Any advice for a future foster parent?

Question

My husband and I are going to be starting the classes to become foster parents very soon. Just wondering if any of you out there are foster parents and have some advice or stories you would like to pass on to potential foster parents?

Answer 1

I'm not a foster parent but my parents are...its takes allot of strength and courage. The most important thing is understanding and trust... Most of those children don't know what's its like to have both parents in the house hold let alone some one who doesn't know them care... You and your husband should come up with a plan for stress, the first 6 months is the hardest everyone is adjusting to the new environment . Another thing to watch out for is the relatives of the foster child they can be cruel...After time they are the most brilliant people to know, they can teach you things that you never knew...I hope that this gives you some type of insight......take care.

Answer 2

Good for you..having dealt with children in a pre-foster situation, I can tell you this..patience, love and tons of understanding..I don't know what age group you're thinking about having placements with but..the children are scared, confused, angry and most want to be with their parent(s),even if they were abused or neglected ..my husband was a former foster child and although I personally think he had an attitude (he had all the above emotions), he was placed in some pretty bad places, just to get him placed..bless you and good luck

Answer 3

Yes. Dont be shamed to tell your family or friends or anyone at that matter that you are foster parents. It is a very noble thing to do. My mom was a foster mother when I was younger.

Answer 4

Congratulation on your decision. And thank you for fostering. My wife and I are now licensed foster parents in CA hoping to adopt. We are still waiting for our first placement.
Good Luck

Answer 5

i became followed out of foster care on the age of six. i ought to assert be waiting for a harm baby, they could sense lost deserted. god is widely used with what a baby in foster care has been by. i actually went by some fairly horendous issues before positioned in a foster domicile. they could probbably do sturdy with some remedy to attend to anyhting they could be feeling. I threw tantrums i moist the mattress for awhile, i became an a joyful baby yet one with a lot anger deep interior. i became timid i became secretive i became shy, yet i became also quuick to warmth up. I loved right away the adoptive mom and father who cared for me. i imagine after awhile i adjusted decently nicely. its extremely demanding to advance a baby that were by undesirable issues. basically be prepared for anyhting. sturdy luck and god bless.

Answer 6

*Expect it to be difficult
*Expect to have your heart broken by some of their stories - I still remember one little girl asking my mother if she would slap her if she asked for something to eat.
*Don't expect that your love will instantly transform them - genetics and early childhood experiences are strong, strong factors.
*Don't be suprised if they are secretive, manipulative, angry or aggressive
*Always check for head lice - even if they have come from another foster home
*Don't be suprised when the pitiful little urchins are quickly reunited with their loser, drug addicted parents. The goal of Social Services is preservation of the family, not the best interests of the children.

Answer 7

my boyfriend was adopted just try to show them that you have their back sometimes just knowing someone is REALLY there for you is the best comfort of all

Answer 8

be patient, and loving these kids need a lot of time and love some you could not imagine what they have been through

Answer 9

try to get them in music and foreign language lessons if you can afford it.