Fostering and energy levels

[Pegs11]

Hi, me and my husband are looking into fostering just one child. We really want to do this, but I am a bit concerned because I’ve read a few articles about ‘foster parent burnout’. Burnout is something I am very susceptible to... I go through periods where I can get quite easily exhausted, due to an ongoing health condition. I’m not even sure I’d be allowed to foster to be honest, with my health profile... But assuming I do get the go-ahead, I just wondered what might be the best approach... whether there are particular types of children who require less...well, energy I guess... to care for... for example, we were wondering if perhaps an asylum-seeking child who is a bit older might suit us better. Someone who doesn’t need to be entertained by me 24/7, and is happy doing his or her own thing for much of the day. I can offer them a safe home, be there for them emotionally, guide them and help them settle into a new environment... but I’m not sure I would have the energy to constantly attend to a little child all day... I’d need something a bit less demanding energy-wise (my husband has a full time job so parenting responsibility would be mostly mine). Please tell me if I’m being completely naive, or if there are ways to work around this! Thank you

Hi Pegs11,

Can I ask why asylum seeking child and not just any teenager?

You are right in thinking that a teenager will usually entertain themselves more than younger children, so this may be a good choice for yourselves.

Hi

As a long term foster carer every child is different, and every child needs different levels of care. However, I also wanted you to bare in mind the amount of meetings you will have to attend, and the amount of paperwork too. Last week for instance we had a meeting with one of elder child 's social worker, an appointment with CAHMs for the younger, a supervision session with our supporting social worker, and another meeting with the team supporting looked after children's education. The previious week we had both of the LAC reviews (on different days) which can last hours. Tomorrow we have a meeting with the younger child's social worker. For me personally all these travelling to meetings and the preparation for them that is the exhausting part of fostering. The children are the easy bit. At least during the school holidays we don't have any meetings with the schools or EPEPs every half term.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Unfortunately their are no fixed predictions how busy one can be nature of fostering and commitment too childrens well being, had a quite period was bliss, then come Jan Feb meetings, medical's and so on let loose 37 in Jan 45 in Feb., then gradually reduced just too catch up on paper work .. Can be very busy at times have too go with the flow but soon get accustomed too all , as do the rest of the family.