Even after many happy years in fostering, putting yourself forward to take a new child has its minor headaches.
By no stretch of the imagination are they the headaches of migraine proportions, just the small dull throb you get at the back of the eye-sockets first thing some mornings which either disappear or you stop noticing after your first cup of tea.
Sorry to be pedantic about headaches, Arctic...
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
PADDINGTON AND FOSTERING
We've been prowling around the idea of taking one more child, it's always a big decision, in our case especially so because we've managed to arrive at a fairly happy balance in our home, and that doesn't happen every day in fostering...
Our happy(ish) home didn't happen overnight. We had a lot of things to work out. But our eldest Foster Child is now pretty much family. Youngest is settled, and set...
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
LGBT CARERS
A reader writes;
"Hi there,I am currently in the process of applying to be a respite carer with my local authority. Am in 'stage 1' but things seem to be going well. I've been reading your blog a while and havent noticed any thoughts on LGBT foster care (unless I missed it), that is either with LGBT parents or LGBT children or both. I am a gay woman. I put that on my form, all good there. Of...
Sunday, March 11, 2018
MOTHER'S DAY AND HORLICKS
It's late evening on Mother's Day, or Mothering Sunday or whatever you want to call it. I'm off to bed soon, having an early night. Feeling a bit crock, been promised a mug of Horlicks as a treat.
Mother's Day is just another headache for the foster parent.
I Googled 'Mother's Day' a few years back, apparently it was started about a hundred years ago by an American woman, but after a few years...
Tuesday, March 06, 2018
READER ASKS - HESITANTLY - ABOUT ENDING A PLACEMENT
A reader, anonymous, writes;
"We currently have a 5yo with a history of neglect and anger issues. She constantly wants one to one play but we can't maintain it all day. The snow days have definitely burned us out trying to keep her happy. We have two much younger children also, so seeing to all their needs is a huge challenge. Obviously we have to set limits, but it's sad when you feel you can't...
Friday, March 02, 2018
THE FIRST FEW DAYS
A reader, Ally, asks about the first few days of a placement; whether to stick to the family's usual activities or hunker down.
Good question Ally.
Your social worker will help you plan once you know who's coming. Every foster child is unique, they all have different needs, so it's an unknown. But you know who you are and you know your home; your place is a sanctuary that has been approved, so there...