so?

Client:  My teacher said not to take candy from strangers because it isn't safe. Now, I'm living with strangers and eating at their table.

Perspective is critical and often so different between children and adults. Children have limited life experiences, so they are often left guessing why they feel the way they do. One way to clarify mixed messages to a child is to explain the perspective of everyone involved. For example, suppose the child understands that the stranger's viewpoint is possible to cause harm, but the foster parents' attitude is to be helpful. In that case, the child has the information to clarify his perspective to himself. You can use this hack with children anytime they face a dilemma, and it is a handy tool to carry forward into adulthood.

Please don't jump to the idea that I am slamming foster parents. The most amazing people I know are the foster parents I have worked with on different cases. My posts are all about the child.

Remember, kids, go through stuff too.

Always be kind!

I appreciate you reading my post, and I hope you will join me in the community that brings awareness to mental health. You will soon discover that you are not alone.  

Disclaimer: Social media is not therapy. Everything I share should be viewed as a guide, not an intervention. Everyone is different, and different insights and tools may resonate differently depending on your situation. Take care of your mental health.