That moment when you give a good answer that the teacher hasn't heard before. In foster training class the other day Rob had up on the board some things we provide kids: food, clothes, shelter. And then Rob asked the class what other things we provide for children. People were giving answers like protection, security, discipline... My first thought? Toys. I actually answered "entertainment like toys" because I thought that made my answer sound... Well you know, better. And he was amazed by it. Said it was the first time anyone had ever given that answer. :)
Know we've heard of kids who don't know how to play ketch or ride a bike? That's why he found my answer a good one, because there are several things a child learns developmentally with toys. And yeah that's part of my reason, many toys I would get them would probably be to encourage them developmentally in one area or another. But really....
Well one of my dreams right now is to take a foster child to Build-A-Bear. They would get a chance to choose their own special cuddly toy and help make it too. Also I could put the "birth certificate" in their scrapbook of their time here. I think the whole experience would be good for a foster kid, and I think they would feel more special for it. I know you can't buy love and love can't really be shown through "stuff", but doesn't it make you feel special when your husband brings home your favorite candy just because he knew it would make you happy? A trip to Build-A-Bear would be all about them. A toy that without a doubt belongs to them and they know they'll get to take it with them whenever they leave our home.
We hear of foster parents who dress their bio-kids in mall brand clothes while their foster kid is dressed in Walmart. I don't just want to provide them all the necessities but also some of the stuff they don't really "need" just because I care. I want to treat them as well as I would my own kids, and somtimes maybe go the extra mile simply because they're not.
