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With the Holidays rapidly approaching, it’s easy to start to panic as a parent! No matter the age of your kids, parenting around the holidays can be tricky. We’re busy with life, we want to make magical moments for our kids and family, we have to meet and navigate extended family expectations, we have to […]
Do you remember being little and marveling at how wide, big, and beautiful the world is? If you’re like us, it’s probably been a long time since you were caught up in any kind of awe at the world we live in. With a neverending news cycle focused on bringing us up-to-date coverage of the […]
It can be really easy to be excited to share our favorite holiday traditions with our kids. Unfortunately, as foster parents, our kids might not have the same enthusiasm for certain holidays or even for celebrating in general as we do. While Halloween is– for most of us– a fun, spooky day of sweets and […]
It’s no secret that reading books to your kids deeply impacts their development. From increased empathy to vocabulary to attention span and brain development, books are an incredible source of education and enjoyment! We rounded up our favorite fall books for kids, and we hope you and your family enjoy each of them! Harvest […]
If you’ve spent any time on the internet or social media, you have probably been inundated with advice about the importance of self-care. The reality is while some of these bits of advice aren’t the greatest, self-care is vital to our well-being, especially as parents and even more so as Foster Parents. Parenting is challenging, […]
Like every parent, we’re sure you are well aware of the plethora of research about the dangers of screen time for your kiddos. Screen time has been shown to cause all sorts of emotional, developmental, social, and physical harm to children. From eye strain to obesity, attention issues to behavioral ones, screen time can sometimes […]
Fostering is full of ups and downs! But really, life is full of ups and downs. Unfortunately, the vast majority of Foster Youth have experienced far more “downs” than “ups” in their short life. Many of these children come from unsafe or traumatic backgrounds and have endured more insecurity and heartache than anyone should in […]
Dear Mom and Dad, Hey there, how are you doing? No, really, how are you doing? We get it, this parenting thing is so hard – harder than maybe you thought. We’ve noticed that sometimes when we talk about the challenges of being a parent, we can only do it in a joking way because […]
The Summer heat has officially arrived in So Cal, and if your kids are anything like ours, that means they’ve probably cooped up in the AC on some screen. And we get it; we don’t feel like doing much when the temps rise, but attached to a device is probably not how we want our […]
Opening your home to a child or multiple children is a huge deal. Deciding to become a Resource Parent involves so many unknowns. One of the biggest challenges can be knowing how to talk to friends and family about the decision to foster. Whether you already have children or want to tell your extended family […]
It hardly bears repeating, but the past three years have been tough for everyone. From Pandemics to political unrest to economic instability, these past few years have felt heavy and overwhelming for all of us, including our kids. While our kiddos haven’t had to bear the responsibility of figuring out how to navigate everything that […]
We all know that parenting is, like, the toughest job out there! Not only do you have to take care of yourself, your home, your job, and maybe a pet or two, but you also have these little humans you’ve got to feed, clothe, educate, and, y’know, generally keep alive! No wonder so many of […]
It takes lots of different kinds of people to keep our world running; people with different skills and jobs, people who look and think differently, and people with different abilities. Diversity is a buzzword we tend to throw around a lot, but all it means is acknowledging that the world is full of lots of […]
May is #NationalFosterCareAwarenessMonth! This month is a great time to spread awareness, celebrate the positive impact that the Foster system provides, and advocate for ways to improve each child’s life. There are 440,000 children currently in the Foster System, with over 100,000 of those children waiting to be adopted. Considering that the current US Population […]
The weather is warming up, and Summer is on it’s way! Most of us have sweet childhood memories of long Summer days spent riding bikes, running through the sprinklers, and rolling down grassy hills. So are you ready to hear something shocking? Today, the average American child spends less time outside than prison inmates. That’s […]
If you’ve hung around on social media for any time, you’ve probably heard the term “Gentle Parenting” thrown around. But unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions about what Gentle Parenting means. Based on the name, many assume that it’s a type of parenting that is permissive, passive, or wishy-washy, but this couldn’t be further […]
