From Annie to Spider-Man to Peter Pan, pop culture loves the scrappy orphan who beats the odds. But what if these stories—meant to inspire—are actually harming the very kids they claim to uplift? In this powerful and deeply personal TEDx talk, foster parent and advocate Hilary Crowley reveals the hidden damage behind these well-meaning myths. A quiet moment with her son, sparked by a vulnerable turtle in the road, becomes a window into the deep fears and invisible wounds children in foster care carry every day. Hilary introduces the concept of the “Foster Mindset”—not a system, but a way of being. One rooted in nourishment, support, and real connection. Because fostering isn’t just about providing a home—it’s about creating a space safe enough to grow. With heart, clarity, and a powerful call to action, Hilary challenges us to rethink what kids in crisis truly need—and to offer foster youth what fairy tales never do: a real childhood that leads to a healthy adulthood. As a foster mom, Hilary Crowley is passionate about children, healing, and the transformative power of real-life stories. She serves as an Educational Advocate in New Hampshire, supporting children in state custody. As the host of The Good Energy Healing Show podcast, Hilary shares her journey as an energy healer with over twenty years of experience in integrative healthcare at Whole Life Health Care. A regular presenter at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, she is also the author of The Power of Energy Medicine: Your Natural Prescription for Resilient Health. Hilary is currently working on her next book, focused on developing your intuitive brilliance. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx