Fostering - an integral part of family life - Tabitha's story #SandD2015

As the youngest in the family until I was nine and with both of my siblings being a lot older and living away from home when I was quite young, it was wonderful to have other children to share my life with, even if that was only on occasional weekends.

When my parents started fostering, it also felt like there was one big family living in our house; having other children to play and grow up with was always something I enjoyed as part of the fostering experience. Of course there were times when having another child in the house was challenging, but that would have been the same with any other sibling.

I think it was an important part of my life and upbringing that I quickly developed an understanding of other’s behaviours, especially when it came to learning difficulties and those who had experienced hardship in their life, particularly at such a young age. I think that my own experiences as a child determined the way I will always think about other people, young people in particular.

As someone who experienced fostering through my parents, I would say that it is an integral part of my family life and hopefully is for those who have lived with us in the past. I often encounter one boy, who’s actually now almost an adult, who used to come and stay with us at weekends and it’s brilliant to his development and independence in life.

Ten years ago, my parents started fostering a very reserved three year old but over the years, she grew into a delightful and boisterous young girl who quickly became a valuable member of the family. Now at thirteen, I couldn’t be happier to call her my little sister.

 This blog was written as part of our Sons and Daughters Month blogging competition. Find out more about Sons and Daughters Month.