OS Singlies - We Do It Our Way!

springdreams

BookWorm wrote: »

I've woken feeling very low today...all I want to do is go back to bed and hide away from the world...

I had set myself a goal to lose a stone in weight by Easter and as of today I've reached that target (so beaten it by a week) and even that isn't enough to make me feel less

Do you ever get days when all you want is a hug?

Well done on your weight loss :T:T

Sorry you are feeling blurgh though

LavenderBees

Thanks for all your replies on the fostering front. Some interesting points made...I wouldn't have thought of a 4 door car (but makes complete sense!).

None of "my" kids will be sick during the night :eek:...

:rotfl:

An agency was supposed to ring me 40 minutes ago, but haven't yet...knock them off the list, then.

And yes, Ellie, you are right. No decision is possible by me until I do a detailed annual budget...

I only have 1 spare bedroom (pretty room though ), and it's only a small terraced house, so I have room for one child at a time, but there must be kids out there who need one to one care and attention...My instincts say 5 year old upwards....but it's interesting about 16 year olds needing help coming out of care...I can't find anything about that, but mustn't be googling the right thing.

I really take my hats off to you singlies parenting on your own. Tough job!

I was at the opticians this morning, and, when she checked my address, the optician remarked that her kids go to the first school in my village, even though they don't live in my village. Gave me an opportunity to ask her as a parent what she thought of the school, as it has always struck me as looking really sweet/vibrant/full of "doings". Turns out my impression is right - seems to be a very nurturing environment, hopefully spot on for a child who may have suffered trauma not to mention being apart from their family for whatever reason.

Well, 55 minutes late for the call, so I think I can safely say they aint gonna bother :mad:. Well, gives me more time for thinking and research. Next week, I'll try to ring the local authority and see what they say.

But thanks for your support, much appreciated!

It's blowing a hoolie here...I have the fire lit and may just settle down for a wee nap...

LB xx

springdreams

LB, I have a friend that fosters.

I wouldn't worry about the local schools if I were you, because my friend has to take the children she fosters to the school that they are already enrolled on school days. She can't enroll them in the local school.

She also has to take them to any clubs that they participate in before they came into foster care, e.g. dance, football, karate etc. as social services try to change as little as possible for the children.

And she has to take them to visit with their parent/s at a place prearranged by social services a few times a week.

LavenderBees

Yes, I guess it depends on the placement requirements. All the more reason to factor in running a car...

Thanks Springdreams. How does your friend feel about fostering? Do you know?

LB xx

springdreams

LavenderBees wrote: »

Yes, I guess it depends on the placement requirements. All the more reason to factor in running a car...

Thanks Springdreams. How does your friend feel about fostering? Do you know?

LB xx

She loves it. She has been doing it for over 10 years now.

She says some placements are really hard - she has had to collect new born babies from hospital in the middle of the night - and others are a bit easier. When she has had a particularly trying child or she has formed a strong attachment to a child, then she takes a few months off from fostering to get her head back into a good place. She currently has 2 little boys - 3 and 5 years old - who have been with her since before Christmas.

LavenderBees

Thanks, Springdreams. All useful info for me.

Bookworm - how're you feeling now? Well done on your weight loss, sez me shovelling a choc digestive in my mouth :rotfl:

Truth is, I feel that dieting in itself isn't a destination as such. What will the loss of weight enable you to do....? Sometimes I feel inexplicably low, and think it is down to not having enough planned to get me out and about or doing something.

Well, the foster agency have rung and we've had a chat...food for thought...detailed budget planning needed this week, I think, which is of course, what we all do anyway being MSE...:o

LB xx

greenbee

LB - fostering is something that I thought about at one point. I have the space, but my job involves a lot of time away from home so now isn't the time. I'd also want to wait until my niece and nephew are older, as when I'm at home I have fairly significant commitments to them. As some of my divorced male colleagues have observed, I probably see more of my brother's kids than they do of their own, which is really very sad for them and their families. And makes me realise how lucky I am.

Apparently I've been away for too long and they NEED to have a sleepover when I get back. Personally I think I'll need a long lie-in when I get back and the two events are mutually exclusive

BookWorm

Thanks SD and LB

I have wanted to lose weight for a while and I'm hoping that it will help with my low self esteem and general confidence levels. It won't hurt me to be in better physical condition either

Still feeling low but trying to distract myself with different bits and pieces. I had some unexpected contact from an old friend earlier and that helped a little

greenbee

Bookworm - I went for a run and it really helped lift my mood. Fresh air, scenery (trees/water etc) and adrenaline. Plus it really helps to clear my mind, as I can't think until I've had time to work out how to breathe and put one foot in front of the other at the same time

BookWorm

Greenbee - glad you are feeling better.
I'm definitely not much of a runner but if the weather is better tomorrow I will get out for a walk.