When I first started parenting kids from hard places, I thought I was prepared.

I had read the books.

I had attended the trainings.

I had even practiced my calm voice in the mirror (true story).

But nothing fully prepared me for the moment I was in the middle of a screaming match with a 6-year-old who had flipped a table over, while my heart was racing, my voice was shaking, and I was thinking,

“What am I doing wrong?”

The truth is, nothing. I wasn’t doing it wrong—I just didn’t know what I know now.

If you’re navigating frequent meltdowns, power struggles, or total shutdowns, you’re not alone. These behaviors can feel overwhelming and even scary at times. And most of us were never taught what to do with them—especially in the context of trauma.

So today, I want to share with you the 3 things I wish I knew sooner about handling hard behaviors. These lessons have completely shifted how I show up as a foster mom and a therapist—and they might just do the same for you.

Join the Foster Mama Lifeline here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering/p/reclaimed-mama-community-pfdw5q2k

More freebies and resources here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering