Comments | kporterbooks: Hearing teens, but not listening?

kporterbooks

Hearing teens, but not listening?

Apr 30, 2008 11:00

Yesterday was the last night of my foster parent training classes. I've done them twice before over our years of foster parenting, but this new state's training is different...GREAT (Totalling about 200 hours of hands on training.) There was a panel of teens that are currently in the system. There was such a diverse group of kids speaking and ( Read more... )

adoption, fostercare

Comments 15

shaelise April 30 2008, 17:49:05 UTC

I loved this entry...it's so true. I have a teenager and know even with him I'm guilty of hearing but not always listening. When I work with other youth in the community, I need to be more aware of this. THanks so much for sharing this and giving me a better perspective and awareness. :)

kporterbooks May 2 2008, 21:26:30 UTC

Thanks. I really loved hearing from the kids.

marybethkelsey April 30 2008, 18:20:00 UTC

This is a wonderful post--thank you for raising the awareness.
And OMG, my heart breaks for these teens. Sometimes, life just isn't fair.

kporterbooks May 2 2008, 21:26:43 UTC

Thanks, Marybeth.

goadingthepen April 30 2008, 18:21:48 UTC

I would love to meet you sometime. If for no other reason than to give you a big hug ( ... )

kporterbooks May 2 2008, 21:28:04 UTC

I'm glad you're still in touch with her. There are a few of our foster children I wish I could hear from more. They were small when they lived with us, but I wish I knew how they were doing. Those that were tweeners or teens, I get the privelidge of hearing or seeing off and on. It's really nice.

robinellen April 30 2008, 18:48:47 UTC

This made me cry. There's a reason I don't do RFKC anymore (the camp for fostered kids) -- I couldn't take the emotions, basically. I'm a wimp, and the thought that so many kids out there are longing for love -- it tears my hear out! Teens, of course, are my favorite group of kids...I'm so glad there are people like you, dear Kae, who are made of stronger stuff and who are not only willing to take these kids, but who seek them out!

kporterbooks May 2 2008, 21:28:47 UTC

I didn't want you to cry. There is just something so humbling about meeting and hearing from these kids...ya know?

jgurtler April 30 2008, 20:50:41 UTC

Again, you astound me with your empathy.

We need more you in this world.

Janet

kporterbooks May 2 2008, 21:29:39 UTC

I'm not sure about that. I think this is just a passion of mine. I don't know if the world could handle many more of me. I'm pretty goofy.