One of my best friends recently adopted two daughters that have struggled with bulimia for the three years they have lived with her as foster children. Initially it was very difficult for her to get anyone to believe they struggled from this disorder because of their ages. It was even harder to find anyone who felt qualified to do therapy with them specifically for bulimia because of their young ages the girls were six and eight. While it is true that this disease normally affects teens and young adults, don’t dismiss the signs if you see... more

Yesterday I was getting caught up on reading my newspapers that I haven’t had time to read in the last four weeks due to everyone in the house being ill and getting a new foster placement. I was using the express reading method; I look at the legals, since they post hearings for foster children in them, then the obituaries and police reports. But an article caught my eye about an eight year old child that weighs 218 pounds that officials are considering removing from his parents for neglect. He is at high risk for developing childhood diabetes... more

In having a new child placed with us recently I’m reminded of the eating disorders that my own children struggled with for years after coming to live with us. The most common at our house has been, not recognizing when they are full. I’ve learned over the years to say, “No, you’re full.” Instead of “You must be full.” How do I know that the child is full? I just figure that when a 40 pound child has put away enough food to feed my teenage son, she must be full!

I guess this technique works since my now adult and teenage... more