Being a foster carer or adoptive parent is rewarding - but it is often far from easy. The daily stresses of bringing up a child or young person with complex needs can take its toll on you physically and emotionally. That's why it's so important for you to look after your own health, so you can keep doing what you do with energy and vitality.
This book will give you ideas and suggest practicesbased on an understanding of nutrition, mindfulness and yoga which are easy to implement in daily life, and can make all the difference to your physical and emotional wellbeing. Everything is chosen to help you stay strong, keep calm, find balance and sleep better. There are also suggestions for a range of activities to help your child or teenager to develop confidence and good self-esteem. Activities like cooking and gardening that you can enjoy doing together will give them the skills they need for a healthy future. There are photographs and illustrations to show you how it's done - and other carers will tell you in their own words how it's made a difference.
Caring with Vitality will inspire foster carers and adoptive parents. And, as it can be used in a group setting, it also provides a programme for fostering and adoption agencies looking for a new approach to supporting their carers.
Introduction. 1. Getting started. 2. It all begins with breathing. 3. You don't have to go to a class. 4. Standing on your own two feet. 5. Supporting internal vitality. 6. Eating well. 7. Healing rest. 8. Passing on the practice. 9. Doing it together. 10
I found it refreshing for the authors to have an understanding of the many varied stresses and strains associated with caring for children with complex needs. They combine this understanding with a frankness of approach that enables you to buy into their ways to practically improve your day to day quality of life with many quick and easy wins.
