Fostering Preteens and Teens
This is a different world folk. With the younger children, you can still mold them, and hold them when they are scared. The teen and preteen want their space. They don’t trust you. They don’t like you and every moment you believe you are beginning to make a connection –YOUR NOT! At least, not until they decide to change. Most of these children suffer from Attachment Disorder. They’ve also witnessed violence, severe disputes (screaming, cussing, pushing, damaging words) that would leave most people appalled. Yet, they must continue to live, despite this trauma. So, what do you think you are going to say to the teenager, when they mess up? Let me tell you what doesn’t work. yelling spanking isolation rejection They’ve already had their fill of these punishments. If you’re a foster parent, adoptive parent, or caregiver to an abused teenager you need to understand that they are dulled by years of severe abuse. Your childish tantrums will go unheard, and be completely ineffectual. What you have taught them: All adults behave the same way I …