I'm looking into fostering children, and I have two children of my own, 7 and 10. With my spouse's income and mine, we have a nice life and I feel like we have a lot of love to give. I'm wondering if anyone has fostered before (would love a peer perspective) and if you have children, how was it? I know getting a child who's had a difficult time is very likely so I want to be completely prepared. Were there any unexpected issues with family integration, etc.?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I’ve fostered before and I have two children under the age of 7. We fostered a child younger than our children and the kids all did well together. The toughest part was mainly with the parents and having many people in and out of your home on a monthly basis which can be a lot. As for the parents, they questioned every aspect of how we parented and were not the nicest but that can be expected sometimes. There can also be lots of appts. so be prepared if you’re trying to bill. It’s tough.

like

Overall wonderful experience.

Didn’t foster per se. Did take guardianship over my 15 year old nephew and 17 year old niece after both their parents passed from cancer. For a host of reasons, I wouldn’t do it again. Much of that has to do with them and how they were raised.

The number one thing I’ve read is never disturb the birth order. Obviously, we had no choice, but my wife and I both feel as though our family has been severely impacted. We have three boys under 10.

I cling to the idea that you mention - that we had the extra love to give and noble intentions. I still have hope that one day my nephew may feel like more of a son than a tumor growing in the bedroom we had to abandon to make room for him. Maybe, one day, they’ll appreciate all we have sacrificed and see that. But right now, it feels like our family has cancer and we are just trying to stop it from metastasizing.

@attorney2 definitely, and we are sensitive to that. It’s a fine line to walk.

We also always say that if this had to happen, we would have liked for it to be when they were younger.

Which is prob the best advice to this question: if you’re gonna do it, go younger than your current kids

We fostered two young kids and the most annoying part was working with the court and the Social Workers. They dragged things out, made very questionable decisions about visitation and reunification plan, etc. Birth mom made claims about us that stirred the pot. All that to say it was 100% worth it and we would do it again (once our kids get a bit older- currently 3, 5, and 6). The kids (baby and toddler) were great. We ended up adopting them after 2 yrs fostering (my current 5 & 6 year old). Didn't answer some of your questions, but am always an advocate of just do it. You will grow from it, your kids will grow from it and probably love it, and any hardships is worth the impact you are having on a kid's life, even if you just do it 1-2 times.

(From what I've heard, I suggest fostering kids younger than your own so as not to upset the power dynamic unless it is a special circumstance)

Went through the certification process, but we dropped out due to lack of childcare. With both of us working full time, we didn’t have a good plan for last minute childcare (no priority on daycare waitlists in our state, so we’d have a 9 month minimum waitlist). It was a really hard decision to make, but ultimately the right one for now. We’re hopeful we can foster in the future though.

Related Posts

I just had to send my husband away in an ambulance. I’m not allowed to go with him or even go to the hospital. I don’t know what to do. I can’t even be there for my husband.

like

So I just moved states. I’m staying with a parent for a while in a pretty large house and my cat keeps hiding for hours on end (I think to snooze). Any thoughts? She’s spent time with me and I walked around with her while she explores. And she’s ventured solo. Seemed she’s warming up well. Except this again. I admit it’s giving me horrible anxiety that she won’t respond at all until I locate her because even I’m learning where things are and want her to be safe. This is the third time 😭

like

Would you marry someone if they had a lot of loans on their head?

likefunny

I think I might get a divorce

likeupliftingsmart

Where’s the best place to live if you’re looking to secure an entry-level position working in PE? Don't have a family, really kind of willing to try anywhere at this point.

like

Random question but do you let your kids hang out in your bedroom and use your master bath if applicable? My kids always seem to want to use our bathroom instead of theirs and my spouse doesn't care but I grew up with my parent's room basically being off limits and think I'd prefer it that way.

like

My baby slaps the boob while nursing the same way I used to slap the bag in uni

funny

Anyone else struggling with hormones / mood swings? I am almost 16 weeks and been having a real tough time lately, feeling really down and stressed about things. Sadly, causing tension between me and my partner as well as he cannot relate and seems preoccupied with business as usual. Trying to get out the funk and just telling myself it’s all the hormones.

Potential unintended consequences of my parenting decisions is the most stressful thing ever.

