THE ENCOURAGERS LIFE

  Looking back on my time fostering there are a few things I wish I had of known before becoming one. When I became a foster carer I wasn’t a mum.   However, I felt my years of experience in youth work would hold me in good stead. And in some instances it did. But it didn't prepare me for the next nine years of my life fully. I am often asked by those thinking about going in to serve as a foster carer should know and so, I have put a list of the top five that would have made my life easier. 1. Your house is your partner. I would advise coming to terms with the fact that your home will be a vessel to be maintained, and not be perfect. It is your silent partner, offering cover and safety. How it looks will take a back seat for a while. Also, I don’t know why, but we have replaced toilets seats regularly during our time as carers.   They always went loose no matter how many times you would tighten them or how much you would invest in a toilet seat.    So don’t worry, it’s normal for t

  If you are anything like me and I was to sit in front of you and say, ‘You are special,’ it is likely you would feel a bit uncomfortable.    You might squirm in your seat. Your face might turn a shade of red. And you may even start to recall all the ‘facts’ that would prove that you aren’t special.  You might tell me things like,  ‘You don’t know what I have done in my past.  You don’t know what I have said to others or all the stupid mistakes that I have made.'    I am here to tell you today that your past and the marks others have left on you, doesn’t mean that you aren’t special. You are worth more than you think. I remember standing at my sister’s work desk when I was maybe 11 years old.  My sister had to pop out for a couple of minutes and her colleague, who we will call Lucy, was looking after me while my sis attended to her responsibilities.   Lucy and I got on to the subject of how wonderful my sister is.  And she is wonderful.  All of my siblings have a measure of brav