[momofmykids]

My rule of thumb (unless it was respite care) was that I needed to be old enough that I could have given birth to that child. I was 25 when we got in this...there's NO way that I could have parented a 16 year old...I was too close to their age and it would not have worked.

Becoming a foster parent is a continual self-assessment process. Just continue running this through your mind and you'll make the right decision. However, once you agree to adopt these kids (it is adoption, right?), remember that is forever. It is so hard on all involved for an adoptive placement to be disrupted...especially once the adoption is finalized.

jmho

[jackiesbooks]

I think that is a good rule, so given that rule you should probably take no one over 7. Only you will know. I am not sure your age will be a probably, but the lenght of your marriage maybe. I know that a couple in our class had that issue because they had only been married a yr.
It will put a lot of stress on your marriage!

[Ms. Jackie]

If your husband is saying he wants to wait until you are 25, maybe it is more that he just wants to wait. You are young and presumably do not have a lot tying you down. Once you have kids, you will have A LOT more responsibilities and you will not be able to just go and do stuff like you might be able to do now. If he is holding back, I would not push him to move forward. I would find out WHY he is really holding back.

[6furbabies]

Hi. I am 27 and single and have decided that it is time for me to begin the fostering program. I've always loved kids and have always had my mind set on adoption. I never thought too much about becoming a foster parent, but when I saw the financial aspect of international or private domestic adoption, I was discouraged. The more I thought about it, I realized that fostering is a way to start the adoption process. Don't get me wrong - I realize that fostering does not equal adopting. I know that however much I prepare myself to love and lose, it won't be enough those first couple of times. But, since I've been thinking about fostering, I've also realized what a great thing it is for everyone involved, not just the foster parents. If I can help a birth family to get themselves straightened out and become a family with their child(ren) then I know I've done something great for the entire family and that makes me feel good. Good luck with your decision!

[kq7772]

I was 21 when I met my husband who was doing theraputic foster care. At 22 I married and became a foster mother to a 14 year old child with many behvior problems. He lived with us until he was almost 18. We have only had one call from him since he left. It was very hard since most people thought he was my brother, and he could not read so trying to teach him was stressful. I think it is a good idea that you only foster children you are old enough to have given birth to. Best of Luck.