They also require a LOT of our time and energy as we help them deal with trauma and grief. We
must focus heavily on their behavior struggles and emotional breaks - then I'm often drained from the effort. So I tend to send them on their way to play during cooking or chore time instead of taking more of my time and energy to train them in life skills.
I'm trying to grow in this area because they need the life skills. They also need the positive reinforcement we give them when they've been great helpers. And we need the help around the house that they are becoming more capable of giving!
So I'm working on this. It's a win-win when I do it right. (And I also know that sometimes it's ok/right to send them off to play so that I can have a break from the constant parenting output I give.)
