In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams welcome Danny and Ashley Smith, who share their journey as foster parents and their experiences working with children in foster care in various settings. They discuss the importance of consistency, understanding root causes of behaviors, and the challenges faced by foster parents.

 They also have some really practical tips to help navigate difficult behaviors. They remind foster parents to focus on the big picture and have patience to know that they may not always see dramatic changes in their kids at the time. However, that doesn't mean foster parents aren't making a huge impact in their lives.

Danny and Ashley have lots of encouragement for future and current foster parents and share some of what they've learned and experienced talking to the kids (previously in their care) who are now adults. The conversation really highlights the transformative power of relationships and in the lives of kids in foster care.

Listen to their music from their band Wasperjaws

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Takeaways

• Foster care can start as a job but evolve into a calling.
• Understanding children's behaviors requires patience and training.
• Consistency is key in fostering relationships with children.
• It's important to regulate your own emotions before addressing a child's behavior.
• Building relationships through challenges can lead to deeper connections.
• Children in foster care need to feel cared for and valued.
• Consequences should be addressed after emotions have settled.
• Foster parents should seek community support and mentorship.
• Children often test boundaries to see if adults will remain consistent.
• The way we communicate with children shapes their self-perception.