What We Lock Up as a Foster Family

[@katelynleigh5610]

Locking up medications is honestly a good idea for anyone with kids. My mom had to have her stomach pumped bc her older brother told her that if she ate all her vitamins she would never get sick again.... she took the whole bottle not knowing any better at the age and it could’ve gone very wrong

[@amyrenaud7589]

I basically did the same thing. Grabbed the Flintstones with Iron vitamins off the highest shelf in the kitchen, gave my brother a handful and ate the rest. Stomach pumped for real. (It's still a big family story.)

[@marinettedupan-cheng8364]

@@amyrenaud7589 yipes

[@kattkaufman6132]

@Aron Cory how to get hacked 101

[@GenesisDawn92]

My brother did the same thing when he was in kindergarten, one morning he downed an entire bottle of vitamins, he ended up throwing up all over his teacher and had to be taken to the hospital. Found out he was anemic after that.

[@Molly-dg3bs]

@@kattkaufman6132 Pretty sure they are teamed up in the spam. I've seen multiple comments and another person responding saying the same thing

[@callabeth258]

Just a tip from this Aussie pharmacist it's not recommended to keep any medications in the bathroom as the humidity from showering can compromise the formulation of many medications. The official recommendation is a cool dry place such as the bedroom or kitchen (preferably away from the stove and oven)

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Sorry I misspoke! Thank you for clarifying.

[@Ddj13]

Thank you!

[@rachelann6036]

Thank you never knew this my family kept our medication in the cabinet above the stove for my whole child hood. I’m moving it all ASAP.

[@ShyShyTheGem]

Oh I never knew this... thanks!

[@melz6625]

thank you. I will relocate mine

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

I realize I've worn this fluffy blue, crop top sweater in the past 2 videos.... but it was Target clearance for $8 and it's so comfortable, warm, and stylish I'm just living in it now adays. Sorry/Not Sorry.

[@lf206]

Hey, you enjoy that sweater! That’s what winter is for!!

[@KSalmon74]

Nothing wrong with that. ❤️

[@mjcookieLOVE]

It's a cute sweater! Keep on rocking it

[@Zero2FiveFamily]

LOL I think that when I catch myself wearing the same t-shirt several vlogs in a row! 😂

[@Megan_Truly]

I always look worse if I'm just at home, baggy sweats and baggy tees...repeating a sweater's no big deal. :)

[@Bella-zh7xv]

8:03 That’s where she talks about where she locks the stuff at.

[@itszoey8290]

You are doing gods work

[@sydneyashelton8597]

Wow, that's insane how closely you have to keep the medicines locked up. I'm sure it's for good reason, but I can't imagine being 14, in a new place with strangers, and have to ask someone for an ibuprofen every time I have a period cramp.

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Agreed!

[@jesusistheonlywaytothefath9020]

I think it's an amazing idea for anyone with children.*TRIGGER WARNING* A few years ago my beautiful little cousin who was like 15yrs old at the time had sent a topless pic to her boyfriend(shouldn't have happened but it did). Well they broke up and he sent that pic to practically everyone in their grade, who on turn sent it around to alot people they knew until the whole school had seen it. She became very depressed & 1 night decided to take as many tylenol/ibuprofen that she had access to (like above the sink in the medicine cabinet). Thank the Lord that as soon as she did it she got scared, told what happened, & was taken to the hospital to correct the situation. Some kids unfortunately don't change their minds or get help in time. Always a good idea to keep medications up&away from children. Maybe only give them a dose or 2 that comes in the "pop out" pack if it's that time of month but I wouldn't let them have full access.

[@somedude172]

@@jesusistheonlywaytothefath9020 as much as i hate the idea of having to ask for drugs every time i need it, especially as young person (20) with chronic pain, i agree. i was always really mature and responsible for my age, probably bc of my autism and anxiety. my family had no idea about any of that, or my depression, or that im trans. it just never occurred to them that my quirks werent just me being a weirdo, and they didnt believe in a lot of that stuff anyway. but long story short, i had full access to the pill cabinet bc doctors wouldnt take me seriously and give me anything for pain. so i took a ton of OTC stuff til it stopped working, and switched to my parents old prescription pain killers. and i ended up addicted to tramadol and then took enough to put out an overweight adult male as a 16 year old underweight female. no matter how much you trust your kid, even if they genuinely are a trustworthy kid, sometimes we cant even trust ourselves. mental illness can make you become a stranger to your own family, and hide everything from them. you probably dont know the entirety of what your kid goes through, even if they arent mentally ill. trust them, thats very important, but dont trust them with drugs that can kill someone. also keep an eye on little things like how many razors they go through, preferably without letting them know. and know the signs, especially if they have access to stuff like that. but another alternative is to just let them keep a travel sized container of whatever OTC stuff they may need, so they just have to ask to refill every once in a while. but they dont have access to enough to hurt themselves. idk if that would be accepted by foster agencies, but it was great for when i was recovering and needed space, but also didnt trust myself with a whole bottle of advil

[@foofookachoo1136]

@@jesusistheonlywaytothefath9020 sounds like a good way to handle it!!!