It’s raining, it’s pouring, and are your kids screaming, “this is boring!” too? As glad as we are that Southern California is getting plenty of much-needed rainwater after years of drought conditions, it’s not so great on keeping your kids occupied inside front! Luckily we’ve compiled a list of fun and easy activities to keep […]
Ah, Spring is almost here! Like most of you, we’re looking forward to warmer weather and more sunshine that Spring brings, and we’re prepping for a good old-fashioned Spring Cleaning! While Spring cleaning might be necessary, it’s not always the most fun thing- especially not with kids! It can be tempting to ship your kids […]
Celebrating Diversity is close to our hearts here at Kamali’i. We genuinely believe that a diverse world is not only a beautiful world but a better one. Over the last few years, it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions as we as a society strive to make the world a more inclusive, equal, and equitable place, […]
It’s that time of year again when stores are decked out in pink and red, hearts are everywhere, and we’re all looking forward to a little extra chocolate. While Valentine’s Day can be a little cheesy, the truth is, we love cheese! Finding ways to celebrate the people you love is especially important in a […]
It takes a special person to become a resource parent. Resource parenting is going to be full of challenges and triumphs, but especially when you start out, there are going to be times when you feel in over your head. An unexpected challenge for many resource parents is being so excited to welcome a child […]
As cozy as Winter has the potential to be, let’s be honest; it can also be a bit of a bummer. While here in SoCal, we’re pretty lucky to experience mild Winter weather, we have been known to get a bit of gloom come January. This year, the powers that be are predicting a fairly […]
It’s hard to believe that another year is almost over, but here we are. Whether this year was wonderful and filled with joyful moments or hard and overwhelming, it’s important to take time to end the year well, reflect on what we learned and how we changed, and look forward to the hope and promise […]
If you ask us, the best thing about December is getting all cozy once the sun goes down and curling up with a good book! And while we know not everyone is a big reader, you have to admit there’s something that feels special about books during the winter months. No matter what the weather […]
Moving into a new home or situation can be traumatic for any child, but especially for the children in the Foster System. More often than not, these kids have been torn away from difficult, painful, and unsafe situations, yet those situations are also familiar. Familiarity gives us a sense of comfort, even if the familiar […]
We all know that practicing gratitude is a good thing. But did you know that it also has the power to impact your health? That’s right! Scientists have discovered that people who regularly practice and express gratitude are better at making and keeping friends, have fewer aches and pains, exercise more often, and sleep better […]
It’s that time of year when most of us get pretty excited. The temperature is dropping, the Holidays are on their way, and you and your kids probably already have all kinds of end-of-the-year fun dancing in your head. Or maybe for you, this time is nothing but stress and anxiety. Never-ending to-do lists, a […]
Halloween is fast approaching, and we know how excited your kiddos are. However, we also know you’re probably dreading the candy craze! As much as we love seeing our kid’s faces light up at those overflowing bags of bite-size (and if they’re lucky, full-size) treats, we also know it can make them go a little… […]
October is just around the corner, meaning Spooky Season is almost here! There’s nothing better than cozying under a blanket with a bowl of popcorn and watching a spooky movie, but not all spooky movies are the most kid-friendly! We did the hard work for you and found (in our humble opinion) the best Halloween […]
There’s something special about sibling relationships. Siblings are often our first friends, our greatest confidants, riding through the storms of life with us and teaching us so much about conflict and love. When a child faces trauma or upheaval in their life, they feel comfortable knowing their brothers or sisters are right there with them. […]
Sometimes it seems like our kids are just trying to make it to the next snack time, right? We’ve all picked up our kids from school and immediately heard them beg for a snack or to hit up a drive-thru, all before they’ve even got in the car. Dealing with “hangry” kids is always challenging; […]
August is often called the “Sunday of summer.” This is because Sundays mark the end of a long weekend; it’s the day when we need to prepare for school, work, or the productive routines that take up most of our weekdays. In other words, Sunday–and August–can feel like a bummer…but it doesn’t have to be […]
Happy August! Let’s set the scene, shall we? The heat is unbearable, the kids go back to school soon, and if you listen closely, you can hear your kids wandering through the house crying, “I’m bored.” If this sounds like your house, we feel you. The end of summer is always challenging. Some kids are […]
