5 Things That Have Become Essentials
We have had the last two weeks off, but we anticipate that we will have another placement this week. We don’t have anything set in stone yet though. We have now had two respite placements and three full placements. The following five things we have found very helpful as we’ve been fostering.
1. Google Translate
Google translate has improved so much over the past few years. I used Google translate to translate the schedule that I made for the kids. Then I sent it to my brother-in-law to check the translation, and he made one minor grammar correction, but otherwise, it was great.
Without Google translate, our conversations would be even more limited than they already are.
It is not perfect. When we had a very young kiddo, it was difficult because google translate had a hard time understanding their “little kid” voice, and they couldn’t read what it said in order to correct it.
When we had our first kiddos, I was tempted to simply speak and then show the phone to the kiddo, but I knew that my Spanish would improve and I would connect more with the kids if I actually attempted to say it aloud. My Spanish has been getting better and better as I have been using it to speak with the kids.
2. Masha y El Oso (Masha and the Bear)
I had never heard of this most popular preschool series in the world and 5th most popular children’s series until our respite placement. This was the very first show that our first kiddos wanted to watch, and it has become the first show that we watch while doing lice treatments. It’s available for free on Youtube Kids in both English and Spanish.
Although all of our kids have been much older than preschool, for whatever reason, this show has been loved by every single one of them (with the exception of one who only tolerated it for the sake of the younger one).
As a whole, I have noticed that our kids have liked shows that are typically for younger kids. Another one of our kiddos loved Paw Patrol.
Pro-Tip: If a show isn’t available in Spanish on its normal streaming service, you might be able to find it on Youtube Kids. That’s where we found Paw Patrol. Episodes on Youtube Kids are more limited though.
3. Chocolate Milk and Juice
We never kept juice or chocolate milk on hand, but they have both been highly requested by the kiddos. In fact, I overheard one of our kiddos tell their dad over the phone that they were excited because they got to drink chocolate milk every day. I have found that chocolate milk lasts longer if you drink about 2/3 to ½ of it straight then add regular milk to the jug. This also cuts down of the amount of sugar the kids have.
4. Bethany’s Beans and Rice
I have a good friend who grew up in South America. She would often make beans and rice for our friend group. She gave me the recipe, and I have made her beans for nearly every placement. Every kid has eaten it and loved it. Here’s a link to her recipe.
5. Ramen
When I think of Ramen, I think of Asia, which makes sense since that’s where it originated. Apparently, it is very popular in Central America as well. Every single kiddo we have had has requested Ramen. Like the students that I taught in China, they would probably eat it for every meal if we let them. This is an easy meal to have on hand.