We are in the middle of online training to become foster carers for children 0-5.
Last night we watched a video for homework of a little girl who had a dreadful home life. I'm not a big crier but I had a sob then pulled myself together for the rest of the online training session.
Our next session involves role playing different roles in a case study of an abused child. I'm not sure that I can role play without finding it a trigger for my own past but I will definitely give it a go.
DH has questioned if I will be able to foster with my 'back story'. For context I have paid for counselling with the same person for 13 years (on/off over this time) and I have a steady marriage and three happy kids and am personally very content. Having a happy family was my dream and it came true.
DH and I feel confident that we can handle a traumatised child and parent with love, kindness and patience. But does my history mean that I will fail? I can't tell if I'm being unrealistic or if DH is trying to protect me for getting hurt/upset and we both just need to be brave and crack on.