05.07.2014

A Day in the Life of a Caregiver

By Amber Busch, Treehouse Caregiver

Hello, my name is Amber Busch. My husband, Brad, and I are foster parents. In addition to our two biological kids (ages six and ten), we have two foster kids (ages three and seven). The best way to describe our everyday life is BUSY!!! Raising four kids keeps you on your toes, especially when two of the kids are foster children.

One thing that keeps us sane is maintaining a routine each day. For kids in foster care, it’s important that they know what to expect each day so that they can find comfort in the routines of life. Our morning routine is consistent; get ready for school, make your bed, eat breakfast, read morning devotional, and then everyone runs out of the house for the school bus.

When our foster kids first came to live with us, getting used to the morning routine was difficult. They were not used to having clean clothes to change into, tooth brushes to brush their teeth, a bed to make, or consistent meals. Each morning was a struggle for us and for them. Finally, after about six months with us, the daily rituals were established and the number of morning tantrums decreased significantly!

It is not an exaggeration when you hear that kids come into care with only the clothes on their back. We are so thankful to Treehouse and the Wearhouse, which helped us fill the kid’s closets with wonderful clothing when they first came into our home. Our three year old foster son will frequently run up to people and say “Look at my shirt, I look handsome!”

If you stop by our house in the afternoons, you are sure to hear the kids running around in the yard, riding their bikes, or most likely playing basketball. Thanks to the Little Wishes program our seven year old foster son was able to play on a basketball team this winter, which Brad coached. He LOVED it!! He even got his very own basketball for Christmas from the Wearhouse. The three year old got a shiny new red tricycle, which he zips around the driveway on, with the biggest smile you can imagine. For us, Treehouse is giving these kids more than just tangible items, they are getting a chance to be normal kids, to wear clean clothes, play sports and have toys to call their own. Treehouse is helping to put smiles on children’s faces. For that I am incredibly thankful!

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