We are excited to become foster parents though a little apprehensive because we don't know what type of child we will recieve or how many. My fears of taking them to Disney with us besides the financial burden are age, behavior, social and other unknown problems. Disney is so crowded and fast paced I wondered if it would be to much for a child that has just been taken from their family. Then again, I think it may help the transition. Nothing like going on a "Dream" vacation to take your mind off things, especially for a child.
11 days is a long time and there is no reason why we could'nt shorten our stay to 7 days. That would make the trip more affordable.
I have thought about respite care for the children but I would never want to hurt their feelings or make them feel as though they are not part of our family. They have enough hurt to deal with and the thought of taking them to another home while we take a vacation just does'nt seem right. I want their experience with us to be a positive one and hopefully make a difference in their lives. I could'nt go to Disney with my children and sleep well knowing I hurt a child even more because of a vacation. No matter how much you try to explain to them that it was planned before they arrived or they were not allowed to go because their parents would'nt approve, it would still be devestating for them. Plus, what kind of example would I be setting for my kids?
Clothing and other things the children will need is going to be a small strain but...I'm a pretty good bargin hunter and prepaired to get the things they will need. One good thing is that I have two girls and we have plenty of clothes that don't fit that are in nearly new condition. We just went out and bought all new bedding, pillows, a doodle bear and diary for their rooms. We are hoping this will help them feel they have something of to call their own when they are placed with us.
My goal is to make a difference in their life. I want them to enjoy their stay with us no matter how short or how long. God forbid something should happen to me and my girls were dependant on the "State", I would hope they would be placed with a foster family like ours.
There are other things we can do and not going to Disney is not the end of the world...though it will feel like it. LOL
Here's a thought...maybe we could start a petition to Disney to offer "huge" discounts to foster families?
Half price would be nice.
11 days is a long time and there is no reason why we could'nt shorten our stay to 7 days. That would make the trip more affordable.
I have thought about respite care for the children but I would never want to hurt their feelings or make them feel as though they are not part of our family. They have enough hurt to deal with and the thought of taking them to another home while we take a vacation just does'nt seem right. I want their experience with us to be a positive one and hopefully make a difference in their lives. I could'nt go to Disney with my children and sleep well knowing I hurt a child even more because of a vacation. No matter how much you try to explain to them that it was planned before they arrived or they were not allowed to go because their parents would'nt approve, it would still be devestating for them. Plus, what kind of example would I be setting for my kids?
Clothing and other things the children will need is going to be a small strain but...I'm a pretty good bargin hunter and prepaired to get the things they will need. One good thing is that I have two girls and we have plenty of clothes that don't fit that are in nearly new condition. We just went out and bought all new bedding, pillows, a doodle bear and diary for their rooms. We are hoping this will help them feel they have something of to call their own when they are placed with us.
My goal is to make a difference in their life. I want them to enjoy their stay with us no matter how short or how long. God forbid something should happen to me and my girls were dependant on the "State", I would hope they would be placed with a foster family like ours.
There are other things we can do and not going to Disney is not the end of the world...though it will feel like it. LOL
Here's a thought...maybe we could start a petition to Disney to offer "huge" discounts to foster families?
