Growing Together: Building a Stronger Family Through Love and Learning
Sara and Kyle’s journey began as foster parents taking short-term placements, offering care for a few weeks at a time. But everything changed when they received the call about three siblings who needed a long-term home. That placement, which came with unique challenges, eventually turned into adoption, forever changing their family dynamic.
“At first, we didn’t know what to expect,” Sara shared. “Short-term placements were different—you deal with the immediate needs, but this was long-term. It brought a whole new set of challenges.”
The siblings, who ranged in ages from 2-4 years old, carried the emotional weight of their past experiences and trauma, resulting in behaviors that were difficult for the couple to navigate. The two older children often displayed aggression. In daycare, they struggled to manage emotions, leading to incidents of hitting or spitting at other kids. The youngest, who was non-verbal, faced his own set of challenges, including a deep fear of bathtime.
“We’d turn on the water, and he’d scream like he was terrified,” Kyle explained. “It was heartbreaking.”
On top of these challenges, mealtimes became battles. Their daughter was an extremely picky eater, and her refusal to try new foods led to frequent power struggles. Sara and Kyle also noticed their children’s difficulties communicating emotions and the need for control that would sometimes escalate into conflicts at home or daycare.
“At that time, every day felt like an uphill battle,” Sara reflected. “We were constantly on edge, waiting for them to come home from school, wondering what challenge we’d face next. It was overwhelming.”
Everything changed when Sara and Kyle began working with Katie, a Care Manager at Chosen. Thanks to a grant from the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Father First program, they were able to access personalized coaching and support completely free of charge.
A Lifeline of Support
Katie worked closely with Sara and Kyle, offering strategies tailored to their family’s specific needs. She introduced ways to help their youngest son overcome his fear of water. “Katie suggested taking small steps to build his tolerance, and it worked,” Sara shared. “Now, he loves bathtime!”
For their daughter’s picky eating, Katie empowered them with techniques like offering choices and setting achievable goals. “She told us to try a ‘three-bite rule,’ where after three bites of vegetables, they could stop. It took the pressure off and worked wonders.”
Sara and Kyle also learned the power of “play” as a tool for communication. When the older children acted out, she encouraged Sara and Kyle to reframe their questions. “Instead of asking, ‘Why did you do that?’ we’d say, ‘I wonder why you…?’ That simple shift helped them express their feelings,” Kyle explained. “We still use it to this day.”
The challenges didn’t stop at home. At daycare, their youngest son was bitten multiple times over two months. Katie provided strategies to help the family cope and even offered to advocate for them during conversations with school administrators. When it became clear a change was necessary, Katie guided the children through the difficult transition to a new daycare.
“She didn’t just help us manage the immediate issues,” Sara said. “She gave us the confidence and tools to support our kids long-term.”
Real Connection. Real Change.
Over time, the impact of Chosen’s guidance became evident in every aspect of their lives. Structure and routine were pivotal in reducing the children’s anxiety. Mornings and evenings became predictable and comforting, and the children quickly began holding their parents accountable for sticking to the routine.
The family’s stress level significantly decreased. Where once every day felt like a battle, there was now a sense of stability.
“We still have challenges,” Sara admitted, “but the stress level is so much lower. I’m not constantly anticipating, ‘Oh gosh, what are we going to have to deal with today?’ That has been life-changing for us.”
Katie’s support also extended to preparing the family for adoption. She helped Sara and Kyle navigate sensitive conversations and provided insights into their children’s behaviors, ensuring the transition from foster care to forever family was as smooth as possible.
Encouraging Others to Seek Support
Reflecting on their journey, Sara and Kyle are profoundly grateful for Chosen’s role in transforming their family’s story.
“We can’t imagine going through this without Chosen,” Sara said. “Katie’s support wasn’t just helpful—it was life-changing. For any family fostering or adopting, I can’t recommend reaching out to Chosen enough.”
Chosen Walks Alongside the Caregivers
Every year, Chosen helps hundreds of adoptive families build bonds of trust. And we’re looking for partners to help heal their heartbreak. Your gift gives families the assurance they need to provide attachment and permanency for kids who desperately need it.
Looking for help? Get started here.
Looking to support a family? Give now.
* Names have been changed
