Dear Cathy. I am 14 years old and I am reading Damaged. My family and I have been fostering for 1 year. We have a little boy but he really annoys me. Because I’m the youngest so he thinks he can play me round.
Keeley
CG: Dear Keeley, You will see from reading Damaged (and my other books) just what children in a fostering family have to put up with sometimes. However, there is a lot that can be done to help you: first you need to make your mum aware of how you are feeling. It is important. She will be so busy with fostering and running the house that she may not realise just what an effect fostering is having on you. Please tell her. Because the foster child takes up so much time often the natural children in the family get second place. As parents we don’t mean to do this, we just assume our own children are okay and concentrate on the foster child and all their problems. Your family needs to spend time alone – just a small time but on a regular basis. Also most fostering agencies now run a support group for the natural children of foster families where you can mix socially and discuss any issues you may have. Check out the one in your area, but first and foremost tell your mum how you feel. Cathy x
