I am planning on becoming a foster mom. I already have an 11 y/o son and he loves the idea. I am also a special ed teacher and have lots of experience with foster kids in my area as well as special needs, behaviorally challenged, and abused children. I went to a dinner tonite to honor my best friend's mom for being a foster parent for 17 years.

I know the laws are different in every state, but I was wondering how many foster parents we have here and if any have helpful hints for me.

i solute you

thank you!

I would say from experience on both sides of the spectrum just try to make each day as normal as possible, enjoy being a parent and forget the "foster" part. Remembering that you have a person you are trying to give their own place in this world not be a hero, not make up for their parents failures (believe me that is impossible), saving the world, or making up for something you think you need to make up for it will probably be worth all the hard work. It will help if you realize that you are going to make mistakes just try not to think that you have control over all the variables because you don't. One thing I found being a foster parent is you have very little control over many things. Just honesty with your foster child will help them the most because that has been in really short supply in most of their lives. Keeping in mind that being honest is not permission for being cruel.

thank you for the advice. im excited but also a little worried about the kids i will be getting b/c where i teach, i get a lot of foster children in my room and i know the types of problems i am looking at. i deal with it in my classroom but i have never had to deal with it at home. i cant wait, though. thanks again.

I think you will do a fantastic job, Winnie..... Good luck.

thank you eileen. tonite i begin the process with the orientation. should be interesting.

I am an emergency foster mom
I take kids right from the police or social services at the time they are removed from the home

These kids are usually victims of domestic violence or molostation or worse. I am their first stop and they are scared and hurting

Just give them a safe haven and let them no someone cares

Also work closely with the social workers most of them are overworked with caseloads

Good luck and thank you

Tammy