Effect on Biological Children

My bios were 2 and 8 when we became foster parents. It was a great learning experience for them, and they loved "being a safe home" for a child who needed it. Our first foster child arrived at 2months and stayed 2.5 years. When she left, it was heartbreaking for all of us. My youngest could not remember that she was not his bio sibling. He simply could not remember her not being with us. My older boy was absolutely heartbroken. He could not eat or sleep he was grieving so hard for her. That was traumatic. We've had 20 something kids, and only two were a relief to let go... and those two were both within 6 weeks of my younger son's age. I would recommend that you NOT take kids that close in age to yours!! My kids have learned things that I would never have thought about. I think it has made them more compassionate, but I wonder about the grief... There is no easy answer! Best wishes on your journey!