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All,
I am a new foster mom and I have had my first placement (a 2 year old girl) since early March. She has bonded with me very well and and is quite attached to me, my family and friends. She will likely be returning home in early July as mom has met all conditions required to gain custody of her children. Can you offer any advice on how to prepare her to return home? She is currently living with just me - a single FM. Honestly, she has received all the love, attention, doting, etc. that any child could want. She will be returning home to a mom who has 4 children in total. Any suggestions are welcome. I'd like her transition to be as smooth as possible. I'm particularly concerned that she may feel I abandoned her. Advice please???
P.S. I have had her mom's photo on my refrigerator since she arrived.
At her last visit with mom and siblings, she was quite detached from her bio family.
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I have only ever had to send a baby home so I don't know if I have any advice to offer. However, I would say that talking about it as much as possible is a good thing. Kids understand much more than we give them credit for so we may as well tell them the truth of the matter.
I am sorry that she is so detached.
I hope your heart will be prepared as much as possible too!
May you feel peace!
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9 days ago We had to hand over to his parents a precious baby boy we have had since he was 6 months old. We had him for for almost 2 years. The other day I lent them my video camera, and they filmed him for me and he seems to be adjusting well. He is calling them mama and daddy etc.. and bonding well with his 2 new sisters (ages 9 & 12) After watching that video I see how well children that age adapt. Even though at my age I am having a far worse time of it. As far as advice on helping with the transition, do all you can to make it smooth. try and inform the mother, as far as she will let you, what the baby eats, likes, dislikes, give her the babies schedule, the brand names of the things you use, diapers, wipes, baby soap, send toys, music, blanket, etc along with the baby. You may also send a care package along with the baby with a majority of these things you have purchased so she can see them and have them, and for her everything is there when the baby arrives, and her stress level is lower and she doesnt have to run out and buy these things right then. (Even though she should have already done this, but you would be amazed!!!) You have filled a valuable role in that childs life, you post reflects your love and care for her. Enjoy your remaining time with her.