The “right” approach can feel so clear one moment, then feel like a huge mistake the next.

like

Men marry their second mom.

likesmarthelpfulfunny

In a serious relationship for the first time since starting with the firm. Advice on how to balance career and personal life? I promote to manager this fall and want to succeed in both realms

like

Is it normal to feel depressed/lonely during wedding planning? I almost feel like I can’t talk about it since other people aren’t engaged and I feel like I’m rubbing it in their faces talking about it. So I have to keep everything to myself and it’s kind of stressful

like

Our 5 month old started daycare about 5 weeks ago. We’ve already had to keep her home for 2.5 of those 5 weeks due to catching various illnesses (croup, rsv, brinchiolitis, etc). Both my wife and I have been sick most of that time as well (gotten it from the baby). Wife is thinking we get a full time nanny for the next 4 months to help the baby build antibodies. Cost aside, is this feasible / worthwhile to go thru the effort / finding the right fit, only for 4 months?

like

wish i had friends 😭

Post Photo
like

How do i find out if I will be happier divorced or more unhappily staying married. 2 kids; 2 & 4 YO. They don’t hear the arguments after bed time and don’t understand the bruises yet but I know it’s just a matter of time. It would be so much harder not seeing my kids everyday than living with the pain, loneliness and lost friendships. But I’m tired. And so sad. Lost. So alone. Does anyone have something that turned it around? He changed? You changed so he did? Ayahuasca retreat maybe?

like

Has anyone been through a situation that you were in a terrible relationship ( stress,anger, fights, swears, physical abuse, ego clashes) and how did you resolve it? Some might have worked on and stayed in the relationship and some might have broken up. I am looking for answers from both sides. How did you stay/work on it and how did you break up and move on? Me and my partner have strong feelings for eachother and are almost inseparable despite going through so much.

likehelpful

I've been working from home for the last six months and had this constant urge to eat treats I find anywhere around the house. My two daughters find it humorous, but it has rarely made me feel good. Kindly, what can I do to stop?

like

How do I deal with minimal support from our principal when it comes to dealing with parents?

like

Hi fishes,
Want some feedback for Employees Assistant Program (EAP) by Capgemini which provides facilities to connect with Therapist.
Actually I am going through some tough times(going through a divorce), want to connect to EAP to discuss my mental health issues.
I had connected once and they say that the conversations are strictly confidential.
Just wanted to know do they really keeps stuff confidential or can they inform my Manager regarding the personal conversations.

like

My mom and dad are separating (bad terms) and not speaking, but my mom asks me about him everyday. She knows I don’t want to talk to him or about him, but continues to bring it up everyday.. I’ve resorted to silence or not responding because I always end up being the bad guy when I get annoyed or don’t want to discuss it. Am I wrong here?

like

More Posts

Why do firms have offices in Palo Alto AND Menlo Park AND SF??

like

An actual Attorney's work history on LinkedIn....
I feel this in my soul.

Post Photo
likefunnyupliftinghelpful

Any advise for wrist pinch pain? (Not looking for the surgery route). I also have an ergonomic keyboard.

like

Hello,
I teach 4th grade at a Christian school. I have been teaching for over 30 years but I have been at this school for 2 years. Since I have been working at this school it seems like everything I do in my classroom it's something wrong with it according to my supervisor. Recently, I was told that I am not getting a new contract for the new school year. I have to find a new school. I was told that I am not a good fit for the school.

like

Does anyone know what is the usual Notice period for ENOs at Credit Suisse ?

like

Once all the boomers are gone will there be a gult of homes? I have rentals here will they be worthless in the future?

funny

Might be a silly question but I will throw it out there. Anyone have any tips on best practices to preserve a silk press overnight? Currently have silk pillowcases but wrapping always ends up a fail.

likehelpful

Did anyone from your past tell you you wouldnt make it as a lawyer? Did you ever rub it in their face later that you in fact did?? 😂

like

I really feel like I should be excused from this "diversity and inclusiveness" training stuff lmao. It's about implicit bias and I'm sorry it's just not believable coming from an old white man's mouth when there are maybe 4 non-white associates. We're having these meetings 3 times this week. 🤦🏽‍♀️

like

Hi Fishes

Please let me know what will be the TDS cut and approx in hand salary for below salary

Post Photo
like
like

Recently bought into IIPR for the long term. Saw the move today to begin federal legalization - will that hurt the company since producers will have access to banks then?

like

Which of the Big 4 is best for a new MPH grad looking for their first time role healthcare related, esp project management focused? (Assume east coast)

like

Has anyone made the transition from law to public accounting or tax in industry? Are you happier? I’ve been thinking about making such a move since there seems to be more remote opportunities in accounting. Advice or talk me off the ledge?
(My background: Big 4 SALT > State AG’s office (tax) > small commercial lit firm > COVID > city attorney > in-house (real estate))

like
likeuplifting
like

Hi fishes, hope you are doing well. Needed some guidance regarding isb selection process and profile building strategies. GRE vs GMAT which is preferred or difficulty level which should be preferred.

like

Hi Fishes,
Got an offer in Innovapptive global solutions Hyderabad , 7 years experience 13 LPA , Automation engineer position . is this a good company to JOIN?

like

What are your thoughts on juniors who are quiet but do good work? Feeling anxiety over being a hardcore introvert and not being about to articulate thoughts verbally during meetings so instead I stay quiet and only speak when spoken to.

