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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Full of resentment and anger

183 replies

1sttimehelp · 03/05/2024 14:36

It is looking like I will be asked to foster 2 kids from my family. I have a good relationship with them but I am struggling with the fact I now have to put my life on hold for the next 10 years plus (I made a choice to not have children) I have no resentment towards the kids obviously , but I am furious at the parents for allowing this to happen, there is no addiction involved just crappy parenting. I can't shake the anger and resentment that they choose to have these kids together, no issues when they were a family, but once separated, it all fell to pieces and neither one can see their own faults, too busy pointing fingers. AIBU to feel so pissed off and how to I make peace with this before I give myself an ulcer. I don't want to go into the whys and is there no one else as it will be too revealing, I just want help dealing with how I am processing it (not very well)

OP posts:
Clarey27 · 03/05/2024 14:49

My advice would be to focus on the children and not their parents. You are doing a good thing and, hopefully it will be rewarding for you and them.

Also accept that your resentment/anger is valid towards the mother and father and rightfully so. Then focus on making the best of a difficult situation. Good luck!

1sttimehelp · 03/05/2024 14:48

AGodawfulsmallaffair · 03/05/2024 14:45

You really don’t have to foster them.
But you can keep in touch, see them, treat them and keep an eye on them without them moving in with you. I’ve fostered and worked in a children’s home and they will be ok - they’re fortunate to have you in their corner.

My friends have said the same, I just feel that if "I can" technically take them then I should, I have the room and with help with childcare etc (I work full-time) I could make it work, I suppose I am gieving the life I thought I would be living. I feel like by saying no I am the one putting them into care but my friends are pointing out it is the neglectful parents who done that

OP posts:
RobertaFirmino · 03/05/2024 14:48

You do not have to do this. Don't do it. Say no. Tell social services, in private, that you do not want to do it. They will then say you are unsuitable. Let me repeat, don't do it.

Echobelly · 03/05/2024 14:48

Yes, I think 'the system' doesn't have to spell doom if there is someone who remains a constant contact perhaps? Do you think you might be more able to offer them a home when they're a bit older (ie secondary age) and won't need childcare and constant supervision?

Willing foster carers would probably be better than a relative who, even if you can hide it, will be feeling resentment about having to take this on, and I totally understand feeling that, especially as it sounds like the parents have been incompetent rather than victims of circumstance/addiction/mental illness etc.

AGodawfulsmallaffair · 03/05/2024 14:45

You really don’t have to foster them.
But you can keep in touch, see them, treat them and keep an eye on them without them moving in with you. I’ve fostered and worked in a children’s home and they will be ok - they’re fortunate to have you in their corner.

ByUmberViewer · 03/05/2024 14:44

Is there not any other close family member that can foster them

1sttimehelp · 03/05/2024 14:42

JacquesHarlow · 03/05/2024 14:41

Could I ask please @1sttimehelp why is it upon you to have to foster them? What has happened that means it has to be you who picks this up?

Social services are removing them, they either come to me or go into the system

OP posts:
JacquesHarlow · 03/05/2024 14:41

Could I ask please @1sttimehelp why is it upon you to have to foster them? What has happened that means it has to be you who picks this up?