Foster Care Victoria

Melina · Newbie Joined: 28 Jun 2007 Posts: 2

Here is a question for those of you more experienced foster carers. I am 5 months into my first placement and both of my little ones constantly say "I like you" to me. One of them goes nearly hysterical if he thinks I didn't hear him say it when I put him to bed at night. And now my own son is starting to say it. It is driving me absolutely crazy!! I have tried responding and went to ignoring it. But it just keeps going and going and going and going .... and going!! I assume it is a need for acceptance, but it just keeps happening. So does anyone have any idea how to cope with it or stop it from happening?? HELP Rolling Eyes

Lindy · Newbie Joined: 02 Jul 2007 Posts: 2

The way I'd tackle this is by staying fairly indifferent (if possible), by saying 'thankyou' or 'that's nice' or something similar. I think the key is to acknowledging it but not making it a way for them to make you say it in return. If you don't acknowledge them they will probably continue and become upset, but if you overdo it they may come to expect that response every time. It's tough, and no matter how long you've been a carer you can never tell exactly what's going to work. Good luck!