like

Additional Posts in Working Parents in Law

Have been hunting desperately for childcare bc spouse and I are both FT lawyers trying to handle 4 immunocompromised elementary age kids at home but have been striking out. Have even been considering having one of us take a leave, going part time (career suicide/knock us off partner track) or quitting. Just found someone highly recommended, experienced, patient, etc. Interview went super well but candidate disclosed they are in recovery for substance abuse, last relapse 2 yrs ago. DUI. Thoughts?

like

Biglaw parents, where do you choose to live and why? Somewhere close to work to avoid commute and spend more time with kids? Suburbs?

like

Some people mentioned au pairs... tell me more! Why did you like/not like it, if you did the au pair thing?

like

My two young toddlers are home from daycare for the next 1.5 weeks for the holidays, and I have off work to watch them. It’s only been 2 days, and I’m so exhausted that I’m counting down the days until I go back to work and they are in daycare. Does anyone have any tips for enjoying this time? I love my kids so much, but how do SAHMs do this every day? I’m so drained already, and I have no patience left…

like

How do you deal with the stress of knowing that other people on your team are working weekends and you aren’t? I’m a mom with two kids so working in weekends is tough for me. Cont. in comments:

like

Curious to know what the norm is — does your firm prorate your bonus for time that you are out on paid parental leave?

like

Does anyone manage without having a nanny? Kids age 0-10

like

My wife and I are both terrible housekeepers and our clutter is overwhelming us. We have two kids under 3 and a wonderful nanny but we need more help at home. How do we throw money at this problem? Where do we start to get ongoing professional help decluttering, organizing, cleaning, etc.? What has worked for you?

likehelpful

Sometime I feel like I'm operating at lower capacity than during the height of Covid trying to navigate billables and no childcare/remote school. Anyone else feel this way? Are we just burnt out from all the working nights and weekend in 2020/2021?

like

How do you deal with parental guilt when you have to miss things? When my child was a baby it wasn't as big of a deal as long as I was around for the big stuff and was pulling my weight parent wise. Now that they're 4+ everything is big stuff, and every time I can't be there it really affects them. I know being successful in my career will set them up for the future, but it feels like I'm letting them down right now.

like

Anyone else juggling having kids at home during the winter break and trying to work from home around your SO (who is also working from home). The holidays are always SO hectic at my place and I'm feeling like a failure, my mother was a perfect housewife and I'm far from it lol. Other parents struggling with this?

like

What are parents paying for baby sitters these days? Wife and I going out tonight for about 3-4 hours and have a local college student babysitting our toddler daughter tonight. Low-medium cost of living city and daughter will be asleep for most of the time. We’re thinking $15-20 per hour and make sure there are plenty of snacks around. Appropriate?

like

How many married professionals with young families are just sticking it out “for the kids”? Marriage is very dead and has been for a while. Young kids 4 and 1. My wife and I don’t fight, but share 0 interests outside of the kids and can’t stand to be around each other. I’m so ready to leave… I just can’t bear the thought of doing it to my children even though another part of me feels like wife and I would both be better parents if our lives were separate. Anyone else done a similar analysis?

like

For parents with school-age kiddos (kindergarten up), what do you do for childcare? Thinking about giving up our nanny, but worried about juggling days off, sick days, and summer break.

like

Has anyone taken on side gigs here? In transactional real estate and could really use the extra money. I’m in-house and drowning in bills. Where did you post and what kind of insurance did you get?

like

Do you pay out of pocket on insurance premiums at your firm? My wife may leave her job to stay home and we’re on her insurance. My firm told me we’re $750/pay period or $18k/yr. that sounds absurd.

likehelpful

Today is my first day back at work (and first full day back in my physical office) after a few weeks off for parental leave. Needless to say, I am struggling to stay focused on anything other than wanting to go back home to my spouse and child.

I know I shouldn't take an emotional temperature on day one, but it has been more difficult being back than I anticipated. Any tips for navigating the waters for the first day/week/month back?

like

Brand new (like, just-had-a-kid new) mom here. Life seems manageable with the baby sleeping much of the time. It gets worse from here doesn’t it? I’m scared 😱😱😱

like

Came here to say that I wish I could fully express to my non-parent colleagues how much their support has meant to me. I can cover for them when they have stuff so they can unplug, but I feel like they will never truly understand the gratitude when they offer to do a task for me when my kid is sick, etc. Any ideas on how to pay it forward?

like

My wife often calls me by 5:45/6 to ask where I am if I’m not headed home yet. Sometimes she’s stressed with kids/dogs/dinner and really wants me home. This really throws off my concentration because it makes me feel rushed. Like many practices sometimes I’m out at 5:30, other times it’s much later. Just depends and is unpredictable. Any advice on how to approach this?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal