Support
Be My Parent features about support, education and training.
Making it work
Is becoming a parent compatible with holding down a job? Many people manage to do both, whether by choice or by obligation, others decide to give up work on becoming parents...
We fit everything in!
Sally and her husband are proud parents to Ross, 14, their adopted daughter Jemima, ten, and Louis, four. She talks about juggling full-time work with full-time parenting...
There’s no need to feel guilty
Debbie wanted to permanently foster but didn't think she would be considered as she was single, living in a council house and having to work...
The moment you’ve been waiting for...
You’ve been matched with a child, or a group of brothers and sisters, and very soon they will be moving into your home! There’s so much to think about and organise…
A very solid little unit
Suddenly becoming a parent when you have been used to living on your own can be quite a surprise, even if you think you have been preparing for it! Julia tells her story…
Sleeping in a magical space!
Kim and Paolo adopted Jade and Billie 18 months ago. Kim talks about how they welcomed them into their life – and how the girls welcomed them in turn.
Taking time to prepare
Bridget Betts is an independent social worker who has been in social work for 26 years. She explains how she works with parents to get ready for the arrival of their child…
Getting the most out of school
It's essential that adopters and foster carers ensure the lines of communication between home and school are kept open...
Do your homework!
Paul May, a freelance writer and adoptive father, shares his experience of advocating for his adoptive daughters at school.
When neighbours become good friends
When her neighbour decided to adopt, Marianne found herself unexpectedly drawn into a new role.
Crafty listening
Michael Mallows explains what is involved in ‘crafty’ listening.
Strength, not weakness!
Support is often used at times of crisis, but it can also be helpful to consider the support you might need beforehand, so as to avoid reaching breaking point.
The good news, the bad news...
From her wide-ranging experience as birth parent, foster carer, social worker and writer, Kate explores why learning can be so hard for some children.
How many grannies am I allowed to have?
When a child enters a new family, as well as their new mother, their new father, their new siblings, they have to take on board a whole, sometimes complex, network of new relatives...
Life story support
Adoptive mum Helen talks to Suzanne Harding about helping her two daughters understand their past.
Last updated: 10 January 08
