Christmas may be 'the most wonderful time of the year' but we can all agree most families will face a few ups and downs during the festive season. But what might that look like if you're also fostering a child who might have very mixed feelings about the season?

In this episode we chat to our foster carer, Marcy, as she shares her personal story of getting her foster child through the holidays and sheds light on the importance of managing expectations, the importance of consistency and finding ways to allow children to process feelings and regulate themselves during the Christmas period.

Join us as we explore the delicate balance between celebrating family traditions and catering to the emotional needs of foster children during this busy time of year.

Learn more about fostering and adoption with Barnardo’s:
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/fostering-and-adoption

To learn more about fostering and adoption in NI, visit our Linktr.ee:
https://linktr.ee/barnardosfosteringni

To ask a question, give us some feedback or make a topic request, email us at:
BFANI@barnardos.org.uk

Foster belonging with us!

What if the path to parenthood looked different than you'd imagined? Join us on a heartfelt exploration of adoption in the UK, featuring Emma, an adopter who has journeyed through the highs and lows of IVF, alongside Sharon, the adoption lead from Northern Ireland, and Kat, the Scottish adoption lead. Together, we unpack the adoption process, especially following the heartbreak of fertility struggles.

This heartfelt conversation doesn't shy away from the complex emotions tied to infertility and adoption, such as grief and anger and we explore how these emotions can impact relationships. We also dive into the practical aspects of the adoption process, from assessment to panel. Whether you're contemplating adoption or simply want to understand more, we invite you to listen and connect with Barnardo's Fostering and Adoption in Northern Ireland for further insights.

To read more on Emma's journey, you can find her book, A Pastoral Theology of Childlessness here: https://scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/9780334060512/a-pastoral-theology-of-childlessness

Learn more about fostering and adoption with Barnardo’s:
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/fostering-and-adoption

To learn more about fostering and adoption in NI, visit our Linktr.ee:
https://linktr.ee/barnardosfosteringni

To ask a question, give us some feedback or make a topic request, email us at:
BFANI@barnardos.org.uk

Foster belonging with us!

ICYMI - this is our online conversation with our therapeutic parenting trainer, Stella.

Stella brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about fostering and adoption, and she shares how therapeutic parenting can be a game-changer for children who have endured trauma. You'll learn how recognizing children's behavior as a form of communication rather than a challenge can build stronger, more healing relationships. And Stella should know she is a former foster carer turned adoptive parent herself.

Through our conversation, we delve into the principles of attachment theory and discuss the profound impact early caregiving experiences have on a child's sense of safety and trust. Stella sheds light on the unique hurdles faced by children in the care system, including the devastating effects of multiple placements and the importance of creating a predictable and supportive environment. We also explore the heartbreaking realities of developmental trauma and how therapeutic parenting can provide the stability these children need to thrive.

Finally, we tackle the complexities of adopting traumatized children, especially for single parents. Stella offers actionable advice on seeking help, building a robust support network, and the critical role of continuous learning and training. By understanding and addressing children's emotional states, therapeutic parenting not only fosters resilience but also enables parents to build lasting connections with their children. Tune in to gain invaluable insights and practical strategies for nurturing children who have experienced significant life disruptions.

Learn more about fostering and adoption with Barnardo’s:
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/fostering-and-adoption

To learn more about fostering and adoption in NI, visit our Linktr.ee:
https://linktr.ee/barnardosfosteringni

To ask a question, give us some feedback or make a topic request, email us at:
BFANI@barnardos.org.uk

Foster belonging with us!