[@caffienevaccine]

My parents always left like 3 in a ziplock for me with my pads. Lol!!

[@susanpoisson3082]

The foster home I lived in for a few months locked up: - medications - all food (not kidding - every bit of food was in locked cabinets & the fridge/freezers had locks) - cleaning supplies - any room of the house they didn't want you in It was a real fun place.

[@socksandpi1264]

I've been in that situation and it was horrible.

[@hayleyl130]

The only right thing would be medications because obviously some kids could have addictions, or if the child was at a hard place they could want to end their life with medications. But the rest is ridiculous. I’m sorry you had to go through that 🥺

[@allyselafountain9496]

@@hayleyl130 I agree but I also don't see anything wrong with the cleaning supplies... My mom locks up the toxic cleaners

[@hayleyl130]

@@allyselafountain9496 yeah the cleaning supplies are ok too

[@virginiadeel8087]

Unless there was a literal medical reason for locking things i say that sucksto be made felt unwanted. If you would of been my house the only rule I have is if you eat last put on list on fridge. No hungry kid in my house.

[@charlievivet323]

You give more care about your foster children than my biological family has ever given me in my 22 years of existence.

[@evelinrodriguez1174]

So also teens who suffer from suicidal ideation its also dangers I'm a foster kid and my old foster parents did something like that. I love you guys so much 💕💕

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Correct, didn’t want to explicitly say that because people have connotations of “bad foster teens” but this is a possibility, same with all teens. Thanks for bringing this up ❤️

[@GuerinGrad09]

I truly hope to get licensed in the next couple of years. I live in Central Indiana and have been talking to other foster parents on FB. I am really excited for this journey. It will just be me, a single 30 yo woman who wants to make a difference in a few kids' lives.

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

You’ll do great!

[@karalee6522]

I'd recommend checking out a cabinet lock with key code if you end up with a stricter tangency or kids that require closer rule-following! My mom put one on her liquor cabinet to keep my high school brother out lol. It is on a kitchen cabinet (but could surely be put just about anywhere) and needs a 6 digit code to get in. Would probably be a lot handier to have a dedicated locked cabinet rather than having to lug the box around. Another option, my parents put a code lock door handle on our sump pump room in our basement (because it was a mess and technically dangerous but really because that's where they'd hide Christmas presents). You can replace any door handle with a code locking one pretty cheaply and quickly if you were to ever need to cut off access to a room for some reason.

[@sarahmccullough1100]

I love seeing all the behind the scenes of having a foster care set up there is so much work to do but Whitney and John just take it Take in their stride and do whatever it takes because they really are passionate about helping kids and their families reach unification. I’m excited for them all with their upcoming rest-bit placement x

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

And I hope you got to see the photo tree gave us in the background! ❤️❤️❤️

[@sarahmccullough1100]

@@BeTheVillageCommunity I actually had to look back lol but I saw it up on the wall at your stairs x

[@tenner4817]

Darcys expression when she saw the headband was soooo adorable!!! Such a pure burst of joy!

[@xevsetter1201]

For tea it's called Steeped for when you let the tea bag sit covered for 3-5 min. Many years ago I got really into Loose leaf tea And honey All kinds of Honey.

[@ps374249]

As someone who has been on daily meds with little break since I was about 3 (asthma & allergies, and then anxiety disorder and ADHD at 7) I couldn't imagine my parents having to dole out my medication like that. I started taking my meds from a pill box they had set up with prompting at about 7 or 8, my parents wouldn't always stand in the kitchen and watch me take them. By middle school, I managed my meds myself, I'd occasionally need to be reminded, but I'd get out my own pills and everything, half the time my parents forgot what all I was taking (to be fair, my meds changed a lot in middle school).

