Posts by Emily Lammers
Navigating Loss During the Holidays
The holiday season can be particularly challenging, especially when it’s the first one following the loss of a significant loved one or, for children in foster care, the first holiday without their family.
Read MoreWhat Can I Expect from My Child?
Child development is tricky. Each milestone—from learning to walk to mastering social skills—requires patience, practice, and sometimes setbacks. It’s crucial to respect each child’s unique journey, providing support and guidance tailored to their individual needs without pushing beyond their current capabilities to foster healthy development.
Read MoreShould I Expect My 6-Year-Old to Do Their Own Laundry?
When parenting school-aged children, we tend to think about if we are preparing them for independence in adulthood. Hear from Ashley Wagner, Director of Occupational Therapy at FamilyForward on how she has gauged a child’s readiness, interest, and capability to determine appropriate developmental expectations.
Read MoreVideo: Breaking the Cycle of Trauma
Today, one in seven children will become a victim of abuse or neglect, perpetuating a cycle of intergenerational harm. Discover how FamilyForward is actively working to break this cycle and support vulnerable children and families in St. Louis.
Read MoreBuilding a Path Towards Hope and Healing
FamilyForward was awarded a challenge match from The Bolger Foundation to fund the first phase of a sensory path installation at our Developmental Trauma Campus.
Read MoreStrengthening Family Bonds
May 15th marks the International Day of Families, a moment to reflect on issues impacting families around the world and to promote ways to strengthen familial bonds and support systems. Read how the FamilyForward team likes to strengthen bonds with their loved ones.
Read MoreFamilyForward Renews COA Accreditation Through March 2028
FamilyForward is honored to have achieved national re-accreditation through the Council on Accreditation, a highlight of the agency’s rock solid efforts in resource management, best practices, and community engagement.
Read MoreHealing Hearts
Trauma experienced by children in foster care disrupts their sense of security and affects their brains, behaviors, and emotions. Learn strategies foster and adoptive parents can use in their journey to heal the hearts of the children in their lives.
Read MoreIsolation and Desolation: The Need for Connection
Following the spread of COVID-19, schools and workplaces closed and Americans were faced with daily decisions about where and how to spend their time. Engagement in social supports like community centers, extracurricular activities, and the houses of worship sharply declined as people sought to avoid the risk of spreading the new virus.
Read MoreHanding Over the Baton: Partnering to Help Older Youth Develop Positive Healthcare Practices
Caring for older foster youth places a significant responsibility on foster parents to advocate for quality physical and mental healthcare. By adopting these tips, caregivers can create an environment that nurtures trust, openness, and shared decision-making, ultimately empowering the young person to take control of their healthcare while including caregivers as supportive partners along the way.
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