When I retired, I opened my house—and my heart—to foster kids. I thought I’d try it out for a few years—five, tops. But I’m still at it, 115 kids later.

What it’s like to foster 115 kids

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Adoption

Family

Let us help navigate daily life with your growing family, with everything from kids’ craft and activity ideas to advice on discipline and birthday party inspiration.

Parenting

When I first met the 26-month-old boy I would adopt, my heart sank—the level of neglect he had faced was overwhelming.

Mothering a child who has only known neglect

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Indigenous children are, to put it mildly, overrepresented in Canada’s child-welfare system. So parents and activists are going to great lengths to protect their kids.

When you have to give birth in secret

New baby

Ontarians can afford to pay more for beer. They cannot afford to lose one bit of protection for vulnerable children.

The Ontario Child Advocate was the one safe space for vulnerable kids—now it's gone

Blogs

Opinion

A strong bond between parent and child is crucial—it leads to positive emotional development and a sense of security. And it can be strengthened at any age.

Will my identity change when I sign the adoption papers? The day they come home? A month from now? Or will I always be just some nice woman?

When will I start feeling like my adopted sons' mother?

"Foster parenting has shaped us in ways I never could have imagined. But there are still things I wish I'd known that would've made things a little easier."

4 things I wish I’d known about foster parenting

Parenting styles

Grab a tissue before watching these parents surprise their foster kids at Walt Disney World with a bit of help from Mickey Mouse.

Watch as Mickey Mouse surprises two kids with an emotional adoption announcement

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The Beauty and the Beast musical is coming to Disney Cruise Line and we are pumped

7 reasons why we really hope Mindy Kaling is pregnant

18 celebrities who welcomed kids via surrogates

How to do Disney (without losing your mind!)

Chrissy Teigen's planning on adding to her family, but probably not in the way that you think

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Chrissy Teigen gets real about how celebrities really lose the baby weight

While everyone was mom-shaming Chrissy Teigen, they forgot about John Legend

Chrissy Teigen writes an open letter about her postpartum depression

The emotional ups and downs of foster parenthood.

What the picture doesn’t show

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How foster parenting changed the kind of mom I am

Elliot: A new kids' book about the foster system

Want to teach your child about mindfulness? Looking for a great vacation getaway for families? Trying to understand the latest YouTube craze for kids? We’ve got you covered. 

Family life

The foster kids in my care have had to deal with domestic violence, addiction and mental health issues. They’ve taught me what kids really need.

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Elliot: A new kids’ book about the foster system

foster parenting