[@dutchik5107]

My mom typically would still put mine in my pill box. But she did that with setting the table for breakfast. And making breakfast. Also. I'd probably forget them a lot. Because i was always forgetting to get up

[@laurarabon1844]

I can't imagine that an epi pen would have to go under lock and key because of the timing of the medication to work to prevent death

[@shirleymarie2288]

I would imagine epipen and rescue inhaler would need to be accessible at all times

[@taralynneethier-southard4735]

I am not a foster parent yet, but know that I have to think ahead because I am a little person, who uses a wheelchair for mobility. Locking things up is something that concerns me and I want to be as prepared as possible. I have not checked with my local DCF, yet, but I have heard that all cleaners and kitchen knives have to be high and/or locked up. This presents an extra challenge for me because if something is high, that also means I have no access. I like learning what other foster parents do, so I can prepare and think ahead. I already know I will get questions like "well, you are in a wheelchair, how are you going to do xyz?" While I know that some questions cannot be answered until in a given situation, but if I can pre-plan, I will and I want whomever DCF workers I work with to know that I have at least thought about it and that I am good with creative problem solving/accommodating.

[@10Nookolette01]

I don't have dwarfism but I am 4'1 for other medical reasons and also in a wheelchair. Im thinking a standing safe could be an option, or like drawers safes. The kind you place in drawers that have a pin or fingerprint access only. Not only that, but possibly child safety straps and locks with extra locks attached.

[@sophiehobley828]

I know you can get shelves that have a little hook on them and you use a stick to bring the shelf down to your level - I don't know a lot about it so it might be crazy expensive or not very practical, but it might be something to look at?

[@Ella-me4cy]

I love watching your channel grow! I remember when Miss A just came home! I love how compassionate you are to her and her family even after reunification! Cant wait to see all the lives you change and impact!

[@pixiesox]

Ours are in a locked top shelf cabinet in the bathroom but many of them recommend not being kept in humid environments so I'm going to be looking into a box like that for sure! thanks!

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Glad it helps!

[@painterscastle]

Hi we are in UK and we Foster. We keep the majority of Meds in a wall cabinet in the utility room and my husband has put a lock on it. We have a closet in the bathroom upstairs with a lock on the door that we keep some Calpol liquid in case a child is ill during the night. We also have to lockup all vitamins etc.

[@KandACrewFamilyVlog]

I'm so glad the package made it there safely! As we were watching and noticed how much fluff was in there London says "I think I made that one" 😂 I hope Darcy enjoys all the fun!!

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Love it so much! She did an incredible job ❤️❤️❤️ thank you for sharing all the love with us! And thank you for sharing your journey with ALL of us!

[@KatherineRoseArt]

Your videos are gonna be so helpful when I foster eventually. i've been saving some of them to a playlist for reference later. :) thanks for sharing your journey.

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

I'm so glad! Wishing you the best

[@puntjepuntpuntje]

my aunt has a drawer in her kitchen that has a lock on it. thats where she keeps medicine, lighters and other things away from kids.

[@emmecross2204]

I love seeing this transition period!

[@MaddHeather]

Me to!

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

All the boring day to day stuff? lol!

[@MaddHeather]

@@BeTheVillageCommunity well I actually really enjoy your videos❤

[@Karenmkk28]

@@MaddHeather so do I!!!

[@Lisangel74]

We are not foster parents and do not have children in our home. That said when we had nieces and nephews over we locked up meds just to be extra safe. I still keep 2 of my meds locked up and only my husband can get to them. One I take regularly so he gives me a weeks worth at a time and the other is a pain medicine I only take certain circumstances and he helps talk it out with me to see if I really need it or could maybe try to get through. All at my request to just have extra safety even though I have never had an issue. Being cautious with meds, including vitamins and supplements, is never a bad idea.

[@noreendye8957]

I know it’s different as I worked in a daycare but there was no leniency on rules. We got written up if we broke any rules. Ohio’s daycare license rules are strict.

[@amberlilly1899]

One thing I worry about is my oldest daughter carried an epipen (or we do rather she’s 3) we usually keep it in our diaper bag so we don’t ever forget it. I’d definitely worry about needing to lock that up

[@victoriaedge2011]

an asthma attack could be an issue too

[@Awakening_Sunshine]

I wouldn’t think emergency (or rescue) medications would have to be locked up. I know in preschools we are specifically told not to lock our medications (teachers are only authorized to give things like inhalers, epipens, and benadryl), because it could cause a situation where the process of unlocking the medication takes too long. We have to keep it secure and out of reach for the kids, but not locked away

[@luellahorton3219]

The official rule for my state is that you can carry 1 emergency dose on your person for any necessary medications

[@AmaltheaGaming]

Yeah that slot on the cup isn't for teabags. It's for biscults

[@marinettedupan-cheng8364]

OMG RLLY??????????

[@C.Woodford]

@@marinettedupan-cheng8364 yes xD

[@C.Woodford]

@@marinettedupan-cheng8364 but it could also be used for that I guess?

[@marinettedupan-cheng8364]

@@C.Woodford WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW okay have that mug and have been using t wrong omg

[@C.Woodford]

@@marinettedupan-cheng8364 there is no specific way to use it, just what it was designed for but u can use it however u want obviously x

[@donnahague8983]

I feel you and your family will be life long friends with Miss A... the bond you guys formed is awesome 😎

[@Rebecca-ld9mu]

I love that your medication box has a combination! I bought one that has a key for my home study and realized how inconvenient it is. My daughter is not home yet and she will be under three so she won't be able to reach the cabinet/key anyway, but for an older child if you would want to really make sure they couldn't get into it keeping the key in a separate place would be even more of a pain. I only have ibuprofen and daily vitamins in my house at this point and will probably just be keeping them in a childproofed upper cabinet. I have the lockbox if I need it for specific medicine/situations in the future.

[@chrystalstevenson3575]

Thank you for the information about the lock boxes for meds. Me and my husband are in the process of becoming foster parents. We start our foster parent classes on zoom on February 22th. Then we will be done by April 15th. We have 8 online classes thought zoom then have to do online courses. Im so nervous about becoming a foster parent. I still have so much to do around the house. I have already started cleaning house and getting stuff ready before we start classes. Got a few clear lock boxes already from my local Walmart for meds which has helped a lot so far. Anyway just wanted to let you know that your channel has helped out a lot. So thank you so much for everything that you do. Thanks Chrystal Stevenson from Louisiana.

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

You’ll be great! Just tackle things one at a time.

[@irishcowgirl21]

Great tips. My husband and I are talking about becoming foster parents

[@FaithFueledLiving]

So excited for you guys to have the 2 new teens! You guys are awesome! And we love the K and A Crew! So fun you got the package!

[@sarahodens7846]

We use multiple dollar store tool boxes with small combo locks with the different boxes labeled with what is inside of it.

[@Megan_Truly]

Thank you for showing your medication storage and how that works. Excited to hear how the respite stay goes.

[@amymenjivar3489]

I read a great tip on a foster site to put a smart lock (keypad) on the closet by the bathroom to store medicines, razors, cleaners!

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Very smart! We may upgrade to that down the road but not necessary at this point

[@Zero2FiveFamily]

Thank you so much for the shout-out! We are so inspired by your family and your passion for foster kids and families. ❤️

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Thank you so much for the card! Sharing your beautiful family and journey with us is such an honor ❤️❤️❤️

[@aczu12345]

We lock up or medication as well because children always surprise you. Also, 2020 was very hard for children and teens and whatever I can do to help mine be safe is worth it.

[@kyr656]

Thanks for sharing your experience! For anybody who is watching and looking for a safe lockbox, please remember to find one that will not trap heat or humidity! Medications have a very specific range of temperatures that they are stable in. You also have to keep humidity in mind... This means that they shouldn't not be stored in a place where they are exposed to excess humidity or temperature swings - even sunlight can be damaging sometimes. (examples include: bathrooms, next to windows, heaters, doors, the glove box in your car, or your purse that you sometimes forget in the garage...). When I was looking for a box like this, I found that some lock-boxes have been found to trap heat or humidity and interfere with the effectiveness of vitamins and medications. Some sort of ventilation is necessary. This could get tough when you're navigating safety guidelines set by each agency... Shop carefully! 😊

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Good to know! Thank you for sharing.

[@barbaraunderwood1762]

I love that mug. Never heard of that band. I keep medication & health & beauty locked because my 14 year old granddaughter still likes to mix my hair supplies & lotion. Been doing it since she was little. When I was working I stocked up on things, like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc. My 2 granddaughters don’t bother my medicine, & they know how to take their asthma meds. Hope you have fun with the 2 teens. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@mysteryoctopus8699]

:) just make sure to keep an eye oit for thr slighhtest sugn of something off

[@kristapacker1549]

In Idaho, as long as the child can’t access the room the meds are in, we are good. Like my prescription meds are stored under the bathroom sink in the master bedroom and there’s a child safety knob on the door handle. Our other meds/vitamins/etc are in a high cabinet in the kitchen and there’s a baby gate preventing kitchen access. Our foster kids are 3&4 and our preferred age group is under 5.

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Smart! Good to know things can be somewhat accessible

[@d-meth]

Cute box! I think that they make file cabinets too 🙂 And yeah, you totally DON'T want a kid to try and get high/OD on cough meds or something!

