Foster Parents
By soccermom
@soccermom (3198)
United States
March 16, 2007 4:13pm CST
I've been getting pretty depressed watching the news lately with all these stories of horrible ats committed against kids. My hubby and I aren't rich, but we have 3 wonderful kids, a strong family bond, and we are comfortable. I've been thinking about becoming foster parents. When I mentioned it to my mom she said I always had this notion I could save the world and brushed it off. My hubby thinks it's crazy, dealing with other peoples problems, as he puts it. He also said disrupting our household. But I've been really thinking about it. What if everyone had my hubby's attitude? I feel we have alot to offer a child in need. Is anyone here a foster parent? Would you consider being one? Why or why not? I know I'm kind of a bleeding heart, and my kids are important to me, but I really don't see why if we're in the position to give why we shouldn't. I'm interested in your feedback.
4 people like this
7 responses
@mummymo (23706)
•
16 Mar 07
I commend your attitude and it is not other peoples problem it is society as a whole's problem and if no one bothered about these kids the whole community would pay later on! I am not a foster parent I do not have room and my health has not been good enough but I always wanted to be! My sister and her husband have fostered for over 25 years, they have had highs and lows but my sister would never go back! Good luck - but I would never consider it unless the whole family feel that it is the right thing to do!
3 people like this
@soccermom (3198)
• United States
16 Mar 07
How do they deal with it after they've had a child in their home and he/she has to leave? That would be the hardest part I think. I just thought of this, I'd have to talk to my MIL too since she's the one who babysits while I work. So many things to consider...
1 person likes this
@mfpsassy (2827)
• United States
16 Mar 07
Bleeding hearts is what gives society as a whole a little hope. You need to sit down as a family and discuss this I think your daughter would be on your side. And your hubby might come around once you do some in depth research. You don't have to be rich to be a foster parent. Just a little time and love and some extra space. Maybe if you and your hubby volunteer at a boys and girls club for a while he'll come around
@soccermom (3198)
• United States
16 Mar 07
I got him to volunteer to coach my middle childs soccer team and that was a big step. I'm hoping that when he sees how good it feels to be involved and give something back maybe he'll come around a little.
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
17 Mar 07
if you are in a position to do this and both you and hubby agree I dont know why not also depends on your kids to would they accept someone else?
Then another thing sounds like hubby dosent want to he might not want the hassle of getting use to anothers child. It might feel like an intrution to him also my self I dont think I would want a case worker waltzing in any time they pleased.
We took kids in when they ran away from home they just stayed with us of cource the parents knew where they were and they stayed with us till every thing was worked out we got no money for this but we always had an open door my kids always broiught kids home with them some nights I would have wall to wall kids for they had to sleep on the floor but we feed them
1 person likes this
@SpitFire179 (2536)
• Canada
16 Mar 07
you know, I've thought about that same thing a lot, though my problem would be giving them back....
There's not enough good homes for those kids, and there's not enough parents out there that'll take full responsibility of shaping them into decent, strong, independent adults.
When my hubby and i talked about it he's got the same thinking i do, but we decided to wait a couple of years, see how things are panning out, and if we have the necessities, and go from there.
I think it would be very rewarding for the foster parents and the kids, but heart wrenching for the families as well, having them move around if need be...
@kattghoti (106)
• United States
17 Mar 07
I'm all for foster parenting and adopting. I think there are many kids out there who need a loving home... That said, if you can't get the support of your family, it won't be worth it. It wouldn't be fair to the child to bring them into a home where only one person wants them there. It may be better than nothing, but your husband isn't going to be supportive, the child will sense that.
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
17 Mar 07
Yes I would have consider t being one, as you say if everyone had that attitude it would not look good for these poor Children, I can understand what your Husband is saying, but like you I always want to make the world better.
