Routines, Routines, Routines

Dull and Boring is Okay

House rules should include time to get up, time to go to school, bath time and bedtimes. These routines are the foundation of a structured life, which often these children never had.

They learn to expect consistency, trust by repetition and build activity within the structure.

Also, limits - we limit phone calls to 10 minutes, showers to 10 minutes, room check 10 minutes before leaving for school.

The more predictability the better. We also post a wall calendar with their appointments listed. They can see what's coming up and we have a record for their monthly expenses.

From the foster parent's point of view, it's important to keep up the laundry, make sure the household is running smoothly with minimum change or chaos.

They hear and see everything; don't give them any cause for worry or controversy.

Keep things dull and boring. There's plenty going on all the time.