Debbie Ausburn is a social worker turned lawyer who has worked with youth-serving organizations for more than 40 years. She has served as a camp counselor, juvenile court probation officer, group home parent, criminal prosecutor of crimes against children and litigation attorney advising youth-serving organizations throughout the United States. Her most important challenges, however, have been parenting foster children and stepchildren. She has never had biological children, but she has collected seven children and ten grandchildren. She has put the lessons that her children taught her in her recent book Raising Other People’s Children: What Foster Parenting Taught Me about Bringing Together a Blended Family.
Key Takeaways
- If all were right in the world, kids would want to be with their biological parents. No matter how much you love them, this is their reality, and their life is off-balance because of it.
- It’s important not to take things personally if your step/foster children/teens are acting out. It takes time for them to grieve through the changes.
- “Commitment is stronger than love” a phrase Debbie talks about in her book. When emotions run high, commitment can carry you through the challenging moments.
- Give them time to work through their circumstances, stay supportive and present for them. These builds trust.
- Kids are resilient however they can only handle what they can handle. Trauma can affect them in negative ways. They don’t always bounce back.
- Understand the difference between trauma and character flaws in order to help your step/foster teens heal and grow.
