Tips for Foster Families during Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to come together and create lasting memories with family. For foster families, this holiday can present unique opportunities and challenges. Here are some tips to help foster families make the most of Thanksgiving in a warm and inclusive way.

1. Embrace New Traditions:

Incorporate new traditions that include everyone in the family. Whether it’s cooking a new dish, watching a favorite movie, or playing a group game, these activities can make everyone feel part of the family fabric. Remember to ask the children about any traditions they might want to include from their own experiences.

2. Foster Open Communication:

It’s important to encourage open communication with foster children. Thanksgiving can bring up a mix of emotions for them. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable expressing their feelings and thoughts. Let them know it’s okay to feel a range of emotions during the holiday.

3. Celebrate Diversity:

Thanksgiving is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the diverse backgrounds within your family. You can share stories, learn about different cultures, and even cook dishes from various traditions. This not only enriches the celebration but also helps everyone feel valued and respected.

4. Plan Ahead:

To reduce stress, plan activities and meals in advance. This preparation can help create a more relaxed atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the day. Involve the children in planning and cooking to make them feel more engaged and excited about the holiday.

5. Focus on Gratitude:

Encourage everyone to express what they are thankful for. You could start a gratitude jar or write notes of appreciation to share during dinner. Focusing on gratitude helps shift attention to positive aspects and can strengthen family bonds.

6. Be Mindful of Emotional Needs:

Be attentive to the emotional needs of foster children, as holidays can sometimes trigger memories of past experiences. Offering extra support and understanding can help them navigate these feelings.

7. Include Everyone:

Ensure that everyone has a role to play, whether it’s setting the table, making a dish, or sharing stories. When everyone contributes, it fosters a sense of belonging and teamwork.

8. Offer Flexibility:

Be open to adapting plans if needed. Some children may feel overwhelmed by large gatherings. Providing quiet spaces or alternative activities can help them feel more comfortable.

By following these tips, foster families can create a Thanksgiving that is joyful, inclusive, and full of warmth. Embrace the opportunity to build connections and cherish the time spent together. Happy Thanksgiving!

Kansas

Brandon and Guadalupe (Lupita) Sallack have been dedicated TFI foster parents for four years. Before their marriage, Guadalupe fostered independently for two years until Brandon completed his training and joined her in this journey. Brandon and Lupita are committed to keeping siblings together.

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Oklahoma

Mykelti and Alexis Aebi have been a foster family with TFI for over 3 years. Whether providing temporary or long-term placements, the Aebi family has offered stability to several children who have entered their home, some of whom have successfully reunited with their families.

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Nebraska

Ellison and Braden Convey are outstanding foster parents, pictured here with their son Bodhi. In November 2023, they accepted placement of a newborn boy who spent his first 3 weeks fighting for his life in the NICU.

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Texas

The Ramseys live in Brownwood, Texas, and have been licensed with TFI since August 8, 2024. Before joining TFI, they fostered through another agency for 11 years. Throughout their fostering journey, they have cared for many children from diverse backgrounds. The Ramseys have adopted two children and are in the process of adopting a third.

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Recruitment Corner

his November has been an exciting and impactful month for TFI! Here are some of the highlights:

• November 7:
  TFI collaborated with DHS, CASA and Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma to host an Information Night Recruitment Event. The event focused on traditional and therapeutic foster care, providing valuable insights and fostering connections.
• November 8:
  TFI was featured on Stillwater Radio, spotlighting therapeutic foster care in Oklahoma and spreading awareness about its importance.
• November 9:
  Foster, adoptive and kinship parents in Texas attended the Abide Conference in Southlake, Texas. The conference offered them a refreshing and supportive experience.
• November 10:
  TFI partnered with Fostering Connections for a free showing of Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot in Pittsburg, Kansas. This inspiring event brought the community together to celebrate the power of foster care.
• November 19 & 20:
  The Regional Youth Advisory Council hosted “Growing Life Skills” classes for teens:
  • November 19: Chanute, Kansas
  • November 20: Winfield, Kansas
• Foster Parent Advisory Team Launch:
  This month, we officially launched the Foster Parent Advisory Team! This experienced and dedicated group offers:
  • Mentoring services
  • Support for foster parents
  • Answers to everyday questions

  Their mission is to help foster parents succeed in every way possible. Learn more and connect with the team at https://tfifamily.org/foster-parent-advisory-team/.