The Many Considerations of Foster Parenting
Michalis "BIG Mike" Kotzakolios
Kotzakoliou, SSA

Foster parenting can be extremely rewarding for both parents and children. Before committing to becoming a foster child sponsor, there are some considerations make. The objective of foster parenting is to help raise a child that will eventually go back to his or her natural parents. If the parents cannot or are not able to get the children back, an extended family might be sought for the child. The only time a foster caregiver can adopt the child is if there are no available families to take in the child. As well, foster caregivers often have to deal directly with potential parents, who can often be extremely angry or uncooperative.

Foster parenting can be demanding on your time as well. Foster children have counseling sessions, doctor appointments, dentist appointments, court appointments, and school appointments. The list is endless. Foster children sometimes need extra attention as well. In many cases, a foster child might have been sexually, physically, or emotionally abused, or even neglected. Some children are physically challenged and are immature for their age, which can place even more demands on your time and attention.

Taking in a foster child can potentially put a strain on your own family and your marriage. There is not a lot of adult alone-time when you have a foster child. Often, the stress of not sleeping and the financial stress of having another child in your home can be taxing on your marriage. If you have your own children, they will need to adjust to sharing your time and attention with a child that can have more demanding needs. If you are already feeling overwhelmed with your own children, a foster child may not be a good fit for your family.

Foster parenting has a lot of rewards as well. You can actually give a hopeless child a chance for a better future. The skills that you have as a parent can impact that child and help them grow to be a productive self-sufficient person. The best way to determine whether or not to bring in foster children is to talk with a current foster parent.