A foster parent should not set expectations about an incoming foster child just by the child’s chronological age. Because of the child’s special circumstances, other factors determine how you should expect a child to act. So, besides the chronological age provided by the social worker, a foster parent should also consider the child’s physical appearance, educational experience, emotional and social age, and the child’s life experiences. It should not be expected that a foster child will act his/her chronological age. When all pieces of the “age puzzle” are considered, caring for the child can be more effective.
