Being a Foster Family with Teens: What to Do and How to Overcome Challenges with Teens Who Aren’t Yours
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For the first time, I’m a foster mom: I’ve become a foster parent to two 14-year-old boys, and I want to share the challenges I’ve encountered.
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I chose this age group: There are so many broken homes, and I wanted to make a difference by helping teens who are already dealing with the effects of family instability.
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My goal is to show them the positive side: I want to help these teens see the good in what they’re going through, despite the tough circumstances.
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It’s not their fault: These teens aren’t to blame—often their parents haven’t provided them with a peaceful, stable home environment.
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Commit fully and lead with your heart: You need to give them your all. These kids are already suffering—new home, new school, new friends, and often no family support.
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You must be strong: Many of these teens come from homes with little structure. They may not know basic routines like cleanliness, respect, and following rules. You need to provide that stability.
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Stay organized: Managing their meals, school lunches, and homework is crucial to giving them a sense of structure and normalcy.
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Remember, you have support: You have your own social worker, and the kids have theirs as well. Use that network for guidance and assistance.
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There’s a lot to manage: In addition to caring for the kids, you also need to handle the financial side, including keeping track of expenses and working with the government to ensure reimbursement for the costs you’re allowed to claim.
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Take care of yourself too: Don’t forget to prioritize your own health, your job, and your well-being while caring for your foster children.