Storytelling

Challenge

Storytelling is something that has become a great aspect of my life. I live in a home that takes in

foster kids. Even though I may not be a foster child myself. Children of all ages come into our

home and stay for any amount of time. Many of the children I meet come from homes below the

poverty line and are less fortunate. I try to connect with all the children and make them feel safe

and at home. When a new foster child comes into our care we will try to do a family game night,

a fire with s'mores, camp out in the back yard or any other number of family activities. My

family does this to help introduce the new child to everyone and to help make them feel

comfortable. Every childs story is different.

Application

One of the foster children that has stayed in our care for many years has become very close with

myself. This child is a medical foster child and has struggled to find a stable home that is willing

to take him in. The child, who we will call Adam out of respect of privacy, was born with a

condition called Arthrogryposis which has caused his joints to be locked from birth. Many

people would let this control their lives. Adam does not. He learned to walk and eat all on his

own. Which is something the doctor said he would probably never be able to do. Not only has he

done learned to do everyday things but he has learned to play basketball and even plays in the

local league. One day, Adam was sitting at the table with his things all packed up and crying. I

Storytelling

went over to him and asked him what he was doing and why all his belongings were packed. He

turned to me and looked deep into my eyes and said “I have never stayed at a home longer than

three months. It's my time to go.” Hearing that from a six-year-old boy brought tears to my eyes.

I quickly explained to him that he was not leaving us anytime soon and that he has nothing to

worry about.

Insight & Approach

Even though Adam may not of told me a story. I had to try to convince my family to adopt

Adam. He was basically a family member. We all considered him part of it. All that needed to

change was his last name. I used the experience of seeing Adam that morning to explain to my

family why we should adopt him. It was a unanimous vote. As I stood in front of a group of

strangers, trying to convince them why they should let me adopt Adam. I shared all the great

times we have had. The things Adam has taught me. I also shared with them the story of finding

him at the table. Adam became apart of my family that day and is a healthy, intelligent and

happy boy. My family used this event to adopt all the foster children under our care.

Storytelling is something I took for granted in line of work. I started out helping with a couple

foster children around the house. After taking this course, I look at storytelling as a tool and an

asset. I can now use storytelling as a tool during interviews of potential foster parents by having

Storytelling

them tell me a story about their past or having them use stories to further illuminate their

personalities better.

