A Weekend with Foster Parents at Keiser University
Last weekend, I had the privilege of leading a live training workshop at Keiser University in Daytona Beach, hosted by Community Partnership for Children. It was a powerful time of learning, reflection, and shared experience with 20 incredible foster parents.
A Room Full of Experience and Heart
In the room were parents from all walks of the journey—some just 9 months into fostering, others carrying decades of wisdom. Together, they are currently caring for approximately 30 children. That alone is worth pausing to recognize.
These are not just caregivers.
They are stabilizers, encouragers, advocates, and everyday heroes stepping into the stories of children from hard places.
Shifting the Lens: Behavior vs. Connection
We began the workshop by contrasting two very different approaches:
- Traditional Parenting
Focused primarily on behavior modification
Asking: “How do I get this child to act differently?” - Trauma-Sensitive Parenting
Focused on understanding history and building connection
Asking: “What has this child experienced, and what do they need from me right now?”
This shift is not small—it’s foundational.
Children from hard places don’t just need correction.
They need connection, safety, and trust rebuilt over time.
Seven Areas of Growth
As we walked through seven key areas of trauma-sensitive parenting, the room came alive with honest dialogue:
- Real-life challenges
- Breakthrough moments
- Lessons learned the hard way
- Encouragement from one parent to another
The richness of the training wasn’t just in the content—it was in the shared wisdom of those living it out daily.
Learning from Each Other
One of the most powerful aspects of the day was the openness in the room. These parents didn’t hold back. They shared stories of struggle, perseverance, and growth.
And in doing so, they reminded each other of something important:
You are not alone in this.
There is something deeply strengthening about being in a room where people truly understand the weight—and the calling—of what you carry.
Grateful for Ongoing Support
I am incredibly grateful for Community Partnership for Children and their commitment to equipping foster parents. Opportunities like this matter.
Because behind every trained parent is a child who benefits.
And in this case, roughly 30 children are experiencing the ripple effects of parents who are choosing connection over control, understanding over reaction, and healing over mere compliance.
Final Reflection
Trauma-sensitive parenting is not the easier path—but it is the transformational one.
And after spending time with these 20 foster parents, I am reminded once again:
There is hope.
It shows up in living rooms, at dinner tables, in hard conversations, and in moments where a child begins to feel safe again.
And it grows every time a parent chooses connection.