[drgeorge]

I’m a 42yo single male working to become a foster parent. I have completed the initial training courses required by my agency and am currently working on the required 40 hours of observation with a foster mentor. Upon completion I will verified to be a foster parent. I’ll be the first to admit I have a lot to learn about parenting. I do have 22 years of experience working with children in a pediatric hospital and I also worked as a CASA volunteer. This does prepare me a bit for working with the children but I know there’s much more to learn.

Are there any other single male or female foster parents in this forum that could give advice and share experiences?

Thanks, drgeorge

[MBelt8402]

I'm not single or a male, but I applaud all that you have done so far. I wish you all the best as a foster parent. Its not always easy, but it is rewarding.

[Withay]

drgeorge -

I am a (ahem) 50 year old single female foster parent. Come June 10 I will have been certified for 4 years and have had 37 children (16 newborns, 16 between 1 mo & 1 yr on arrival and 5 between 1 & 6 years on arrival) so far. Right now I have 2 baby girls - both 3 months but not sibs.

I also have another 3 month old girl who is temporarily in another home due to a medical issue (working to get her well enough to return). There is a meeting scheduled for Tuesday where a decision will be made as to whether or not she can come back sooner rather than later. (For those who have followed the Why Don't We Chat thread this is Baby M).

This forum is a terrific place to get information and support. Best of luck with your journey.

Blessings,
Lynda

[Luvbeingmommy]

drgeorge,

Congratulations -- it is really good to hear from single foster parents!

I am a 44 year old single mom. I have 2 bios -- son is 22 and daughter is 21; a 6 year old adopted daughter; and 3 year old and 2 year old fostersons (brothers) who I am in the process of adopting!

Being a foster parent has so many rewards I have been blessed more than I can tell you with mere words.

[hotspice58]

Single (divorced), 42 yo woman in NY. Some things will be instinctual; and other will be learned. One thing is to have a set of rules and punishments and be able to follow them.

[vernellinnj]

I'm single - 39 and holding (until December). I've had one placement and it's been a blessing for me.

[Boulderbabe]

I'm a single foster mom and now adoptive mom, too. Single parenting is definitely a challenge, but so worth it! My best advice: make sure your washing machine is in good working order. You're about to do more laundry than you ever imagined! :-)

[hopetobedad]

SIngle foster dad 33 yrs old and it will come to you! There are certain things that are instinct and then there will be lots of trial and error. Somethings will work for one chiold and not at all for another. If you are interested in little ones I would suggest 123 magic and 8 or older how to talk so kids will listen and how to listen so kids will talk. I would also suggest reading maybe days and another place at the table and anything by Torey Hadden. Recruit a good support system ...investigate sitters in your area see if they take state rates and if they are certified. Find out about sports and scouts/brownie sign ups. look for an area clothes closet and/or 2nd hand clothes(gently used). There is alot more that will depend on your age groupings....Congrats and thanks for not only becoming important in the lifves of children but for joining up so we to can learn from you!!!

[ca-bigsister]

I'm a single foster parent but my mom to a 14 year old who was my Little Sister (through Big Brothers/Big Sisters). My mom is almost co-parenting with me because she helps to drive her around to the myriad of appointments. I am also in therapy now to deal with her attachment issues because I was seriously burning out. It can be good, but you need A LOT of support. Make sure you have a great support system or else it will be really hard. But good luck. I was also a CASA. That helps a lot, but still, until you've been there, it's hard to say. I would definitely get all the support you can get.