[TIFFnLAC]

So my partner and I start training on tuesday for respite and we were wondering, what should we have ready in the room? What should we do with the kids? And the big one... All around, what should we expect? Thanks for any help!!!

[pezcmw03]

As for what you do with them, it depends on the age of kids you want. For an example, this weekend I have a 6 year old boy for Friday to Sunday. Friday was low key, we ate dinner, played Wii, played board games, did puzzles, read books and that was pretty much it. Saturday was breakfast, Wii, park, board games, puzzles, lunch and fun at a Chuck E Cheese type play place, park again, playing outside at home, Wii, dinner, bowling with my 6 yr old nephew, movie, snack, and bed. He is getting to do a lot of fun stuff because he is very well behaved and he is able to handle it.

I also did respite for an 8 year old boy. It was summer and we ended up going camping and boating! We also spent lots of time at the local pool and park, even the library. I had him on weekends several times a month though for several months. There wasn't much that we did not do (including the un-fun stuff like chores).

[servnjah]

Our respite weekend, as part of a requirement with our agency, was great. We had two little boys, a 5 yr old and his 17month old brother.

We had a crib and toddler bed set up for them. We let the 5yr old choose his pillow (green, red, brown?) and blanket.

Ours did have a supervision plan so I had to read over that. We played outside a lot, took a walk, went to playgrounds, etc. I took the kids to Lowes to buy a washer and drier.

We had very few issues. We just handled them as they came up. He did act weird about food, very controlling. His current foster parents said that the issues we had were a bit weird, but they had warned us of some food issues. His old foster parents were very surprised to hear about either issue.

Anyway, mostly, it is much like babysitting. Think kid friendly foods, basic kiddo activities (playdough, movie, walks, playground, etc), etc. Sidewalk chalk was a big hit.

Even if you would normally do differently with your own foster children, you may not change too much in terms of things like bedtime and bedtime routine, baths, etc. For example, these kids went to bed later than I would have most kids their ages stay up. Additionally, the baby was really ready WAY before then.

Anyway, you'll probably enjoy it. Some things will come up, but mostly, it's like babysitting and the kids will honeymom to some degree.

BTW, we plan to get the boys back on the 16th for four days (assuming we don't get a placement that is too big to allow that). FUN!

[mom2bemore]

If you have any experience in medical or any other special issues you may want to do respite for a family that takes care of special needs or medically fragile kids. In my area these families rarely get a break. We are adjusting to our first placement now but considering doing respite for a medically fragile child due to our backgrounds and the fact that we are pretty low key most weekends.