The Science of Showing Up Why Your Consistency is Doing More Than You Know By: Pam Parsih If you are walking alongside a young adult who has aged out of…
Why the Dinner Table Matters More Than Ever in the Age of Algorithms Many parents today are noticing how their teenagers’ attention seems locked on screens more than family conversation,…
Tethered Yet Free The Quiet Power of Remaining Steady in Emerging Adulthood By: Pam Parish If you are a parent right now, in the thick of watching your teenager step…
The Scarcity No Algorithm Can Solve Relational Capital: The Investment That Changes Trajectories By: Pam Parish For more than a decade now I have carried one number with me, not…
If you think back to one of the most transitional times in your life, you may not only remember the details about that time, but you’ll distinctly remember the people…
For many areas across the United States, it has been bitterly cold, snowy, icy, rainy, and sunless this winter. The cold weather brings a freshness to the air, but the…
January marks National Mentoring Month, a time to reflect on the profound impact mentorship can have on the lives of young people. At Connections Homes, we believe in the transformative…
After a whole summer full of warm, family-filled evenings, many households do not look forward to transitioning back to early mornings of classes and schedules and being away from one…
Mentorship centers around being available and ready to meet the needs (physical, psychological, emotional, mental, spiritual) of someone else. Research has shown how being able to understand and communicate the…
Overwhelm. Stress. Fear. Anxiety. Confusion. Doubt. These big emotions are felt by every human - not just “full grown” adults. When a young person encounters a situation that leaves them…
“It’s not rocket science.” That’s a phrase we’re likely to interject when we’re addressing a situation that should be relatively simple but has become overly complicated or overthought. If you…
With so many outlets to access social media and its ever-evolving demand for time and priority, how can a responsible caretaker promote a healthy balance in using it? Teenagers and…
Parenting, of any sort, in any stage, is full of defeat and triumph. Moment by moment, parents move through those phases; hanging on to words of inspiration and encouragement from…
“Whether a child is in your life for moments or years, you could potentially be the only reflection of Jesus that they ever encounter.” (Parish, Pam, 2014) Ready or Not:…
An old Chinese proverb states that “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” The mentoring journey can seem like, and can truly be, a long and…
As the holidays approach, a lot of pressure can fall on fostering families to facilitate meaningful memories and moments. It is always encouraging to remember that simple joys leave lasting…
When it comes to making a connection with a young person, it’s often simpler to prepare for what you’re about to give than to contemplate what you might receive in…
As young adults transition from foster care or teenager simply strive’s for independence, learning essential life skills becomes crucial for their success. Equipping them with practical knowledge and abilities will…
As parents, caregivers, or mentors, communicating boundaries with teenagers is a crucial aspect of their growth and development. Setting healthy boundaries helps teenagers understand their limits, fosters respect, and cultivates…
In the journey of mentoring and fostering, creating a sense of unity and fun experiences for both the mentoring family and young adult or foster child and their foster family…
May is recognized as National Foster Care Awareness Month and May 31st is National Foster Care Awareness Day, a time to raise awareness and advocate for the millions of children…
On June 1st, 2023, Connections Homes will celebrate NINE YEARS of creating lifelong connections for youth who have been deeply affected by foster care, homelessness or disrupted adoption. While we…
In honor of National Aging Out of Foster Care Awareness Day on May 31st, we will celebrate our remarkable youth and Mentoring Families with an Awards Celebration on connectionshomes.org, LinkedIn,…
Parenting a child that has walked through trauma can be difficult and tiring. In today’s society, parental burnout and compassion fatigue is at an all-time high, especially for those parenting…
The teenage and young adult years are big. New decisions, pressures, and responsibilities enter the picture. It may begin to feel as if the teen and young adult years are…
Every year, youth are aging out of foster care without stable, caring relationships. Every year nearly 85,000 young adults 18-24 are added to the already growing 2 million homeless young…
If you are passionate about helping children and teenagers in need of a loving home, it is important to understand the different ways to get involved. Foster care, adoption, and…
In 2020, 213,964 children under 18 entered foster care in the United States. Foster care can often be seen in a negative light as it is often a source of…
