How old should my own kids be?

[CranworthMummy]

My husband and I have talked for years about fostering at some point in our lives. We've recently begun to think maybe it should be sooner rather than later, but how old should our own children be before we consider applying? Our kids are 7, 5, 3 and 20 months. I'm thinking we'd probably apply to do short-term/emergency care for babies/very young children... Haven't really looked into it at all yet - at very early stages of thinking - but would appreciate any insights from here!

no insights (at all!) but marking my place as I've often wondered that too (ours are 11,8,4)
hope someone knowledgeable comes along soon....

thanks! :)

Hi, My husband and I started fostering 21/2 years ago and our children were 101/2, 81/2 and 31/2. The child that we fostered was 9 at the time. I hope that helps. If you have any other questions let me know!!

generally it seems they like for your own children to be 2 years younger or older than any child you foster. Our kids were 6, 4 and 2 when we applied :)

good luck if you decide to go ahead

Hi, if you were to apply straight away, your youngest would most likely be approx 2 1/2 by time of approval, considering that you are interested in fostering babies, then I'm sure you'd be a great asset and I'd say go for it. Maybe you should give your LA a call, see what they say. Good luck with whatever you decide. x

Don't forget short term can mean 2 years plus! Respite is always needed too if that interests you. It is usually planned in advance and has a nearer end in sight. Best of luck x

Personally I wouldn't foster any child who was older than my own

But I think it depends on you own family set up

thanks all... will give the LA a call and see what their take on it is. Exciting :)