Monday, November 30, 2015

Asking "What Do You Need?"



What Do You Need?

I took the kids camping all by myself this summer. Actually, a friend was there with her kids, and we were at a campsite in a town, but still… Anytime I tackle something like that without Brian, I’m going to consider it a major accomplishment!

Anyway, the first night was a little rough. One of the boys was taking a long time to settle down, and I was starting to panic. I still had a bit of unpacking to do and I was already dreading the early wake-up I knew I’d have to face the next morning. In an effort to practice trust-based parenting, I kept asking my son, “What do you need?” Every time I asked, he would reply, “Exercise!” and start bouncing around. At this point, my trust-based parenting skills fell apart, because I would then say, “No, you don’t. You need sleep. Now settle down and close your eyes.” We must have had this exchange half a dozen times, and both of us were getting frustrated. 

Meanwhile, I was also texting Brian, hoping he would have some wisdom and perspective for me. When I mentioned that our son was claiming to need exercise, he texted back with, “So why don’t you let him go outside for 5 minutes?” Exasperated, but willing to try anything, I asked if he wanted to help me unload the cooler contents into the fridge. He jumped at the chance (literally) and within 10 minutes the work was done. Within another 10 minutes, he was asleep. Why did I argue with him for so long?

We teach the importance of meeting our kids’ needs as part of the ETC parent training. We discuss how crucial it is to faithfully meet their needs if we want to build trust, and we encourage parents to give joyful yeses whenever they can. We highlight the fact that “What do you need?” is a much more helpful and productive question than “What do you want?” or “What’s wrong with you?”

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Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Changes in the Child Poverty Rate






 









Data from the 2014 American Community Survey, released Sept. 17, suggests that the national child poverty rate remained stagnant from 2013 to 2014 – a sign that the country’s economic recovery is still leaving the lowest-income families behind. 

See which states saw increases in child poverty rates

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Pray for UNadoptABLE Orphans


There are 163 million orphans in our world today. What does True Worship look like for the millions of orphans when adoption is not an option? What does True Worship look like for an orphan who longs to be known?

As we commemorate National Adoption Month in November and National Adoption Day November 21st, let's take a moment to pause and pray for the orphans that are unadoptable.

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

National Adoption Day at Wendy's

Canister campaign 2015


Be a game changer for foster care adoption

Help us fill the canisters at Wendy's restaurants this month as part of our National Adoption Day initiatives. A little change goes a long way, and 100% of donations help find forever families for children in foster care.

Friday, November 13, 2015

How to Be a Welcoming Church for Special Needs Foster & Adoptive Families





When families say yes to adoption or foster care, churches need to be ready to say yes to supporting them. As special needs and older child programs are on the rise, this means being prepared to accommodate families affected by disability or complex trauma. Shannon Dingle will share five ways your church can be a safe place for these children and teens, drawing from experience as a special educator, a disability ministry leader, and a mom to six by birth and adoption.


Presenter: 



Shannon Dingle, Key Ministry

 
Wednesday, November 18
1pm (Central Time)

Sunday, November 8, 2015

"Without A Net"- Reaching Orphans in Philippines

Without a Net 

Reaching Orphans in Philippines

 Orphans in the beautiful island nation of Philippines have little safety net, but God is doing great things through the local church.  Meet a primitive tribe caring for widows and orphans where the local pastor is a born-again witch doctor!  See how Christians are stepping out in faith to adopt and foster, soaring with joy as they build families.  This year’s Christian Alliance for Orphans film is packed with action and you don’t want to miss it!  


Saturday, November 7, 2015

How Does It Feel to be Part of the Foster Care Triad?





The Vulnerable Children’s Ministry

Presents a Foster Care Experience
“Life in Limbo”

Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015
Willow Creek Community Church
67 E. Algonquin Road, So. Barrington, IL
Room B205/207

Come to engage in a unique foster care experience that will allow you to “walk a mile in their shoes.” Through this simulation experience, you will take on the role of a foster care child, foster care parent, or birth parent. You will deal with the anxiety, anger, and hope that the children experience, feel the struggle a foster parent must go through to provide a stable environment, or decide as a birth parent whether you will do whatever it takes to get your children back.  You may also come to observe.

This simulation is dynamic and moving. It will increase your understanding of the foster care system and motivate you to get involved. Whether you are currently involved in foster care or want to walk alongside those who are, this experience is for you!


Space is limited to 50 participants andparticipants must be age 18 or older.

Click HERE to learn more about the Life in Limbo experience.

Please register for the workshop at:

**DCFS Training Credit Hours Offered**