Author: Julie H., Foster Mom
Support comes from all different places! Through this journey I have found support within the school, counselors, other foster parents of siblings, and family. As moms, we juggled a TON. I always tell people that moms can carry a grocery bag, a diaper bag, a toddler, a bottle, all while managing two other children and eating lunch. This is a physical example but also serves as a metaphor for everything we handle emotionally and mentally as well. But, sometimes we do have to rely on others to get things done and handled. I find the best source of that kind of help is through my mom’s group. We call ourselves “The Chirpers” because when we get on a group chat, our phones “chirp” like crazy!
A perfect example of this was a couple of weeks ago when a mom friend from work hurt her ankle and needed a knee scooter (not sure if that’s the official name of it but that’s what I call it). So I reached out to my other mom friend and asked if that other mom could borrow it. At the same time another mom reached out to me and asked if I had some warm hunting boots that her sons could borrow. Then, another mom needed a ride to school for her son, and then vice versa for my kids needing one from her. So, in my garage was a knee scooter, hunting boots all while rideshares to school were happening. My garage became the pick-up and drop-off location for assorted mom needs!
My other surprise support has come from other foster moms of teenage kids. I’m finding we are a very unique group. Our joys and challenges are different than foster moms of young kids. Through a teacher of Miss D’s, I was able to connect with one of the foster moms, who then connected with another mom and now we are doing monthly get-togethers for breakfast! We are open to more moms joining our group if you are interested! 🙂
Fostering has blessed me with so many connections, information, and support! The world is good, it gives you what you need when you need it!
