i'm about to get my first foster child. he or she will be five or under. please, any parents or otherwise, i desperately need advice on what to expect, getting thru the first stages, etc. this child should be staying for quite a while, not just in the short term.

I was physically and emotionally abused as a child and was placed in a foster home for about 9 months. The best advice I can give you is learn as much as you can about the child’s history so that you can be better prepared to handle the child’s emotional state. I so am glad that there are people that open their homes to these children. Best wishes.

It is not advised to get a lot of stuff as your foster child will change, and possibly sooner than the case worker tells you. Sometimes, they say it is long term, but it ends up being shorter. That being said, get yourself emotionally ready. Since you will have 5 & under, you really won't know what to get. I always looked around for deals, even when I didn't have a foster child. Also, there is a foster network of parents who will "loan" you stuff. The agency can also provide for a crib, if needed and other stuff. It is very rewarding and I say good for you!

i foster 2 girls, but they are family so in a way its been a little easier for me in some ways, and harder in others. i think you should be prepared for a child that has perhaps gone through trauma so be patient with her, be honest with her and love her. i wish you much luck!