“But you like children, Maria. Yes, but SEVEN?”
All of my kids share the same local worker. I just realized I never gave her a name. Let’s call her Maria (to go along with my Sound of Music title.)
Maria called me this afternoon. She has three children who need, at the minimum, a respite provider, and likely a placement. I agreed to do the respite and would discuss with them further regarding the placement. They need a foster parent who stays home during the day and well, guess who is one of the only foster parents who is home during the day?
This would, of course, put me over my license. Usually, they will make an exception for sibling groups. Maria was discussing this with her supervisor and I’ll learn more in the morning. I really know very little about the whole situation so there was no way I was going to agree to anything but respite at this point.
They are 17, 15 and 14.
Seven children? Oh my.
June 27th, 2007 at 6:16 pm
Old Mother Hubbard comes to mind…
You never cease to amaze me! Good luck with the new crew.
June 27th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
Wow! I think you have the biggest heart of anyone I know. You are awesome
June 27th, 2007 at 7:24 pm
I am amazed at the size of your heart. In no way do I mean to disrepect you or what you do, but I was wondering if having that many children would be fair to you and the kids? I know how stressful life can get and Callie is still learning to fit in and financially you have struggles. Will it be too overwhelming? Again, I think you are amazing and anxiously await each days post.
June 27th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
hey, just because you mom is next to the oldest of 10 doesn’t mean you have to show her up!
June 27th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
holy cow. i can’t even begin to imagine seven kids. all day. 24 hrs. ohmygod.
best of luck to you.
June 27th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
So that will make FOUR teenagers, a tween that wants to grow up fast, and two toddlers.
Ummm, crazy much?
But if you do end up with all seven of them you simply must teach them the “So long, farewell” song from sound of music. Complete with cuckoo clock part.
June 27th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
I have done 7 before, you just need a routine. The first week is the hardest as you all adjust. It usually gets easier after that.
Good Luck!
June 27th, 2007 at 10:54 pm
Wow!! Can’t wait to hear how it goes.
June 27th, 2007 at 11:44 pm
Heck I ran my own little ‘Boy’s Town’ hahaha you can do it! I hope that when you learn more they are a good fit!
June 28th, 2007 at 8:03 am
WOW! Hat’s off to you if you do take them in… that’s ALOT of kids! Do you even have room/beds for all of them? I am continually amazed by the generosity and big heart of foster parents.
June 28th, 2007 at 10:17 am
SEVEN?!
Well, carry on.
4 teenagers?!
Are you out of your mind?
Oh, right, you are. I knew that.
I hope the kids cut you some slack.
June 28th, 2007 at 10:40 am
You are certifiably nuts now woman! Just kidding, you’re awesome. Have fun meeting these little people. Maybe there is a reason for your license though…isn’t that weird that they say “You and your home can handle this many, EXCEPT if you take in a crapload more!”