Ah, summer. The season of warm nights under the stars, sunny days in the sand, popsicles, and pool days. And summer camps, playdates, family vacations, birthday parties, back-to-school planning, hot temperatures, and hot tempers. Unfortunately, as a parent, sometimes summer feels more like a never-ending to-do list and less like a season of fun in […]
Thinking about what habits to start with the family this summer? You have a lot to choose from to get started! No matter what works best for the family, it’s guaranteed that it will positively impact both you and the kids and encourage more intentionality in your everyday life. We know summer is the time […]
Do you know what kids are thinking about when National Great Outdoors Month, aka June, comes right around the corner? The freedom to have fun for a whole summer! As a family, June is a great time to consider how you plan on spending the next couple of months before the kids go back to […]
This May, think of how to inspire confidence in your teen for National Teen Self-Esteem Month! When you look back on your days as a teenager, what do you remember most? For most of us either smile sheepishly at our past actions or sigh, knowing we could have made a better or mature decision at […]
We got you covered on how to show your support for Foster Care Awareness Month this year. In celebration and honor of May, we want to take this opportunity to recommend ways you can become an ally for the foster parents, children, and community dedicated to improving the lives of children. More often than not, […]
Almost exactly three years ago, we published a blog article about providing your child with structure as they (and you) learn and navigate through the foster care system. Foster care at its core can be unpredictable; and after the past two years of intense changes and unpredictability, we thought this blog article needed a little […]
For April–a season spring of cleaning and flowers blooming–why not learn how to garden and take care of plants with your kids? It never hurts to get out of the house more to spend time in the great outdoors, breathe in the fresh air, and soak up some sunlight. Why should we garden with our […]
Connecting with your kids – biological or not – can be tough sometimes! We get it; kids are always changing and in their early years, it seems like they grow up in a flash, right before your eyes. What was their favorite food one day they can’t stomach the next, and it seems like their […]
Did you know that March is National Craft Month? If you have a child who loves being artistic or is curious about getting started, this is the perfect time to encourage them to try! Who knows? Maybe, crafting might become one of their lifelong hobbies or turn into a family tradition of some kind. Whatever […]
Let’s face the music – not everyone enjoys eating their veggies, especially kids. Even as adults, the thought of a steaming heap of veg on your plate when you wish you could dig into an entire pan of brownies can kind of ruin your day. Unfortunately, vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet […]
We don’t know about you, but we love a good podcast. Sometimes a long drive needs to be broken up with something other than music, and a 15 minute walk can feel like 5 when your favorite podcast is playing in your ears. Whatever reason you joined the podcast fan-club, we have a treat for […]
Kindness! An eight-letter word that it seems like everyone could use a lot more of nowadays. In the dictionary (Oxford, to be exact) kindness is a noun that means: the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. The world seems to be a much more enjoyable place when there are more kind people in it, […]
Ah, the new year! We are all beyond excited to say hello to 2022. Holidays and the new year all seem to bring everyone together in some truly sweet and heartwarming ways, and also provide the perfect window for growth; in practically any way you could imagine. The classic New Year’s resolution is a perfect […]
The same narrative comes around before the start of every new year: “For my new year’s resolution, I’m going to…, etc..”–with good reason! We all want to be better people, accomplish our goals, and keep or develop meaningful relationships in our lives, but we know that all of the above cannot come without intentional effort […]
Whether you have one family tradition or more than you can count in a year, you can always use one more! Out of all the seasons in the year, the best time to start a family tradition is around the holidays! Traditions are a great event that can uplift the overall experience of a certain […]
All holidays are special in their own right, and Thanksgiving is no different. Today, we happily follow the old-time tradition of sharing an autumn harvest feast with others, like the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians in 1621, by coming together with family and friends to enjoy a delicious meal–most of the time, with turkey, and […]
Are you looking to care for a child but don’t know how to become a Resource Parent at Kamali’i? We’re here to help you get started and support you every step of the way. We want to start by saying that you are 100% capable of becoming a Resource Parent. Raising a child is one […]
