Any good books for foster parents?

mommyof2littleangels · June 2012

We went to our first PRIDE class last week!!! It was so great and it really gave my DH and I some things to think about. Now I'm just trying to get more educated on Foster parenting. Do you ladies know any good books that would be good to read? Also, for any of you who have been foster/adoptive parents, how did you decided on the age group that was right for your family? If we are looking to adopt infant-10yrs should we go ahead and buy strollers, highchair etc or just wait and see if an infant is placed with us? Thank you so much, as we continue down this road we just keep coming up with more questions.

JerseyGirlAtHeart · June 2012

We decided on 0-8 because thats what we felt comfortable with. I went and bought a crib, a twin bed, and dressers. We have a small house though, so we just want to have the basics. We have 2 walmarts, a target and a babies R us in town so we can always go get whatever we need when they come!

As for books. I have read "3 little words" it was a great book! I am also reading "Another Place at the Table" and read "One Small Boat". Another place was meant to be read first. They are both by the same author Kathy Harrison. I cant remember who wrote 3 LittleWords, but I found it on amazon.

beaureve · June 2012

I really liked Parenting the Hurt Child. Also 20 Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew and 20 Things Adoptive Parents Need to Succeed.

elissaann26 · June 2012

Here is a list of books that I have read.

Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons- A novel giving insight into a child's perspective of being in foster care. I thought this was a great read!

Practical Tools for Foster Parents- While there is good information in here, it is pretty basic and covered mostly in MAPP training. However, it is a good resource to have on hand.

Foster Parenting by Stacie Craig- Not recommended. This book is poorly written and constantly tells you to have a lawyer on retainer before a child enters your home. The author lives in Texas and I found many things are handled different my in state (NC), which makes much of the advice not applicable.

Maybe Days by Jennifer Wilgocki and Marcia Kahn Wright- Great books for kids to understand the uncertainty

Finding the Right Spot by Janice Levy- Great book for kids who can't live with their parents.

Murphy's Three Homes by Jan Levinson Gilman- Another great book for kids in foster care

The Star by Cynthia Miller Lovell- Another good book for foster kids. It also comes with an activity guide, which I think will be a good resource when we get a child and need to work through some more difficult emotions.

We decided on an age range of infant to age four. This was the age range that was most comfortable for our family, mainly because we have never parented before so we are most comfortable with little children. However, we would (and have) considered placements that are outside of this age range.

As for preparation, our county requires that you have beds for each age available before being licensed. So we have both a crib and a twin bed. We were also lucky enough to be thrown 2 showers before we were licensed, so we registered for car seats, strollers, 1 outfit and 1 pajama for size newborn to 5T, 1 pack of diapers in every size and various kitchen items (bottles, sippy cups, plates, silverware, etc.). I would talk to your social worker to determine what is necessary. And then you can decide what is in your budget and comfort level to buy ahead of time. I had a lot of anxiety about not having the basics before we had a child in our house, so I'm definitely on the "more prepared" side of the spectrum.

mommyof2littleangels · June 2012

Thanks so much for the feedback ladies! Looks like I'll be doing a lot of reading this summer.

mandatory · June 2012

The Connected Child

Three Little Words

The Foster Parenting Toolbox

Parenting the Hurt Child

We initially (1 yr ago) said we were interested 0-5. We set up a crib, twin bed, and had a queen bed in the guest bedroom and waited for the first call. We've expanded to accept 0-12. With our first weeklong respite placement we knew in advance that he was 2 yr old with special needs. My mom found a high chair at a yard sale and we added some additional toys. I personally would wait for big items unless you find them at a great price, can return or regift. We were involved with a sibling group of 3 under 3 and started to fill our home with toddler things (tricycle, multiple high chairs, etc.). The whole plan (for adoption) fell through and now we're making a forever family committment to a sibling group of 9 and 11 y/o. I'm so glad we didn't spend hundreds of dollars on those purchases b/c now we want toys and things that will suit their age group. We've had a lot of support from friends and family. If we had received a call for an immediate placement and we didn't have all the right items/clothes/resources, many would have dropped off new or hand-me-down items to help out.

Good Luck - Best wishes, and ask away!

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