When You're at Your Wit's End as an Adoptive or Foster Parent

I'M DONE!

Can you relate? 

Oh there have been times on this journey of being an adoptive and foster parent I have thought those words, whispered them, wrote them, yelled them...they came fast and they came strong. Ever been there? 

Typically, the words leave your mouth with a snap of anger and ugliness. Finality ringing in the air. I feel the look on my face and in my gestures and they resemble hatred, anger and disgust. 

When I get them out I feel a quick sense of relief because I am FREE of the strings attached to being this child's Mom. The feelings that cause me to be done come from a deep place of pain, overwhelm, fear and the feeling of being ineffective as a parent. I just don't want to be there anymore. I AM DONE!

I go inward. Get quiet. Breathe. Take care of me a bit. And then I even start feeling bad. Wish I would have done it differently and then ultimately....CHOOSE TO START OVER. I find myself again. There I am. 

Yes, it's hard and painful sometimes, but I can do it - I am strong. 
Yes, there's a lot to learn and do differently - I can ask for help and surround myself with support so I can stay in it with my child.
I can do this. I am enough. And I can help my child heal!   

Yes, it's hard and painful sometimes, but YOU can do it - YOU are strong. 
Yes, there's a lot to learn and do differently - YOU can ask for help and surround yourself with support so you can stay in it with your child.
YOU can do this. YOU are enough. And YOU can help your child heal!   

Encouraging and supporting your family,
Stacy

P.S. The Intentional Parent Coaching Group for Adoptive & Foster Parents is a great place to surround yourself with support and to learn new ways. Get your name on the list to join us. http://www.tohavehope.com/intentional-parent-coaching-group.html