A week ago we dealt with our first runaway. I say first hoping that I will never have this happen again.
Our teen felt that we treated them like a "child." It saddens me when I really think about it simply because at this point, this child thinks they know it all yet they keep making bad choices. I was hoping to make a positive impact in this kid's life but it looks as though I simply pushed this child away.
We can win 'em all is what I keep telling myself. I really hope this child turns their life around. In the mean time, I can't help but replay the whole two months in my head and wonder what I could have done differently. Maybe this way, we can be better for the next one.
Update on the little one: the baby is still here. Made huge improvements though! We have the kiddo signing "all done." The kiddo is also now crawling properly and pulling to stand! These are milestones I didn't think this child would meet this quickly but I feel great knowing this was accomplished while living with us. The placement for this kiddo has been delayed over and over and I'm afraid attachment to us might be a hurdle once separation happens again. I pray the next placement is a loving and supportive home where this kiddo will make even more improvements! 2013 had a rocky start but it looks like it can only get better from here! :)
~Norm
Hi there, found your blog kind of randomly. Really glad I did. I have admiration for foster parents. What you do takes sacrifice and immense effort. I bet there are so many more bumps that smooth patches.
ReplyDeleteIf your teen ran away cuz you were treating them like a child...well, of all the reasons to run away, that's not a bad one. That means you were tending all their needs and setting down discipline. So, you were doing good. Teens are miserable creatures anyway, I can only imagine how much harder it is for foster kids. Anyway, thanks for letting me read (and rammble) on your blog!
Thank you Therese! Your words bring some much needed encouragement... I've learned she has been found and is now in another home so she is safe. I had been a little down in the dumps about the situation but I'm slowly getting all of this experience to teach me more about how to go about parenting the next kiddo that comes along. :)
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