Practicing emotional wellness and approaching emotions in a healthy manner is always a challenge no matter the stage in our life, such as aging out of a foster care agency or, more specifically, Riverside foster care or San Diego foster agencies–but it’s a journey that is always worth the fight. As human beings, it’s natural […]
Fundraising and spreading awareness for foster care agencies can be a challenge; it takes trial and error to successfully engage others or persuade them to make donations, but bringing attention to the stories and struggles of foster youth is always worth the extra effort! When you need the community’s help to support your foster care […]
In honor of National Reading Month, Kamali’i put together a list of National Reading book recommendations to read with your child. Upon the first impression, children’s books may come across as simple stories, but they can be the most impactful resources that introduce your child to the world today and positively affect them for the […]
Self-improvement is the deliberate action to better yourself as a human being in every aspect of your life; what’s more, tackling how to talk about self-improvement with your child is also a challenge worth taking. But no matter your age, there’s always room to make an effort for self-improvement because it dictates our overall quality […]
Kids are sometimes the pickiest eaters. Healthy meals prepared with a bit more love have the power to curb cravings that your kids may have for junk food too! But eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to stick to bland recipes. All you need are the right ingredients, preparation methods, and some imagination–as well as […]
It’s that exciting time of the year again where your child moves onto the next grade to make new friends and memories–as well as take on different challenges! As a parent, we can support our children during this stage of their life by providing them with the resources they need to succeed. Check out these […]
In addition to helping children grow up in nurturing environments with loving resource families, Kamali’i Foster Family Agency prioritizes preparing them for life once they age out of the system with the assistance of an Independent Living Program (ILP). ILP is an authorized program created by the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 (Public Law […]
Summer is one of the best times of the year for many reasons: the sun is always shining, school is out, and all that’s left on a to-do list is to have fun in the fresh air! Although classes are put on pause for three months, summer can also enrich children and improve their overall […]
You can never show your children enough love as a parent, and one of the best ways to show it is by giving them positive affirmations. Words are powerful: they significantly impact anyone’s self-esteem, self-image, and overall well-being–especially during childhood. They also shape the narratives we come to believe about ourselves. Words have the power […]
A new month is upon us, and you know what that means: we have another list of national holidays to spend with your kids this June! Every month, there’s always the opportunity to bond with your family in new ways that are fun for everyone. But what makes June special is the fact that school’s […]
When was the last time you listened to what someone was saying? Not just heard – but truly listened? We hear things every day, and many things go in one ear and out the other, but the power of active listening is unmatched in the field of communication. It is one of the most useful […]
Got a family of Star Wars nerds? Maybe just one or two of them? Whatever the case — May the 4th is fast approaching, and Star Wars lovers should be ready to experience the magic. If you have some Star Wars fans in your household, here are FOUR out-of-this-world ways to help them celebrate their […]
April Fool’s Day only comes once a year, but pranks can be fun for the whole family all 365 days! Keeping the pranks family-friendly and harmless, but hilarious is the perfect way to get the whole family involved in making jokes and having a blast. Remember to keep the pranks balanced between the parents and […]
Every state does Resource Parenting a little differently, and California has its own rules, regulations, and requirements regarding what it takes to become a Resource Parent. If you’re considering embarking on the incredible journey of becoming a Resource Parent, we are here to help you through the process. The first step is knowing the basic […]
With St. Patrick’s Day coming up fast, we wanted to make sure you’ll have some green in your life before you get pinched. We’ve compiled all of our favorite recipes in one place (links included) so you and your family can celebrate March’s only holiday however you see fit! 1. Corned Beef and Cabbage You […]
We post a lot about national days on social media, and now we are going to tell you how we celebrate them! There are so many fun national days you can celebrate with your family… some of them we don’t post about, but may still be special to you. Here are our favorite national days […]
When it comes to change, it can be scary for everyone. A big move, a new job, or even a dynamic shift can throw off everything; especially for those with a fear of change. We are here to tell you to embrace that change! To throw yourself towards it with full force. Even change that […]
Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show your children a little extra love! Whether it’s your biological or your foster children, they could all benefit from a sweet gift, some quality time, extra cuddles, or an extra “I love you” before bedtime! Here are a few sweet ideas on how to make sure your […]
Between temper tantrums, sibling rivalry, and academic issues, parenting can be one tough gig. It can be even tougher when there is uncertainty amongst power dynamics when foster children come into the mix. You might be fully comfortable with sending your biological child to their room for a time out and a stern talking to, […]
Being a parent is definitely a lot of work, and being a resource parent is a whole other ball game. We know how difficult it can be, and how hard you work every single day to change your children’s lives for the better. If you’re looking for ways to brighten up your family’s lives and […]
Gift giving can be hard! Especially for older kids who want more than just toys, and we don’t even want to get started on buying gifts for teenagers. If you’re completely lost on what to get your kids this holiday season, here is our guide to the trendiest gifts of 2020. Children 0-6 yrs Indoor […]
Being a child’s home for the holidays is not always easy! The holidays are incredibly hectic, and it seems as though parents spend October through January perpetually stressed. Between Halloween costumes, Thanksgiving dinners and holiday gifts, there’s endless things that need to get done. If you’ve started feeling that pressure, remember you’re not alone! Being […]
COVID-19 created a lot of difficult situations for many different people, and 2020 brought on a slew of unexpected challenges. Children and adults alike may be struggling with anxiety, online education, and social isolation from friends or loved ones. This year has been a tough one, but here are some ways you can tackle the […]
If you know gardening, then you know that spring bulbs are planted in the fall. That is because these flowers, as eye catching and lovely as they are in the spring, need more time than you would expect to get there. The gorgeous tulips and lilies we see lining people’s lawns in April and May […]
If you are a Resource Parent, whether it be your first time or your 17th time bringing a child into your life, we want to make sure you know how grateful we are, and we want to emphasize that you have a whole community behind you. It’s okay to feel alone, and it’s okay to […]
Halloween may just be the perfect bonding opportunity for you and your foster child. Fun movies, fun costumes, fun fall activities and fun candy are all exciting for kids of any age, and they’ll have a blast when you get involved too. When tackling Halloween, be extra precautious and diligent regarding any allergies and dietary […]
September has always issued an official end to the summer and school activities start rolling in full swing! Bittersweet but exciting, this month is supposed to bring new beginnings. Unfortunately, with COVID-19 still being a huge issue in the U.S. and especially California, the governor decided that we all would be learning through online education […]
Californians know that the end of summer doesn’t mean beach trips stop, and warm fall days still call for a little “vitamin sea”. We all love the beach, but it can be an anxiety-inducing place for many parents. Some beach trips include huge waves, too many people, and a million places a child could wander […]
In the past, we have discussed myths and misconceptions about the Foster Care system, facts and figures, and even helpful hints for new resource parents; but we want to take it back to the basics. If you are interested in becoming a resource parent or want to become involved in the community, there are three […]
Parenting a tween, teen, or young adult? As lovely as every child is, that stage can sometimes be a big ol’ “yikes”. New slang, infinite selfies, and songs from artists you’ve never even heard of—I mean, what the heck is a Doja Cat? Most, if not all of the laughable habits that young adults pick […]
When older teens age out of the Foster system, many end up without an adequate living situation. Luckily, in an attempt to combat this, The California Fostering Connections to Success Act officially became law in 2012. One of the many changes this law brought is that foster youth can both extend legal emancipation to occur […]
For many, the first formal introduction people have to the Foster Care system is when it is featured in movies and T.V. shows, where it is usually played up or dramatized for the entertainment factor. This can lead to some myths or misconceptions that spread about what the Foster Care system is like. We want […]
Sometimes summer is just too hot to handle. After a full day of playing outside or running through the sprinklers, watching a movie as a family can be a great way to wind down and spend time together. What takes even longer than watching a movie though, is picking one. Spending hours scrolling through Netflix […]
