Would you ever consider foster parenting?

Jax430 Posted: May 10, 2005 12:02 PM

Would you ever consider foster parenting?

I am just finishing up my externship in a foster care agency, and I'm sitting here writing a paper on foster parenting for my Parenting class. I always wonder if I would ever take in foster children one day. I think I might like to, once my own children are older. It really takes so much hard work and effort, as these children usually come from families where they were neglected and/or maltreated.

Sweetpea130000 Posted: May 10, 2005 12:03 PM

Re: Would you ever consider foster parenting?

I am currently reading a book entitled 'the lost boy' about a kid who was abused and is bouncing from foster home to foster home. After reading this, I think more about it

Anniegrl Posted: May 10, 2005 12:04 PM

Re: Would you ever consider foster parenting?

If I could make a difference in a child's life, sure.

Jax430 Posted: May 10, 2005 12:05 PM

Re: Would you ever consider foster parenting?

Posted by Sweetpea130000

I am currently reading a book entitled 'the lost boy' about a kid who was abused and is bouncing from foster home to foster home. After reading this, I think more about it

The Dave Peltzer books are great. The first one is 'A Child Called It', then 'The Lost Boy', then 'A Man Called Dave.' They are so heartbreaking.

ETA: Oops, Peltzer, not Meltzer!

Janice Posted: May 10, 2005 12:07 PM

Re: Would you ever consider foster parenting?

Definately. One of my friends in high school had a mother that always did this.

usuk2004 Posted: May 10, 2005 12:10 PM

Re: Would you ever consider foster parenting?

I'm not sure if I could because I can't really see us being able to afford me being a stay at home mom...

My grandparents were foster parents for years and they were amazing! My grandmother still has some of her kids call her Mommy and talk to her on the telephone 30 years later. In fact, they adopted my aunt - she was their last foster child. They got her when she was 4 days old and about 2 years later, her parents put her up for adoption. They just couldn't let her go.

My grandmother tells me amazing stories though - about a little boy she had who's mother was just 14, about a girl they had who had leukemia and they had to take her for her chemo... It's really amazing what they went through with these children. I'm so very proud of them! I would love to be able to do the same...but not sure if I could...

CaCRmr Posted: May 10, 2005 12:28 PM

Re: Would you ever consider foster parenting?

Posted by Jax430

Posted by Sweetpea130000

I am currently reading a book entitled 'the lost boy' about a kid who was abused and is bouncing from foster home to foster home. After reading this, I think more about it

The Dave Meltzer books are great. The first one is 'A Child Called It', then 'The Lost Boy', then 'A Man Called Dave.' They are so heartbreaking.

Dave Peltzer, his books are great. I've read them all and cried which each one

Sweetpea130000 Posted: May 10, 2005 01:23 PM

Re: Would you ever consider foster parenting?

Posted by CaCRmr

Posted by Jax430

Posted by Sweetpea130000

I am currently reading a book entitled 'the lost boy' about a kid who was abused and is bouncing from foster home to foster home. After reading this, I think more about it

The Dave Meltzer books are great. The first one is 'A Child Called It', then 'The Lost Boy', then 'A Man Called Dave.' They are so heartbreaking.

Dave Peltzer, his books are great. I've read them all and cried which each one

That's exactly what I am doing now.

I couldn't remember his name, that is so bad of me.

LADYL Posted: May 10, 2005 01:27 PM

Re: Would you ever consider foster parenting?

Posted by Jax430

Posted by Sweetpea130000

I am currently reading a book entitled 'the lost boy' about a kid who was abused and is bouncing from foster home to foster home. After reading this, I think more about it

The Dave Peltzer books are great. The first one is 'A Child Called It', then 'The Lost Boy', then 'A Man Called Dave.' They are so heartbreaking.

ETA: Oops, Peltzer, not Meltzer!

A child called it....that was just heart wrenching! It was such a horrible thing that child went through! I would definitely consider adoption.

boobobunny Posted: May 10, 2005 02:06 PM

Re: Would you ever consider foster parenting?

I would take in a Foster Child but FH wouldn't.

My sister and her husband to plan to take in foster children, when their son is a little older.
My sister will probably not be able to carry again...and they love children, and would love to give any child a nice clean loving home, to feel safe in.

RedHead Posted: May 10, 2005 02:10 PM

Re: Would you ever consider foster parenting?

no i wouldn't

brideinapril Posted: May 10, 2005 02:13 PM

Re: Would you ever consider foster parenting?

Those books were heartwrenching!
But to answer the question I would definetly consider being a foster parent.

heidla Posted: May 10, 2005 02:14 PM

Re: Would you ever consider foster parenting?

I would definately consider becoming a foster parent. I am not sure that my DH would agree.

Janice Posted: May 10, 2005 02:17 PM

Re: Would you ever consider foster parenting?

MIL was a social worker and always took in delinquents as foster kids. Not a good idea to do when you have 2 hormonal teenage boys in the house. I would only take in teens if my own kids were out of the house. Young kids I would take in a heartbeat.

Karacg Posted: May 10, 2005 02:21 PM

Re: Would you ever consider foster parenting?

Hard to answer - I think you have to be such a strong and giving person to do this.

Did anyone see Nanny 911 last night and that couple that has adopted like 10 'problem' boys???? What courage, how unselfishly giving those people are!!!

marymoon Posted: May 11, 2005 05:25 AM

Re: Would you ever consider foster parenting?

FH and I plan to adopt at least one child. Foster parenting, I'd have to think about. It would be really hard ot have a child and love him/her and then have to give the child up after a few months or or years. I'd also have to consider my family and if they are all happy and stable and how the new chid would effect that stability. I don't know if you get to choose your foster children? But I would be more inclined to do it with a younger child than with an older troubled teen who may cause a safety issue.

Mrs_B Posted: May 11, 2005 07:00 AM

Re: Would you ever consider foster parenting?

My aunt used to foster a few children. I personally am not sure if I would be able to do this. I think I would get too attached to the child then when the time comes for them to leave I would be heartbroken... but, it all depends on my situation when the time comes. If I was not able to have children, I would consider adoption BUT if we find that the costs involved are more than we have, I may feel differently about fostering at that time. I think that it takes a really strong and caring person to foster, which I am, but I still dont know if I would.

janet Posted: May 11, 2005 08:06 AM

Re: Would you ever consider foster parenting?

i was a foster child for 7 years and i am so greatfull to my mom and dad for taking me on! i would love to and can wait to , waiting to get into a new house ! so maybe in about 3 years we will be already!