📹 Active Video Requests
Videos that need to be filmed by office staff
How this works: Marketing creates video concepts with scripts and shot lists. Your job is to film the video following the guidelines, then upload it to Teams. Check the Filming Guide for tips!
An experienced foster parent shares authentic, practical advice they wish they'd...
🎬 Video Concept
An experienced foster parent shares authentic, practical advice they wish they'd known when starting their foster care journey. The video captures their genuine reflection on lessons learned, creating an encouraging and relatable message for prospective and new foster families.
📝 Script / Talking Points
FOSTER PARENT (looking directly at camera, warm smile): "When I first became a foster parent, I thought love would be enough. And don't get me wrong—love is huge. But I quickly learned there was so much more to it."
(Pause, more serious but still warm)
"I wish someone had told me that kids need routine and structure to feel safe, even more than I realized. That it's okay to have bad days—both for you and the kids. That building trust takes time, and that's completely normal."
(Leaning in slightly, encouraging tone)
"Most importantly? You don't have to figure it all out alone. The BFS team, other foster families, your support network—we're all here for you. Every question you have, every challenge you face, someone else has been there too."
(Genuine smile)
"If you're thinking about foster care or just getting started, know that you've got this. And you've got us. What questions do you have? We'd love to help."
TEXT OVERLAY: "You don't have to do this alone"
🎥 Shot Breakdown
- Close-up: Foster parent sitting comfortably in home setting, speaking directly to camera
- Medium shot: Same foster parent, showing more of cozy living room background
- Close-up: Foster parent leaning in slightly during the encouraging portion
- Medium shot: Foster parent's final message with warm, welcoming expression
- End slate: BFS logo with 'Ready to learn more? Contact us today'
👥 Required Participants
One experienced foster parent (someone comfortable speaking on camera and willing to share their authentic experience)
📱 Target Platforms
Film in vertical (9:16) for best results across all platforms
View Social Media Captions
📘 Facebook
"When I first became a foster parent, I thought love would be enough. But I quickly learned that creating structure and routine was just as important for helping kids feel safe and secure. Here's what I wish someone had told me from day one." ❤️
Every foster parent's journey is unique, but we all share common challenges and victories. Today, we're sharing real wisdom from real foster families in our community.
If you're considering foster care or just started your journey, know that you're not alone. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to new foster parents? Share in the comments below! 👇
📷 Instagram
"I wish someone had told me this when I first became a foster parent..." 💙
Real advice from real foster families in our community. Every journey is different, but we all learn from each other.
Thinking about foster care? You don't have to do it alone. Our team supports families every step of the way.
What would you add to this advice? Drop it in the comments! 👇
#FosterCare #FosterParent #RealTalk #ParentingTips #Community #Support #FamilyFirst #MakeADifference #FosterFamily #Parenting #ChildWelfare #StrongFamilies
🎵 TikTok
Foster parent real talk: what I wish I knew from day one 💙 #fostercare #parenting #realtalk #community
▶️ YouTube Shorts
"When I first became a foster parent, I thought love would be enough..."
In this video, experienced foster parents from our BFS community share the real advice they wish they'd received when starting their foster care journey. From creating routines to building trust, these authentic insights come straight from families who've walked this path.
Foster care can feel overwhelming, but you're never alone in this journey. At Benchmark Family Services, we support foster families across Indiana, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania with training, resources, and ongoing guidance.
Whether you're considering foster care, just getting started, or looking for encouragement along the way, this honest conversation offers practical wisdom from people who truly understand.
Ready to learn more about becoming a foster family? Visit our website or contact your local BFS office today.
A foster parent shares their personal story about learning that consistency and ...
🎬 Video Concept
A foster parent shares their personal story about learning that consistency and patience matter more than having all the answers. They describe how implementing a simple evening routine transformed bedtime struggles into bonding opportunities, emphasizing that small daily moments build trust over time.
📝 Script / Talking Points
Hi, I'm Sarah, and I've been a foster parent for three years now. When I first started, I thought I needed to have all the answers right away—like I had to be this perfect parent from day one.
But here's what I learned: consistency and patience speak so much louder than perfection.
I remember our bedtimes used to be... well, let's just say they were battles. So I created this simple routine—we'd dim the lights, read one story together, and I'd ask each child to share one good thing from their day. That's it.
It took weeks before I saw changes, but slowly, bedtime became our bonding time. The kids started opening up, sharing more than just 'good things'—they'd tell me about their worries, their dreams, their silly jokes.
I realized that building trust isn't about grand gestures. It's about showing up, every single day, in small but meaningful ways.
If you're thinking about fostering or you're in the thick of parenting challenges, remember: you don't have to be perfect to make a difference. Just be consistent, be patient, and be present.
🎥 Shot Breakdown
- Close-up: Foster parent Sarah speaking directly to camera in comfortable living room setting
- B-roll: Cozy living room with books and family photos (no children visible)
- Medium shot: Sarah gesturing naturally while explaining the routine
- Close-up: Sarah's hands holding a children's book
- Wide shot: Sarah sitting on couch, speaking with warm expression
- Close-up: Sarah delivering final encouraging message to camera
👥 Required Participants
One foster parent willing to share their story on camera (any gender, any BFS location)
📱 Target Platforms
Film in vertical (9:16) for best results across all platforms
View Social Media Captions
📘 Facebook
Sometimes the best parenting advice comes from someone who's been exactly where you are. 💙
Meet Sarah, a foster parent who's learned that building trust with children doesn't happen overnight—but it does happen. Her simple evening routine has transformed bedtimes from battles into bonding moments.
'I used to think I needed to have all the answers right away,' Sarah shares. 'But I learned that consistency and patience speak louder than perfection.'
Every family's journey looks different, but the small, daily moments of connection are what matter most. Whether you're fostering, parenting, or supporting children in your life, remember: you don't have to be perfect to make a difference.
What's one small routine that's made a big difference in your family? Share below! 👇
📷 Instagram
Real talk from foster parent Sarah about building trust through simple routines. 💙
'I used to think I needed all the answers immediately. But consistency and patience matter more than perfection.'
Her evening routine turned bedtime battles into bonding time. Small moments, big impact.
You don't need to be perfect to make a difference. What routine works for your family?
#FosterParent #ParentingTips #BuildingTrust #FamilyRoutines #RealParenting #ConsistencyMatters #SmallMoments #ParentingJourney #FosterCare #StrongFamilies #ParentingWin #BedtimeRoutine
🎵 TikTok
POV: You're a foster parent learning that consistency beats perfection every time 💙 Sarah's bedtime routine changed everything #FosterParent #ParentingTips
▶️ YouTube Shorts
Building Trust Through Simple Routines: A Foster Parent's Story
Meet Sarah, a dedicated foster parent who discovered that the secret to connecting with children isn't having all the answers—it's showing up consistently with patience and love.
In this heartfelt testimonial, Sarah shares how a simple evening routine transformed her family's bedtime experience from stressful battles into meaningful bonding moments. Her story reminds us that small, consistent actions create lasting impact.
Whether you're considering foster care, currently fostering, or parenting in any capacity, Sarah's wisdom applies: you don't need to be perfect to make a profound difference in a child's life.
At Benchmark Family Services, we support families through every step of their journey with resources, training, and community.