Peter*

ND Post Adopt Network Groups
By Sonja McLean, Post Adopt Coordinator
Here is info for the upcoming groups, and activities of the network:
Support Groups:
(RSVP encouraged but not required to postadopt@pathinc.org)
• Jan. 10th, 12-1pm: Grand Forks @ The Ember
• Jan. 10th, 6-7pm: Minot @ Minot PATH office (supper and childcare provided!)
• Jan. 17th, 9-10am: Fargo @ Red River Coffee Co.
• Feb. 14: 12-1pm: Grand Forks @ the Ember
• Feb. 16th, 12-1pm: Bismarck @ Path Office
• Feb. 16th, 6-7pm: Dickinson @ Dunn Bros. Coffee
• Feb. 20th, 9-10am: Fargo: Coffee Hour @ Red River Coffee Co., 2600 52nd Ave S, Fargo
Trainings:
• Jan. 24th, 6:30-7:30pm Nurtured Heart Approach (email postadopt@pathinc.org to register)
• Jan. 30th: 7-9pm PASE training: How to Approach Sexuality with Youth (Fargo: TBD)
Holiday Stress in Foster Children:
Strategies for Helping
Continued from page 6.
this time of year. Keep them active but do
keep things balanced. The holiday season
tends to lend itself to busyness so use common
sense to keep things in check.
• Find ways to incorporate the child’s family
traditions. Learn along side the child about
his/her native customs if he or she is culturally
different from the rest of your family.
• Help make sure a child’s loved ones are fine.
It may be as simple as making a phone call
to the caseworker or the family. Children will
worry about their family. Supporting family
connections is very important. Often siblings
in foster care are in separate placements
and this also makes this time of year difficult.
A card or small gift to his or her family can
provide hope and healing for both a child
and a parent.
Studies have shown that holidays are stressful
times for most of us; these reactions are compounded
especially for children who have experienced
trauma in their lives. Along with reminders
of holiday symbols and rituals, children
who have been traumatized during past holiday
seasons are bound to be on guard again now
without even knowing it. Understanding what is
behind the behavior is important.
Remember to be trauma-informed in your approach
and create that safe environment that allows
for understanding, respect, and support to
prevent re-traumatization. Happy Holidays!
Families Making the Difference