New Foster Child – 5 Easy Tips for the First Day
No matter how long you have been a foster carer, the first day with a new foster child can be an anxiety filled day. This is not the day for big events, major outings, or many guests coming over to your home. Keep it simple. The main things to focus on in the first days are meeting their
5 Ways to Improve Group Homes For Foster Children
During my years as a foster child, I spent time in five different group homes. There were differences, of course, but many of the issues and problems were shared. To appreciate the importance of the five ways to make group homes better for foster children outlined below, it helps to view children’s shelters through the eyes of a foster
Should Foster Carers be Charged with Neglect?
When foster carers agree to care for another parent’s child or children you never know quite what to expect. Some foster kids fit comfortably into life in their new home. Others resist and cause conflict. Even foster carers who do their best may find a child refuses to eat or bathe. Yes, foster children can be
10 Things Never to Say or Do to Your Foster Children
Most foster parents actually care. They want to do better, say the right things, and be there for their foster child. However unless you are the rare foster carer who was also a foster child, chances are you have no idea of the effects of your words and actions, no matter how much education or training you
How to Get Your Home Ready For Foster Children
What Age Foster Children Are You Getting Your Home Ready For? Before reading any further you need to know that the age of the foster children you take in depends on the type of items you need to get. Also the number of children you are willing to take in will change how much you
5 Questions to Ask Yourself About Becoming a Foster Carer
Becoming A Foster Carer ~ 5 Questions to Ask Yourself I have been a foster mother so I have first-hand experience of the trials and tribulations associated with becoming a foster carer, and the triumphs and joys of embracing a foster child in my life. Foster agencies are currently running television commercials to attract new foster carers because
Shopping for Groceries in Australia – and Saving Money
Let me explain about Australians shopping for groceries, and our options for saving money. When I was a young child, fruit and vegetables were bought from a ‘Green Grocer’ and toilet paper, washing powder, cereals etc were bought from the general Grocery store. Every suburb had at least one green grocer, a butcher and a bakery. There
Couponing
So iMom, The other day when we were talking about couponing you said something about not couponing in Australia. Then we got distracted and started talking about something else. I am really curious, if there is no couponing there what are the options on saving money on groceries? Couponing is everything to my budget here
Diagnosed With Lupus? Steps to Cope
I Was Diagnosed With Lupus About four years ago I started having symptoms that seemed weird for someone in their late 20’s. My very lower back began to hurt daily, my knees began to get very stiff and painful both in the mornings and throughout the day, I was fatigued, I constantly felt like I
Walking Kids to their Classrooms
I think it is great that you’ve been walking your kids to their classrooms. Yes, I can see the arguments your friends make for helping them develop independence but there’s lots more to consider than the superficial ‘independence’ element. One day I’ll have more time to write on this subject, but here’s a few thoughts that spring
Children Are Back to School!
Yes! The joys of back to school happened again! My oldest went into middle school, which in this part of my state starts in 6th grade. My middle child started 4th grade this morning. Summer break started back at the first week of June, so they have had plenty of time off. They vacationed, slept
Kids Back to School in USA
Is this back to school time for you over in the USA? I know when we lived in the UK the new school year began in August. Here in Australia it is mid-winter with thick frosts, and snow in unlikely parts of the country … but you’ve been on summer holidays, haven’t you? What’s news
Foster Care in Australia
I was a foster mum in the 1990s when I was making good money from my career. I’d split up with my ex and I already had a live-in nanny to help with my other kids. I had a big gap in my children’s ages and I saw an advertisement in a newspaper looking for a
How Much Is The Pay To Be a Foster Parent in Your State – Full State by State List
Are you interested in becoming a foster parent? Wondering how much money your State will pay to be a foster parent? This is a complete list of the approximate amount each State pays to support a foster child. Pay to be a Foster Parent – How Much Will You Get Paid? In some states you’ll receive more