When I tell folks that I want to become a foster parent, some folks congratulate me. I've heard that I'm doing God's work. I've heard that I'm generous. What I'm undertaking is noble.
I always think to myself: "Who, me? No, really. Me?"
Those sentiments are sweet but actually misplaced. Too lofty.
My truth isn't noble. I want to be a parent. I think. But I don't want to be a single parent.
Foster parenting gives me the chance to practice and learn with someone else's child. The odds are good that I won't mess things up much more than the biological parent.
And it's temporary. Long-term, but temporary. I can get out at any time. There's safety with that knowledge.
Even better, there's a network of support: therapists, social worker, teachers and fellow adoptive parents. It's an unusual group, but still a circle of committed people for the child.
Oh, and there's a child support check too. So I'm not as noble as the act may seem.
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