In fact, if you get me started on a topic about fostering then I'll probably go on forever, just FYI.
However, to save time here are some of the most frequently asked ones that will hopefully help you understand foster life a little bit:
1. How long does each child stay with you?
It really does vary. We are technically short-term foster carers and have had placements for as short as two days and for as long as two years. Each situation is different.
2. OMG he/she is SO CUTE can I post a photo of him/her on Facebook/ Insta/ Twitter?
Nope, sorry.
Our number one job as foster carers is to protect our little ones and even though we know they are the most adorable and hilarious bundles of joy to ever grace the planet we're not allowed to share their personal info - including their face - with the world.
Which is definitely a good thing as otherwise I'd be one of those annoying people who clog up your timelines with baby pics.
That doesn't mean that I won't occasionally go all Myleene-Klass on you and post the odd pic of teeny tiny baby toes or the back of their head or a bit of their shoulder but you will never, ever see their gorgeous little faces on social media.
And just so you know, if I did share that video of our eighteen-month-old perfectly copying Beyonce's Single Ladies dance a few years back she would definitely have been a YouTube sensation by now...
3. How on EARTH do you say goodbye to them?
It's hard. In fact, it's the most difficult thing we could ever do and there is always a tinge of sadness that these little people won't be in our lives forever and one day we will have to say goodbye and simply hope with all of our being that we will see them again.
There hasn't been one goodbye where I haven't bawled my eyes out and I'm not ashamed to say it, while these children are in our home we love, cherish, and adore them as though they are their own so when they do leave us for their new lives it is absolutely heartbreaking.
Every time we wonder if we could possibly put ourselves through that pain again, but the thing that gets us through is knowing that they are off to a better life and we did everything that we could for them while they were with us.
In the words of Mark Wright (albeit not about fostering) they're not here for a long time, they're here for a good time - and I like to think that 'good' is a bit of an understatement.
4. Do you see the children once they move on?
Unfortunately this isn't up to us, it's entirely up to their new carers. Whether they are adopted, go back to their birth family or move into long-term care we can never say for sure that we will see them again.
We have had adoptive parents promise with all their being that we will remain in their lives only to be cut out, likewise we have had adoptive parents promise the same and graciously invite us along to birthday parties and give us a phone call on Christmas Day.
And let me tell you, there aren't enough words in the world to explain just how much gestures like that mean to us.
5. If you do still see them, who do they think you are?
It depends on what their carer has told them, some keep it vague and others are beautifully honest and tell them, 'Hey, you lived with these guys before we found you and they love you more than anything'. The thing people tend to forget is that kids are very understanding and don't really question anything so long as you are honest.
Every time it is arranged for us to see one of our old foster babies I can't tell you how excited I get. Genuinely more excited than that time I was headed off to interview One Direction, and that was pretty up there.
In short, whether we have seen them since they left our care or not, I will always, always love the children we have cared for, I'll always be there for them, and I'll do absolutely anything for them. Today, next week, in thirty years time - it will never change.
6. Is it worth the heartache?
In a word, yes. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Although a lot of pain and heartache comes at the end of each placement the joy that the children give us is second to none and the memories are priceless.
I feel privileged and yes, maybe even #Blessed, to have any opportunity to play a part in their lives - be it for a day or an hour.
Whether the children remember me as the girl who made them a jam sandwich on an elephant plate the day they were removed from their home, their best friend who built dens and made cakes with them, the silly lady who would sing and dance and do anything to make them laugh or if they don't remember me at all, every second is always priceless to me.
In fact, sometimes I find it near-impossible to believe that I was ever lucky enough to be the one to tuck these boys and girls in at night and play with them every day and cuddle them and teach them and nurture them. How could you argue that all of that privilege and joy isn't worth it?
I'm a grown woman, it's not about me or the pain that I feel when they leave. It's about them, and it always will be.
7. The facts?
We have been fostering for six years and have had 22 foster children live with us, the youngest came to us at six days old and the oldest at sixteen years old.
Well, I think that's it for now... Until next time,
Stephanie x
