05/31/2026
Today, we partnered with a local agency to provide training for foster parents on the effects of prenatal substance exposure on children.
The discussion was excellent and highlighted a few important points we’d love to share with you!
In many ways, we can think of development as having multiple parts:
• Chronological age (how old someone is)
• Cognitive development (how they think, learn, and process information)
• Emotional age (how they experience and regulate emotions)
Children with prenatal substance exposure can sometimes be incredibly bright and capable cognitively, while still struggling with emotional regulation. For example, a child may be 12 years old chronologically, but when overwhelmed or triggered, respond emotionally more like a 5-year-old.
One helpful mindset shift is to respond to the emotional age being displayed in that moment rather than the chronological age. Approaching a child with the same patience, support, and expectations you would have for a younger child can increase empathy, improve outcomes during conflict, and reduce feelings of shame.
Another challenge is that some children may not qualify for additional services because their cognitive abilities appear age-appropriate. Meanwhile, they may still struggle with attention, memory, executive functioning, emotional regulation, or hypervigilance. This is where advocacy becomes so important.
Building relationships with teachers, communicating medication changes that may impact behavior, and helping others understand what coping strategies work best for a specific child can go a long way in creating supportive environments.
It truly takes a village. When it comes to foster care, patience, support, curiosity, and understanding can have a profound impact on a child’s future.
Curate your team carefully. Educate where needed. Advocate when needed. Seek support when you can. And if the coping skills that work for most children don’t seem to be working for a specific child, don’t be afraid to reach out for help along the way. ❤️
