When I was on instagram Laura was one of my favorite follows! Such a helpful window into a part of our culture that feels like something of a black box to outsiders (I feel similarly about the podcast Ear Hustle, produced by folks in the incarceration system). Back when I was still uncertain about choosing not to have children, one of the things that was constantly in the back of my mind was "what if I regret it, and then it's too late?" Watching Laura's content reminded me that it's never too late if fostering is on the table. I can welcome children into my home at any time in my life if I decide that's something I want to take on.
Amen! Your comment is making me remember that when I was a kid I read and re-read Katherine Paterson’s novel The Great Gilly Hopkins. The main character, Gilly, has been getting passed around from foster home to foster home and at the beginning of the book she lands at a home with an older woman who’s also fostering one other, younger child. It’s a really beautiful story about found family that I don’t think I’ve thought about once since starting this newsletter — but now that I remember it, I recognize that it was absolutely formative for me.
And I’d have to re-read it to be sure, but as I recall, the foster mother in that story was, like, grandma-aged. This definitely built a script in my mind that foster parents can be all ages.
I've long wanted to get involved with the foster care system. Not sure if I'm ready to be a foster parent, but interested in supporting as a single person with no kids who loves kids. I'm curious if Laura had anything to say about providing respite care. I know that foster parents can only use babysitters who are licensed, and I've wondered if that might be a good role for me to provide.
Hey Liz! Laura's book definitely is for respite carers, whose dilemmas overlap a ton with those of full time foster parents. Some of her advice is more suitable for longer term placements, sure, but the vast majority would be invaluable for folks who are hosting kids for a day or a weekend. Her videos are also such a treasure trove.
This is so valuable. I used to teach guitar at a local agency for teens in group homes, and I've always wanted to foster. I can't wait to read this book!
That seems like such a great contribution, Darby. It’s making me think of a high school student I had once who struggled in sooooo many ways. Guitar was truly what helped him survive.
When I was on instagram Laura was one of my favorite follows! Such a helpful window into a part of our culture that feels like something of a black box to outsiders (I feel similarly about the podcast Ear Hustle, produced by folks in the incarceration system). Back when I was still uncertain about choosing not to have children, one of the things that was constantly in the back of my mind was "what if I regret it, and then it's too late?" Watching Laura's content reminded me that it's never too late if fostering is on the table. I can welcome children into my home at any time in my life if I decide that's something I want to take on.
Amen! Your comment is making me remember that when I was a kid I read and re-read Katherine Paterson’s novel The Great Gilly Hopkins. The main character, Gilly, has been getting passed around from foster home to foster home and at the beginning of the book she lands at a home with an older woman who’s also fostering one other, younger child. It’s a really beautiful story about found family that I don’t think I’ve thought about once since starting this newsletter — but now that I remember it, I recognize that it was absolutely formative for me.
And I’d have to re-read it to be sure, but as I recall, the foster mother in that story was, like, grandma-aged. This definitely built a script in my mind that foster parents can be all ages.
Thanks for this insight and reminder, Evangeline!
I've long wanted to get involved with the foster care system. Not sure if I'm ready to be a foster parent, but interested in supporting as a single person with no kids who loves kids. I'm curious if Laura had anything to say about providing respite care. I know that foster parents can only use babysitters who are licensed, and I've wondered if that might be a good role for me to provide.
Looking forward to reading her book!
Hey Liz! Laura's book definitely is for respite carers, whose dilemmas overlap a ton with those of full time foster parents. Some of her advice is more suitable for longer term placements, sure, but the vast majority would be invaluable for folks who are hosting kids for a day or a weekend. Her videos are also such a treasure trove.
Meanwhile, I'm guessing you already saw it, but if not, check out this Such Interesting Aunties interview with an Auntie Bulletin reader who provides respite care! https://theauntie.substack.com/p/such-interesting-aunties-foster-curious-edition?r=nbcpy
This is so valuable. I used to teach guitar at a local agency for teens in group homes, and I've always wanted to foster. I can't wait to read this book!
That seems like such a great contribution, Darby. It’s making me think of a high school student I had once who struggled in sooooo many ways. Guitar was truly what helped him survive.
Can you share what the $200 instagram class was?
I actually wondered that too! Laura's not on Substack that I know of, but let me ask her and I'll get back to you...