5 Relationships to Cultivate As You Foster or Adopt – Part 4
If couples who plan to foster or adopt can enlists the support of their own parents, they will have a greater degree of connectivity with the kids coming into their home. Stated differently, foster or adopted kids feel a greater sense of attachment with the family they are joining if they can connect with multiple generations of that family. Grandparents provide foster or adopted kids a greater sense of belonging than any other relationship. So, parents who plan to bring kids into their home should develop a multi-generational parenting partnership with their parents.
The influence and joy of grandparents is noted in the Old Testament. In Genesis 48, Jacob looked to Joseph’s sons Ephraim and Manasseh and blessed them as a testimony to his love for Joseph. In Psalm 128, the poet describes the faithful Israelite man as one who is blessed in his home and his participation in Israel. The psalmist concludes with the benediction that his readers would see their children’s children (Ps 128:6).
The degree of commitment grandparents may wish to offer in this partnership may be high or low. Whatever the circumstances, potential foster or adoptive couples should court their parents and patiently give them a vision for multigenerational influence. Many couples fear that their parents will discourage them from fostering or adopting. This is a legitimate fear. In fact, your parents will likely try to talk you out of it! They have likely heard horror stories and they want to prevent harm in your home. You may even find that your parents will question your motives and ability to bring kids into your home. Don’t expect …
