|
Your DS will go by your lead in terms of loss. If you tell him he's loosing a sibling he'll feel like he's loosing a sibling. Sounds like you have a healthy approach to the possibility of loosing a child in your home. I do respite care & when we had the same child more than once my 4 year old asked if she could be his sister. (matter of factly) A 4 or 5 year old is guided by YOUR emotions. I had a brave face (knowing I wasn't adopting again & that she was being returned to a not so great situation) & explained that we are so blessed to have her on the weekends but God has other plans for her & her forever family. When we got a 1 year old boy that didn't mess with my son's toys he wanted him to stay a little longer- again he went by my lead. Honestly when the kids leave my son is hap0py to regain all my attention & have his toys to himself again. A 5 year old doesn't get excited about sharing his parents & home unless you instill it in them-I've instilled that we open our home because we have a home & love to share & god has bigger plans for children in need of forever families or children who's parents are working out their "issues"
You set the tone in your home & you may have to put on a brave face when talking to your child & you have every right to your emotions & the right to close your door & cry after your 5 year old is asleep. Believe me - I think my son will admire me as he grows when he understands how selfless fostering is-he may be hurt when he realizes kids are returned to unsafe situations but he knows they were loved & safe when they were with us - & you have to know that too. When these children that have passed thru your house have a moment of safety , love & hapiness they'll know you gave it to them.
|