Readers Respond: What Parenting Skills Have You Found Helpful as a Foster or Adoptive Parent?

I train PS-MAPP classes with a foster/adoptive parent friend. I love to hear her speak about parenting skills. She and her husband have adopted 20 children, plus have three birth children. Her children have numerous special needs. She calls parenting skills her "bag of tricks" or a "buffet of discipline" and she will tell you that she likes to have numerous ideas ready to go when needed.

So, what parenting skills are in your bag of tricks? What is being served from your buffet of discipline? Share your parenting tips with other foster/adoptive parents.

Listen

I am an adoptive child and the worst thing for me is if I'm talking and my parents won't have an open mind about what is being said because I am younger than they are and they believe I do not know what I am talking about a child is also never ever perfect.

—Childofparents

1-2-3 Magic

7 years ago I was introduced to a discipline technique called 1-2-3 Magic by a behaviorist. It works fantastic for my family of 4 (2 birth and 2 adopted children). It is a sensitive but firm discipline that gives all 4 children the same discipline and consistency but allows us the parents to tailor the consequences to each child. Our children do not feel any special treatment is given but we are able to meet all of their unique behavior and emotional needs. There are books you can read if you are interested in this "tool."

—Guest Abby04