Don’t be afraid to foster teens
Sara, now 26, wants to make it clear that even though their adoption of Michael, 6, and Dayshawn, 13, is final, their fostering journey is not. There are still many kids in care who need a stable family to reside with, whether for a short time or permanently. She particular wants to encourage those already in or considering foster care to not be afraid to foster teens.
“Time and time again in my foster parent trainings, I hear people say that they don’t feel capable of fostering teens,” she says. “There are so many stereotypes of teenagers in foster care that make prospective foster parents nervous. I wish people could take a peek into our home and see how full of love it is.” She goes on to say that yes, there WILL be hard times, but, “I love fostering teens…I wish that people who are considering fostering understood that the nightmare scenarios you often hear of are SO far and few between. In no way am I saying that it’s easy, but I can guarantee it will be one of the most worthwhile things you will ever do.”
Sara also wants those considering foster care to know that you don’t have to be any kind of “supermom” or amazing person to welcome kids into your life.
“I’m totally fine with rocking the #worldsokayestmom title. I’m not perfect. In fact I screw up all the time. But I’ve learned that showing up every day and trying your best for these kids is the key to being successful. Every kid just wants to know that someone cares about them and their well-being.”
Well said, Sara! I’m so thankful that you’re spreading the message about living the foster care life and about the joy that can come from fostering teens.
