to think I can foster when I work full-time

[postitgirl]

I've gone anon for this, but with my kids getting older and less needy of my time I've been looking for something to 'do', like volunteering, or something, and I came across fostering. Am I mad to think I could do it. I work full-time, but am wfh atm, and when we 'go back' they are saying we will be allowed to wfh 2-3 days a week, which would help with time spent commuting. I suppose I'm looking for anyone who is experienced. I was thinking of a primary school age child. My youngest is 13. I was all for it, but am thinking of all the negatives now - like how will my own kids feel, they are 17 and 13. They dont need me so much any more, time-wise, obviously they 'need' me of course. I just feel like I have a lot of spare time and I miss little children so much, I just love them. I don't have rose-coloured specs on, I've done a load of research, and tbh am feeling quite scared about it all. Maybe I'm stupid to think I could even do it. Grateful for anyone who is a foster parent - if you wanted to , you could pm me. I've started the application process.

I was fostered as a child after a lot of moving around which has left me with quite crippling issues. Working full time is hard with your kids in a secure environment. I don’t speak from the point of view as a foster carer but from the child’s point of view . It will not be beneficial to them and I would of hated it. They actually need you more. Fostering is not something to do . It’s a commitment. You may only do it for a period or whatever which is fine but that duration in the child’s life stays with them. Every little things shapes and stays with them so you form part of that so be there fully because they wholeheartedly need it. Like others have said maybe respite or not at this present moment. Going in to another environment with kids is huge on both sides and children don’t always voice how they really feel . Good luck in what ever you wish . Just my opinion