[@chronicmanda]

This is great. I'm a new follower after you popped up as a suggested video yesterday. I am just loving your family and content. The foster system is so different in the US, I'm in New Zealand and it's so different. I have loads of daily meds and i use a small cash style lockbox with a key that I keep everything I need in which lives in the kitchen, then we have a huge supply in the top of our pantry with all my refills in a box. I have 3 kids 3/5/7yo so none can reach that high, even with a stool, I need to find a more secure solution soon though as my oldest is getting taller now. I'll be lurking for a long time to come, I'm really enjoying your videos.

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

So glad you stumbled upon is! I love your cash lockbox idea... we may get one of those for our daily’s to make it more convenient but still safe. Take care and welcome to the village!

[@fosterfam2563]

Luckily we are able to use a key lock on a door for all chemicals and medicine. We have a laundry room that we changed the door knob to one with a key lock. It's more convenient for every day life.

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

That makes sense, though when you foster older kids... they clean and do laundry. Those are consistent chores for our teens (clean your room and your bathroom and do your laundry, we teach it too because it's life skills). So for us, it doesn't make as much sense. But everyone has to find what works for them!

[@43jules]

I love the Zero2Five family. I watch them all the time as well. I can't wait to hear how your the respite weekend went.

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Yes! Much love and appreciation to them!

[@myssakay]

LOL oatmeal cream pie cereal! My mom just bought me a box of that too, haha! It doesn’t taste like oatmeal cream in my opinion, but it’s still good!

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Good to know!

[@KSalmon74]

Darcy’s growing so fast! Now the camera sometimes cuts off the top of her head.

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Haha!

[@Courtneylovesbooks]

Another way in which foster children are treated so differently from regular children. Having things that have to be locked away from them because they aren’t considered ‘normal’. As someone who was fostered this kind of stuff really messed with your mental health and made it clear that you weren’t ever going to be treated like a normal child

[@amanda8289]

Okay, but medicine and toxic substances should be kept away from all children. If anything I think it really exemplifies how complacent parents are allowed to be with their bio kids.

[@bethanyjohns9943]

Many foster agencies have you lock stuff Some kids you foster are younger and medicines are not safe for them to have open access to, and some older kids possibly have either suicidal tendencies or will excitement with different prescription medications. Parents should lock up prescription medicines (pain medicines, psychiatric medicine especially) weather they only have biological/adopted children in their home or if they have foster children. It is mostly agencies that put these types of regulations in place though.

[@Courtneylovesbooks]

@@bethanyjohns9943 i don't disagree i'm saying it should be a generalised thing but seeing as it isnt having it as an obvious rule for those children do make them feel worse as it isn't done with msot regualr households (which it should be i agree)

[@Courtneylovesbooks]

@@amanda8289 i conpletely agree, my point was that sadly a lot of households with bio kids don't so having it as a standard rule with foster kids whilst right does cause negative feelings as it isnt the same in a lot of 'regular' households so it makes it seem like they are untrustworthy etc when it is a safety thing

[@amanda8289]

@@Courtneylovesbooks Yeah, I completely understand that. It's really unfortunate how shitty the foster care system is. Edit: I mention how bad foster care is because I assume that how bad it is in general makes smaller things like medicine being locked up hurt way more than it otherwise would, but you can correct me if I'm wrong lol.

[@sweatpants4life371]

What wonderful tips! Great viewer gifts and mail! Darcy is the cutest with that headband! I was wondering if you have alcohol in the home, how do you store that or lock that away? Do you even have to lock that away? I have some wine and bottles of alcohol for family gatherings and have been thinking about how to store them... or should I just get rid of them altogether?!

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

We do have alcohol in the home and we have not needed to lock it up. It would always be dependent on the kids in the home.

[@lf206]

You steep tea. You brew coffee. Seep was close! I’m curious how locking up all medications would work with something had to be refrigerated? I guess you could have a really small lock box in the door of your fridge?

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

I'll never forget it now :) And yes that would work, I've also heard of using zipper pencil pouches with an added lock.

[@justjenny4871]

Thank you for creating my channel! You have made my life a lot easier(I am a foster child). I want to also become a foster parent and help those kid's in need. Have you ever adopted out of foster care?

[@margaretaaron2891]

They have not! Darcy and Sawyer are their biological children. They have had two foster daughters where reunification has been the goal and eventually happened so adoption hasn't come up! (That is just what I have gathered from being a pretty long time viewer)

[@ryanm7249]

@@margaretaaron2891 that is what I have gathered as well, and I believe they stated they are more interested in fostering with the hope of reunification rather than fostering to adopt.

[@ryanm7249]

I pray for you and all children who are in foster care or in need of assistance. I pray that your foster family is pleasant and treats you well. I know that is not always the case for everyone.

