Tonight DW and I went to a meeting at DHHS. It was open to foster parents and was billed as part support group and part training. Since we need to keep up with training and this was free and convenient we decided to attend. (K) agreed to look after (S) for us so we went out to dinner alone before hand. (we don't get too do that very often!)
There were about fifteen people there. It seemed like most of them had been involved in the system for a long time. They knew all sorts of acronyms I never heard of and talked about all kinds of programs I never knew existed. I didn't want to look stupid so I just sat there listened and kept my mouth shut. (You know that famous quote "It is better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.")
So anyway as I sat there and they all talked and asked questions My mind started to wander a little bit. It may have been that adult ADD but in any event that is when I asked myself the above question.
Now, we have been involved with the system for a little over a year and a half. First going through the process of training and getting licensed and now being a foster parent to (S) for a little over 13 months. Why do I feel like I am in the second grade and all these other people have their doctorate. It is not like I don't care and haven't tried to learn as much as possible. I do.
There is another one of these next month and there may be more. I don't know if I want to go back though. While the training is good and may become relevant at some time in the future I hate feeling like an outsider in a system I am so involved with. Does anyone else feel that way? If not, when did you start to feel a part of the system?
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Don't lose heart.
ReplyDeleteSometimes some of us "old timers" forget that there may be new people who don't know the language.
If you don't know, or have questions, ASK!
I have been a foster parent for 7 yrs., and I remember our first few meetings. :-)
Another option is to ask for a mentor, and then you can ask that one person if the crowd is intimidating.
Good Luck and GO BACK to the group! It will be a benefit to you! :-)
It's totally Greek to me, too! LOL! Keep going.. It's a great place for people in your shoes to learn and vent. :o)
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