The Coronavirus has affected everyone in more ways than expected, and it has changed a lot of circumstances surrounding everyday things like schools, movie theaters, and grocery stores. What a lot of people may not realize though, is how the Coronavirus has changed the foster care system, and how it has affected the children who […]
As the end of the school year gets closer, we are hoping that the end of the Corona Virus gets closer as well. As parents, we know that the summertime “I’m bored” announcements will be especially rapid-fire this year if social distancing extends into the summer. While we are hoping for the best, we want […]
Working from home and helping your kids through distance learning is no easy feat, especially when you’re doing it most of the day, 5 days a week. To prevent feeling like you have 2 full-time jobs and to make the coming months as easy as possible, try creating a realistic daily routine for you and […]
School is out! But not for summer. Suddenly you’ve switched from parent to home-school teacher and your kids might be restless already. It may be difficult to keep your children entertained for 12 hours of the day, but it is definitely not impossible. Here are some tips and tricks on how to keep your kids […]
Right now is a very uncertain time, especially with conflicting media sources and constant negative news coming from the TV. It can be hard to stay positive and keep your hopes up when all you hear are the negatives, so here are a few important realities and some good news regarding COVID-19. California […]
Spring has sprung! The sun is out, flowers are blooming, and it’s time to go outside and get some fresh air. Now that winter is over and it’s warming up again, there is endless fun to be enjoyed with the whole family—old and young alike. These 9 activities are all affordable and can be entertaining […]
As much as you go to lengths to avoid it, there will always be some awkwardness that comes with bringing a new member into your home. While this tension or awkwardness may last a few days, bonding with your child and getting to know them on a more personal level can bring a more relaxed […]
The laws and regulations surrounding foster care can be confusing. The laws vary by state, and some are more stringent than others. California has numerous laws in place for the protection and safety of foster children, and it’s easy to get lost in the legal jargon of all the different codes in place. Here is […]
Making sure that your foster child feels loved is one of the most important things to do as a resource parent. Often, it can be an uncomfortable situation, as the threat of sudden change looms over each foster child/resource parent relationship. However, the comfort and happiness of any child living in your home is far […]
It’s common for everyone to be on social media these days. Your grandma, your high school band teacher, and even your pastor are snapping selfies on Instagram and using Facebook to keep up with old friends. Even more prevalent on social media—teens. Even some younger kiddos are popping up on Instagram, with accounts run by […]
Can you remember the last time you made a New Year’s Resolution and stuck to it? Most New Year’s resolutions are way too broad and are forgotten by January 3rd. This year, we want to help you stick to your resolution. Whether it’s to step out of your comfort zone, try something new, or even […]
Reading to and with children has been proven to be widely beneficial throughout the years. Reading exercises the brain, improves concentration, develops imagination and empathy, and many books teach lessons while simultaneously keeping a child entertained. If you’re lost what your next bookstore trip should yield, here’s 5 books that your kids would greatly benefit […]
Often times in the media or popular culture, foster care is painted in a rather poor light. If you’re on the fence about becoming a resource family or parent, don’t let these myths about fostering or parenting hold you back! We’re here to encourage and support anyone who is considering fostering and hope that by […]
Being a resource parent can be hard, but fostering a child during the holidays brings on a whole new set of obstacles and challenges that you’ll have to overcome. It’s a difficult subject to broach as a family because the child will want to feel included in your family’s holiday traditions, but they may also […]
Deciding to become a resource parent could be a life-changing opportunity for a child, but it’s also a drastic change for the placement family. Not every parent is cut out to be a resource parent and not every family is prepared to be a resource family, and that’s okay. There are many ways in which […]
Making the decision to bring a foster child into your home is not an easy one. It involves a lot of discussions, planning, and then—fear. This is a huge change, and while it will be one that is exciting, fun and could potentially make a huge difference in a child’s life, it’s also scary, like […]
It’s finally Fall! But don’t be bummed that Summer is over, because Autumn makes for some great seasonal activities that your whole family can enjoy! Here are 10 Fall activities that can be fun for your whole family, from the teens to the little ones (and the parents too). 1. Create Colorful Apple Stamp Art […]
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