[TNfostermom]

I have found myself emotionally withdrawing from our fc once I know for sure that they are leaving. I know I am doing it to protect myself from hurting after they leave, but it is not fair to the children. I still take good care of them. I just treat them more like I am babysitting instead of being their temporary mom. Is there any way to not do this? I love being a foster parent, but I don't feel like I am doing enough to help the children if I can't emotionally connect with them.

I don't have this problem with our fd that we are adopting. To me she is no different than my biological children.

[stevenstwin]

Well, feelings are what they are and we really can't change them! I'd say that as long as you are acting and treating them the same, there is no reason to beat yourself up over a lack of an emotional connection.

[jstodd]

No matter how much you prepare it is still going to hurt when they leave. If you remember that, it may help. I knew my little one was going and I knew how much it was going to rip my heart out, but loving him was more important to me than the heartache that wasn't there yet. Deal with that after they leave. For now just love them.