[@justjenny4871]

@@ryanm7249 thank you so much. Hopefully one day I will get adopted before I turn 18, about 11 months. ❤❤❤

[@justjenny4871]

@@margaretaaron2891 they are an awesome family. Everyday, they help a child in need, and to make sure that child will have a happy life at the end

[@ForTheLoveOfMusicals]

If you have a foster teen who needs to take medication regularly, is that also something that would need to be locked away or can they have access to their own medication?

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Locked away unless a certain exception is made

[@pinkmagicali]

I’m guessing it would depend on the medication. An inhaler or epi pen you wouldn’t want that locked up. If it’s like tablets or something probably yes.

[@anna121ist]

Steeped is what you were looking for with the tea. 🥰 so excited to see every update!

[@IsaBelliza]

Foster and adoptive mama of a transracial family here. So we foster in SE WI and our agency does it case by case due to age ranges. For us we take 0-13 so all we personally have to do is keep medication (all types) in a upper cabinet. As long as it is high enough a child under 8 can not easily access it we are fine. That being said our newest placement (came at 8 adopted at 9 currently 10) has a “Advil candy” addiction (he will suck the coating off the Advil and then hide the Advil in easy to access low places like a corner of the room or under his bed) so we must lock all meds up now. We have 3 3 year olds who (thankfully!) have only found the coatingless Advil. My friend also fosters and their age range is 0-2 so they must not only lock up meds but have the second line of defense such as a child lock on the cabinet or have the lock box up high.

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Wow, that is very interesting!

[@Melted-Kuchi-kopi]

Wow locking up meds is a thing that I never experience my parents just made sure they watched us and told us that they didn't taste good so we wouldn't just freely grab them. Infact I always hated the taste of cold meds and wouldn't dream of abusing it.

[@lucky4leafedclover442]

The main reason to lock them up around children is vitamins. To children they look (and sometimes even taste) like gummies or fruit snacks. Most people won’t necessarily think of vitamins as medications, or see how they can hurt you. Some Vitamins are similar to medications in the case that there is a limit to how much you can take, otherwise you can overwhelm your body with them, and even have an overdose.

[@Melted-Kuchi-kopi]

@@lucky4leafedclover442 I get why you would do that but again my parents never really did that when we were kids and we took those candy flavoured vitamins. Likewise with actual meds such as aspirin. They just made it clear we only took vitamins in the morning and things like aspirin if we were sick and even then we would have to very sick to take them.

[@dela2612]

Finally some common sense!! That's great parenting

[@pinkyvdt]

Oh. Those old school choppers are the best.

[@stephw6046]

Yes! I remember helping my mom chop onions in that thing. It was fun!

[@allysonwhite1325]

I'm curious if you know the regulations for epi-pens and other rescue medications (albuterol inhalers)? In those circumstances you wouldn't want to have to run to the basement and unlock the box to access the medication.

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

I do not buy an agency could address that for sure

[@Lisangel74]

I know of a family local to me (Nebraska) that had to keep those locked up as well. Which was ridiculous so they asked to speak to the judge at the next parental hearing. The judge then issued an order where those 2 specific items could be kept accessible at all times.

[@baffledpancake4764]

Meanwhile me looking at the mug thinking it’s for a cookie holder

[@BeppyCat]

Steep. 🙂💚 Love that mug!

[@haleyhaxton4302]

I saw that tea mug and thought: looks like a good glass for milk and an oreo

[@xevsetter1201]

About the child gummy is my cousin and I Found Flintstones Vitamins when we were in elementary school and We ate the whole bottle

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

🙊

[@xevsetter1201]

@@BeTheVillageCommunity We really didn't have any idea that what we're doing could hurt us a lot or even kill us

[@shaddowsdieout]

My sister and I did the same

[@melissagreen1117]

Enjoy ur time with Miss A. Happy Birthday to her♥️ Hav a good nite 🌛

[@michellefaber1871]

Locking up meds. We got the magnetic cupboard lock and hide the magnet key. We do it for alcohol too

[@michellefaber1871]

BTW I got my kit cheap because Baby’s r us had it mislabeled 🥳

[@ryanm7249]

So excited to hear about your rest-bit placement experience!

[@suzybrat2945]

Happy Sweet 16 Miss A!!!!

[@44Emmie44]

I am a crisis counselor just be super duper careful with Ibprophane just keep the bottles small because it is super dangerous.

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Good to know, thank you!

[@Oliveyourmoney]

I go to a garage sales or estate sale and find crap... you find treasures. Darcy is so amazingly cute.

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Ha! I'm sure you have found great stuff!

