Every newly arriving foster child is full of surprises.

When a mum gives birth to her own baby that baby is in many ways starting from scratch. Yes they may have the mother's eyes and the father's nose, but up to the moment of the start of their birth they're largely untouched by the world.

Not so with a new fostering placement.

As foster parents we're...

 Fostering isn't easy, I've always been up front about that. 

If a person contacts their local authority or a nearby fostering agency (I'm with Blue Sky, they're Five Star), you'll be given an overview of the role, and the ups and downs.

There are Downs.

Children coming into your care will have had a rough time. I always say; "Do not expect the Von...

 They've arrived.

Been here 48 hours.

Mum and baby. 

Would have filled you in earlier, but Parent and Child (P+C) is wall to wall.

They're asleep, it's 1.00am as I write.

She's called Parisa, late teens, baby is named Brax, three months.

My role is to observe and advise, in that order. And, obviously, ensure Brax's safety.

I...

 They're on their way!

Shortly after hearing we'd been selected by a Local Authority to foster a mother and her baby our Blue Sky social worker called to say they'd be arriving in 24 hours.

Short notice no problem; I'd been gearing up for a Parent and Child (P+C) arriving since Blue Sky first asked me to have a think about taking it on.

The mother and b...

Phone call from Blue Sky; "Would you consider taking a Parent and Child who…"

Cue lovely music...

Look, I'm a dyed-in-the-wool and hard-nosed foster mum now, it's what I do.

Fostering defines me, alongside being a loving partner, a conscientious mother, a family brick, a loyal friend and a reliable colleague. (Er…I hope…).

My point is that wh...