Tips for Foster Moms

·         You are the expert.  When it comes to the children in your care, the longer you have them, the more of an expert you become.  You know that child better than their doctor, therapist, or case worker.  Don’t doubt yourself.  When in your team treatment meetings, know that you are the expert.

·         Get Respite!  No matter how much energy you have or how great you are, you need a break sometimes.  That may mean just hiring a baby sitter.  It may mean asking a family member to take the children for a few hours.  Or it may require you to contact another foster family to provide respite care overnight of for several days.

·         Be organized.  Foster parenting requires a lot of paperwork.  Keeping track of receipts alone can drive some foster parents crazy.  The more organized you are before a child comes into your care, the better off you will be.

·         Stay on a schedule.  Not only will this help your sanity but it is always what is best for the children in your care.  Humans thrive on things being predictable and orderly.  Be careful not to over schedule yourself or your children.  Set a realistic schedule with plenty of room of the unexpected to rock your boat.

·         Manage resources.  Staying on a budget will help you to stay on track of things.  Although most states offer some compensation for the costs of having a foster child we all know that this is never enough to truly compensate.  Just as you would manage your time, manage your economic resources.  Make sure you are spending whatever your state requires you to on the child.  Don’t get behind on this; it can make your life miserable.

·         Find a friend.  Networking in foster care is key.  We all need someone who can relate to what is happening in our lives.  While our friends are all good, if they do not do foster care they cannot possibly understand a foster parent’s roughest hours.  You need an ally.