Foster parenting is not to be taken lightly. Because you will have the welfare and wellbeing of one of more children in your care, it’s vital before you begin the process that you ask yourself at least three key questions.
Question 1: Is this the right time?
Sometimes the question isn’t so much if you want to foster, but when is the right time to do so.
Like any other goal, dream, or vision regarding what you want in life, foster parenting is something that doesn’t just happen. There are certain steps you must take, benchmarks you must reach, and requirements you must be able to meet.
Think about what’s currently going on in your life.
- Work situation
- Financial stability
- Family dynamic
- Support system strength
- Mental, emotional, and physical health
All these factors and more play a role in whether now is the right time to become a foster parent.
Question 2: What are the hidden costs of fostering?
Anyone who foster parents, whether solo or with a partner, will tell you that there are both obvious and hidden costs to the venture.
The costs are not only financial, either. They include costs of time and energy as well. Taking time to count the costs ahead of time, especially the less obvious ones, will help you determine if you’re ready for foster parenting.
Question 3: How do unique strengths and weaknesses factor in?
Everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses.
You may be organized but rigid. Loving but impulsive. Brave but overly critical of yourself and others.
Having good self-awareness and understanding how your own unique strengths and weaknesses may impact your experience of being a foster parent can go a long way toward helping you prepare for the journey ahead.
Partner With 2Ingage
Qualified agencies and service providers in Texas Region 2 who share our goal of taking better care of the kids in our community are invited to join in this important endeavor. For more information on this, or to discuss anything else, please feel free to contact us.