[@rebzyrebz308]

What is the general vibe if prescription medicines need to be kept in the fridge? Would you maybe put a child lock on the fridge or would you need to get a mini fridge and keep it somewhere like your own bedroom and child lock it to stay in compliance?

[@mountaingalhomemaker4179]

I have a friend who the final straw for her being removed from her parents care was her stepmom having her meds setting out on the coffee table. There was other issues and she thinks that was just an excuse but I always thought that crazy

[@dela2612]

If your kid is well taught or you pay close attention to them you shouldn't have a problem leaving your daily meds on a coffee table

[@mountaingalhomemaker4179]

@@dela2612 yeah and my friend who was 9 at the time was the youngest kid in the house she believes it was just the final straw excuse for the caseworker

[@Raenelly7]

Wow, I haven’t heard of Blessid Union of Souls in years! I used to love that song, “I Believe.” So cool!

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Same!!

[@susansgalaxy2219]

Love the stuff you got from the yard sale.

[@kendallmenges1032]

Do you also have to lock up household cleaners or alcohol or is it just medicine? Also are there any regulations about giving foster kids medicine if they need it (aspirin, cold medicine, vitamins, etc)

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Depends on where you are, what the age and development of the kids are and so on.

[@calicocavalier2254]

I LOVE THAT TEA MUG. lol Also love everything related to fostering.

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

[@margaretm6121]

I'm in Scotland we call it steeping the tea bag

[@emilybannon1943]

I’m curious does your agency have any requirements for the box in regards to how it locks? I would just think keys would be less safer as some kids/teens will know where the key is

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Our agency does not specify... but you are right for sure.

[@karleenw1516]

Is there anywhere else you can keep the fire ladder that is more accessible in case you really need to use it?

[@hollienolan1000]

I thought the little compartment in the tea cup was for a biscuit! (Cookie I guess in America)

[@andreakent960]

Just wondering have you ever had a kid that self harm or was suicidal or try to kill or harm them selfs. If so what do you to do they kids go to group homes or mental ward do you get in trouble if the child harm them self. By the way you sound like great foster people. Do you get to look after babies or very young children what age range are the kids you look after. Do you look after mentally ill children or do they go to group homes or hospital. Do you look after kids who have physical illness. You guys seem very kind and caring. Thank you for taking care of they’d kids. What do you do if the kids harm others. Sorry for asking so much just wondering

[@kateMx97]

I'd use the pocket on the side of the mug to hold biscuits

[@miztenacioust1758]

Her sheer excitement at 5:58 is so stinkin cute! ❤🤣

[@laartje24]

I was just having a thought about this the other day because I have a service dog that does medication retrievals. So how would I make sure kids can't get it, but my dog can get it to me. Lock and key was not gonna work for that so I landed on a number lock too. I would put the number lock on the case that contains my medication so the dog can retrieve the case, I can unlock it anywhere in the house and the kids can't get to the medication directly. Of course I would pair this with communication with the agency and an age appropriate discussion about medication safety with the kids.

[@brianap4520]

I disagree with having the fire ladder in the locked closet. In an emergency, you want the ladder as easy to access as possible. If the smoke was really bad, it could even be dangerous for so.eone to stand up in order to undo that child safety lock.

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Very true, it actually clicked for me as I watched this video back. Now planning on relocating to our closet or the laundry room.

[@sarahwalls3327]

The slot on the side of the mug is for a biscuit or cookie

[@qq1651]

We have a bathroom off of our bedroom and wondered if we could put out "lock up" stuff in that bathroom and then just put a coded door lock on our bedroom door. Or is it against the rules to put a lock on our bedroom door?

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Be sure to talk to your agency, most of these types of rules and regulations will vary.

[@evegrace4688]

The compartment on the side of the mug is for a tea biscuit.... No the tea bag lol

[@elizabethmorgan7142]

Do you always have to get permission to give a foster kid something like Tylenol? Could an older, responsible foster child ever manage their own meds? I know I did at 15 but my situation was a bit different

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

That's a great question, my gut says no... liability is so different for kids in care/foster families. It's always better to error on the safest side.

[@karalee6522]

@@BeTheVillageCommunity I'd love more info on this, like how you handle the medical side of things! I am an ER nurse (and have cared for a handful of foster kiddos) so I'm curious. What kind of over-the-counter meds are you allowed to give them? When do you determine when they need to see a doctor or go to the ER? Who helps in that decision making? For your bio children, I can imagine the decision making may be different (maybe in the sense that you are over-precautious with a foster kid when you'd normally hold off on taking your bio kid to get checked and make them stick something out a bit longer)? Who stays with a foster kid if they need hospitalized? Mental health care? I know some people foster very (physically) medically complex kids and I know you are opening to more situations, is this something you all would consider taking on? I believe you said you had a payment card or something for Miss A's health care? How does health insurance and payments work? A whole video on this would bee awesome!!

[@zukibot2650]

LOL, I thought the little addition on the tea mug was a cookie holder =)

[@atlaskriner5087]

I've seen pill boxes/ mediplanners that lock. Would this be allowed or does it have to be in a lock box?

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Good question, I’d ask your agency but that does seem like a great solution!

[@diandiaz9026]

You should’ve left that for her to unpack is an extra special thing

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

The sugar scrub? Mail is addressed to us so we don't know until we open it if it's for her or not.

[@debbiewithtype1diabetes559]

Your right is steeped

[@traveltalesandtea6015]

What about emergency medicine? If you foster a kid with medical needs, maybe Epilepsy or something similar, where rescue meds might be needed, or if it need to be refrigerated. What are the rules? I feel like locking certain things up might cause harm as well. Probably on a case to case basis I guess.

[@tripsandblips]

There is no way that shelf is for your tea bag. It’s OBVIOUSLY for BISCUITS

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Haha! So many uses!

[@stacylemley5153]

Our agency is fine with us having our medications in our kitchen. We have them in an upper cabinet with a child lock on it and it's perfectly fine. We are also in Ohio just in NE Ohio! :)

[@beautifulrecovery2337]

Listen i can understand how painful and frustrating the ibuprofen thing is butttttt. I was also really struggling with my mental health/self harm and those were easily accessible to me... So i think its really wise

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

I hear you ❤️

[@kikicogger2284]

My worry with this would be 1) Emergency medication the child should have easily accessible in case of emergency ( ex. Epipens, Inhalers, etc,) and 2) refrigerated medications such as antibiotics. I know my sister struggled with having asthma in school as she would have to WALK TO THE NURSE, SOMETIMES UPHILL in the middle of an asthma attack. It got to the point where she just hid it in her backpack so she'd have it when she needed it. Do foster kids get that right? What if they need their inhaler and the parent is busy or not there? It seems it could get dangerous very quickly.

[@vm1776]

I have medications that I need to take a couple times a day and some that I never know if I'll need them that day or not need them for a month, so when I go to scout camp, in order to be allowed to keep the meds on me, I'm required to put my meds in their prescription bottles in a ziplock with my name on the ziplock (I actually have my doctor send the first prescription for any med I take to a local pharmacy in a small dose so I can have it labelled in something much smaller than my usual 90 day supply), then the ziplock goes inside the smallest bag I can put it in and still lock it which is usually a cloth lunchbag which I padlock the double zippers, then because the kids may recognize that as my medicine bag, I'm not allowed to carry it around visibly except when I'm going to be using it within minutes, so I put it in a backpack that I carry around with whatever else I need for the day, and because medicine is in that backpack I'm required to lock that as well, so I have a different type of padlock with a key that I can wear on a necklace. Then if I have to leave the backpack out of my sight, I need to lock it in my vehicle. Sometimes it's hard to fit all the meds in that smaller bag and I find myself debating how badly I need all of them for the weekend. Even with all of that, don't tell the kids it's to make sure there's zero percent chance they get into the meds, someone explained it this way to my child and she said she was up for the challenge and I re-explained it to her as yes you could, no you won't, and it's to protect everyone.

[@sherylclements2846]

I would also think sewing kits with needles, pins, buttons and scissors might want to be locked up as well in something like this.

[@jasonheather6204]

Yes Stitch Fix boxes

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

👍🏽

[@JerriLynn222]

Ditto!

[@kathyjj7136]

Did you know that the side pocket on your cup is for your cookies as well ??

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Yup! I added that into the text of the video

[@Mr_Daddums]

For that mug, I've always used the teabag bit to hold biscuits 😅

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

Love it

[@tammypeterson2163]

Is it bad that I am looking at the lockbox that you linked with the idea of having it as a place to hide things such as popcorn and other foods that I don't want a child to go and eat all of in one setting so I find I am out of it when I go to use something to make a meal.

[@hayleymarse2853]

Do you have any idea about the regulations about medication for foster kids who are type one diabetic? I can see foster parents needing to supervise giving shots but if the kid was on an insulin pump that would be so hard. It would be extremely easy to end up in the hospital from over dosing on insulin and even medical professionals don’t understand how to care for t1ds so it could be super dangerous for the foster parents to be in charge of giving insulin

[@BeTheVillageCommunity]

I'm not familiar with the regulations because we haven't come across that yet but the agency/caseworker would be able to speak to that.