[jillned]

We have taken in 2 foster kids that we had last summer for a week. They are 6 and 2 and we also have a 16 month old and a 2 month old. The problem is that I feel completely overwhelmed. They have been with us for 2 weeks and this included a trip to Florida.
The relative they were with is appealing the decision, who who knows what will happen next.
My question is how do I know if this feeling will pass? Should I tell the SW and have them moved or how do I cope?
Thanks for any advice.

[Roon63]

A trip to florida with 4 kids (of any age) is overwhelming to me...I am in awe that you are still able to type
But, I do know that sometimes we get that overwhelming feeling when things go off our normal routine.
I would recommend giving yourself a normal(normal meaning somewhat normal) week or two, and if you still feel pulled and strentched beyond your limitations, by all means contact the SW.
Perhaps, call the SW, to set up a respite evening?

[ilene21117]

Hi,
I had a foster child in my care a year ago this past February. We had just finished classes and I was called. My goal with foster care is to adopt. He was 3 weeks old when we got him and talk about feeling overwhelmed. I had never taken care of a newborn before, but learned very quick. Waking up every three hours to feed him and take care of him. I took him for supervised visits with the mother and realized this was a situation that did not look permanent for me. After the second week I broke down and decided I couldn't do it anymore knowing that I wasn't keeping him. So I called the SW and she said the birthfather was going to take him which he did. It was difficult to give him back, but afterwards I knew I did the right thing. I can't imagine though how overwhelmed you must be with two foster children and two other young babies. If you feel too overwhelmed and I would talk to the SW and be honest and see what they say. Good luck

[hotspice58]

Check into respite. I will actually do the same; I have an 11 yo foster son who I will adopt. Due to the abuse he suffered, he needs more attention. I may do one weekend a month to see how it goes. There are foster parents who do just respite.

[March]

RESPITE!!


I had a 14 yr, 7, 4, and 2 fosters aged 5 months and 3 days. I managed for 2 months (barely) before I called the social worker and said since one of the fosters was going to be available to adopt he should go to a home where they were waiting for a baby boy. I used another foster home as respite for the newborn just so I could sleep a couple of nights all night...

I think alot of people just do respite. I paid the respite woman (she was a pediatric nurse) directly.

Good luck and get a break!

Oh, the baby boy we had for 2 months is getting adopted!

March
3 biological sons 4, 8, 15
1 fos-adopt sweet girl born 3-3-06

I am adopted

[Aaronsmommy03]

Hi!! I too have a bunch of little ones at home.....2 are mine and 2 are foster care. I think you need to give yourself a little time to get everyone into a routine and then see if you are still feeling too stressed. I know it took me almost 2 months after the 4th one was added to our bunch before I felt confident that I could handle the situation. I wish you the best of luck....and also take the other advise of respite. I have never used it, but I am thinking about it. Again, good luck!!

[mommieof2cuties]

I also have a bunch of little ones...if it wasn't for my dh I think I would have called the SW! But things all have fallen into place and seem to be doing well

God Bless,
Summer

[StacyM]

Ugh! Jill, bless you for taking all that on! Four kids, all young and a trip to boot...that is a lot for anyone.

Respite is a good recommendation, but if you feel that it is more than you can handle, definitely let the SW know. Maybe try respite for a couple of days and see how it goes after that. If you're still overwhelemed, you should let the SW know. You have to take care of yourself too.

Good luck,
S