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How Would My 5 Year Old Deal With A Foster Sibling?

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Reader Prospective Foster Mom writes,

Let me start by saying that we have a healthy, happy family that I wouldn’t sacrifice for anything. With that being said, we (should be read as I) are considering fostering/adopting a child. Between a difficult, high risk pregnancy and a concerning first year, I’m choosing not to carry additional children. However, we would both like another child and have always thought that foster/adoption is a great way to give back.

My husband is the best dad and husband that you could ask for. His job allows me to focus on our daughter and home. However, I do work part time for my own sanity. Together, we make a pretty awesome team. Our daughter is a confident, well adjusted 5 year old Montessori kid.

I shouldn’t ask for more, but I am. I have this need to bring a child into our home. A child that I can love and encourage. A child that we can share our home with and truly make a difference in his/her life. My husband is beyond supportive of me and my wishes. However, he’s concerned about our daughter and the risk of having to “give back” a child. How would our daughter cope with losing a sibling?

So, my question is, what can we do to prepare her for a new sibling and/or the potential of non-permanency? My husband wants to wait until she a little older and can understand better. I think she’s wise beyond her years and would love to share her home with another child. Side note: She already has an imaginary older sister that we got because her real mom couldn’t keep her. I have no idea where that came from, but it shows me that she’s open to the idea.

Dear PFM,
That sounds like a wonderful idea.  You are teaching your daughter to be kind and generous and you are opening your home to a child that needs you.  Your daughter can love her foster sibling and deal with them leaving at some point, if you discuss openly what may happen.  It is like having a close friend move away, and children cope with that all the time.
I see your husband’s point, but think about it: would you rather a foster child wait for longer, until some arbitrary point when your daughter is “mature enough,” or have a family now?  Quite honestly all the kids I’ve ever met whose parents fostered children are extremely generous, kind, open minded people.  Maybe that is just because they are the children of people who choose to foster, or maybe there is something about the foster sibling experience that makes you kinder and less self-centered.  Who knows?  I think it cannot help but expand your daughter’s worldview in every sense.
Here is a list of children’s books with foster care themes to read with your daughter and your potential new foster child, because reading is a great way to start conversations about these topics.  Keep your daughter in the loop and explain everything that happens in an age appropriate but honest way.  Tell her what you hope to get out of the foster parent experience and what you hope that she and the foster child will get from it.  Tell her everything you told me, actually.
I used to work with children who were removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect.  The foster and adoptive parents who welcomed these children into their homes were some of the most selfless and admirable people I have ever met.  Your daughter one day will likely be very proud that you made this decision.  Keep me posted, and till we meet again, I remain, The Blogapist Who Thinks You Sound Like An Awesome Mom.


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