Home for the Holidays: Fostering Belonging During the Season

Ep. 3 The holidays are supposed to be magical—but for foster children, they can also be complicated and emotional. In this heartfelt episode of Licensed to Love, hosts Lauri McKnight and Veronica Black of Families Thrive unpack the emotional landscape of the holiday season for children in foster care. With some insights from current foster parents, they explore how to navigate holiday triggers, maintain healthy ties with biological families, and create new traditions that help kids feel seen and secure. ✨ What You’ll Learn: Why holidays can bring mixed emotions for foster children How small gestures—like shared traditions or inclusive conversations—can nurture belonging Ways to honor biological family connections while building new memories The importance of community support and awareness during the season This episode reminds us that while gifts and gatherings may fade, the feeling of being loved and included lasts forever. 🔗 Resources: Celebrate foster and adoptive families at the Families Thrive Heart & Home Gala — November 1st at 6 PM at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Reserve your seat today at 👉 ⁠www.familiesthriveinc.org Chapters: 0:00 Holiday Challenges for Foster Families 3:39 When Holidays Feel Different in Foster Care 12:20 Handling Emotional Triggers During the Season 16:59 Joys and Struggles of Holiday Parenting 19:56 Blending Traditions and Family Connections 21:29 Navigating Cultural Differences at the Holidays 28:18 Community Support That Makes the Season Bright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices