We’re currently facing a significant challenge with one of our foster children who has been with us since August of last year. It often feels like he’s indifferent to his actions and attitude. The most pressing issue we’re dealing with right now is his persistent theft of items from people’s rooms. Since his arrival, he has stolen $60 in cash from my wallet, $10 from a child on the bus, several cell phones, Barbie dolls from the girls’ room, a Wii switch, a drone, jewelry from the teen girls’ room on their moving day, and even some of their makeup. The list seems endless.
It’s easy to become frustrated, but we’re constantly reminded that there are underlying reasons for his behavior. He struggles to express his feelings, resorting to these actions instead. It’s heartbreaking to realize that his experiences of abuse and neglect have led him to this point in his life.
The situation becomes more complex as he reacts to being confronted about his behavior. He resorts to banging his head against the wall, which we initially thought was a coping mechanism. However, we discovered it’s for attention. Ignoring it only leads to louder and more intense banging against the wall or window.
One day, when I retreated to the office and my wife was in the kitchen, he began banging his head on the door as loudly as possible. Thanks to noise-canceling headsets, I managed to block out the noise for five minutes until he eventually gave up and fell asleep. It’s evident that he has a desperate need to be heard, possibly stemming from a history where abuse followed his actions, leaving him unsure of how to deal with the absence of punishment.
Cases like these are incredibly challenging and heart-wrenching, especially when the child’s actions constantly disrupt the household. I wish I could provide all the answers, but sometimes, this blog serves as an outlet for me to express my frustrations and emotions.
Time to get the kids down for a nap? Take some time for yourself and see some of Amazons top gifts for dads like youtop products for dads
Chronicles of a at Home Dad 
Leave a comment