I switched from working full time in an office to working full time from home in 2016 when we moved to Houston for my husband’s job. Although grateful to work for an organization that offers this flexibility, it was a big transition that took adjustment and a lot of getting used to. It also happens to be a big transition that much of the country has been forced to make in the past few weeks. As a work from home veteran, I am here to share my story, and offer you some of the tips I’ve learned to keep myself productive and most importantly…sane.

We don’t have photos of siblings Kelly and Ken that can be shared publicly, but trust me when I say they are adorable! We can share photos and a video with anyone who we can confirm meets the requirements to adopt from Taiwan.

We have met 4 ½ year old Kaeleb several times with Superkids over the last couple of years. Kaeleb loves playing with toy cars! He prefers independent play, but likes cuddling with his caregivers. He can usually follow directions well and complete tasks when asked.

Meet 7 year old Arthur! He was a little shy and quiet at first when we spent time together in November, but quickly warmed up. He did amazingly well on all of our tasks - he even did some of the harder cognitive games we usually play with the kids closer to 10 years old! His foster mother described him as gentle and considerate. He will often help her with chores, even though it’s not his favorite activity.

But what about the children?

Tonight after laying my little ones down for bed I scrolled Facebook and found the news story that I’ve been anticipating. Child Abuse Numbers are Skyrocketing.

SuperKids has taken numerous trips to China and Taiwan to visit and provide assessments to potential families wanting to learn more about a waiting child.  It was nearly 4 years ago when we last saw Jack, but we have never forgotten him.  10 year old Jack has been a favorite among many of our professional volunteers and caseworkers at Gladney.... but yet he still waits.

We have Jack described as smart, vibrant and energetic.  He likes to talk with people and when he is happy, he talks with his friends and is very excitable.  He has a good relationship with his peers in the classroom and orphanage setting.  He is liked by all.

I don’t know about you but I am parenting a “feeler”. What I mean by this is that he is keenly aware of any change in routine, behavior, and feeds off it. Meaning it is my job to be his internal regulator by calming my own chaos. Through our families' decision to practice social distancing and being aware about COVID-19, I have had to practice my own internal regulation in order to be able to guide my child through this time. When he asks big questions like “why can’t I go to school, play at the park, or see grandpa”. I have found pause with how to answer him.

As a birth parent caseworker in Houston, I am used to meeting with my expectant mothers face to face in their homes or in a public place where we can plan their adoptions.  However, COVID-19 came to town and abruptly halted our way of meeting. How do I provide the services and the attention that my clients need at this time of crisis in the community (and the world!)?

As you may know, the Gladney Home is housing teenage girls currently in foster care. Like most, we are now on an extended spring break and practicing social distancing. This can be challenging, not only with little kids at home, but older kids as well. To avoid the lure of constant Netflix, iPhones, and screen time, here are some things that we have been doing to break up the day and keep everyone entertained.

Jackie’s file was initially prepared in August 2017. Jackie is an observant child. After adjustment in her environment, she was more active, completed tasks quickly and her work was the top in her class.