I have 5 kids. 3 are foster kids. All girls. It’s really hard and I’m also young but I’d rather battle with them each day before I put them in the system. One day you will reap the rewards for your commitment and hard work.
Honey you can do this… and when you need a break or a shoulder get in touch with me. In the big picture you know you wanna keep them together with family. Prayers for you
Please don’t let them go to foster care. As a foster care child I have alot of trauma please help them and care for them
It will be difficult, but your rewards will be many.
God will see you through this difficult time. Don’t sell yourself short my dear.
You can do it!!! God doesn’t give you more than you can handle. Be patient, loving, caring, and make sure to recollect and take you time rather it’s a bath at the end of the night while they sleep or whatever. Praying for you and your family
Where is yours & thier father at ?? U mentioned thier mother but not the father…you have been caring for them this long so if they go to foster care they will feel abandoned & heart broken & u will also feel heart broken & guilty…no one can tell u what to do but u know whats right for u & your family…find ppl who can help & make your dad step up also…I wish u & your family all the best honey
You should be able to get assistance and food stamps even if you work !
You are a wonderful person. Thank you for being someone these kids can look up to and count on. God bless you… Always.
Please consider adopting them since you have already been there for them for a out 2 years now… If you let them go into foster care, I’m sure the guilt will eat you alive. Plus most time siblings get split up and don’t see each other for years. Now that’s not true in all cases but it does happen… So do what’s best for them and adopt them. They will be forever grateful.
So many kids in the system end up getting abused going from pillar to post,for that reason alone you should take them,give them a chance.
Im here to help if you ever need! You can do this! You won’t regret it!! Please get in touch with me!!
I have 5 kids to deal with 2 with austim two with adhd my house is a circus
I think if you didn’t think you could do it you wouldn’t even be second guessing you’re choices. Hearing yourself saying 4 kids under the age of 6 how am I going to cope to actually doing it , you’d be surprised how quickly you adjust , believe me when I say it’s not a walk in the park , it is rewarding tho good luck I believe you can
I was 18 had the option and chance to take in my 4 cousins before they went into foster care. I regret it everyday knowing I’ll never see them again
Wow, for 22, that’s a lot! However, I think you are very mature and responsible for dealing well with the current situation you are in. I would say, take them in. Sounds like your partner doesn’t mind, and I’m sure your kids will love it. Things might seem difficult at times with 4 toddlers, just remember to ask for help. Do you really want them going thru the foster care system? What if the are split apart, or land bad foster care parents? From the sounds of it, your guys father is flakey. Those boys need a stable, loving home. I think you already know the answer to your question. Yes, you can do it!
I adopted my niece when she was 6 months old, The only thing I worried about was keeping her safe and healthy, which is why I adopted her. And I wanted her to know her family and not be stuck in the system. Life in foster care is no fun and I never wanted her to go from home to home. Once you are a mother it is very easy to love your own flesh and blood. You will I am sure be busy for awhile until they get a little older but the reward of those sweet babies out weigh the bad.
It is a big responsebility but it is one that will be well worth it. It’s so much going on in the system right now, maybe the safest place would be with a person who really cares about your siblings.
When the state (TX) puts children in your care they give you child support as well. Maybe you can use that money to help pay for childcare and help with housecleaning when you need it.
Best wishes to you and your siblings.
When I was 22 I had two biological children, three step children, and legal custody of two teenage cousins. It could be and often was overwhelming. I gave them love but was far from a “good” parent. Given the choice, I would do it again. I am not and was not even close to perfect. However, all five children were given a home with extended family that loved them. They carry scars from a to young mom, but also know that love can and does exist.
A woman can do whatever is needed involving being a mom to yours and the kids that need it. Keep your head up because it will be hard but obviously you already know your answer if you’ve already been doing it. Stay strong and don’t doubt your mothering abilities!
It will be hard but you cannot put these children in the system. God will guide you and you will feel so loved by these children when they understand what you did for them:blue_heart:
Hun honestly if you have been taking care of them already it’ll just be like normal. If you have them now, just call into a routine, guaranteed it’s going to be hard at times but they need you! We adopted our grandson when he was 2 because we didn’t want him to be in the system. They will be so confused if they don’t know anyone or what’s going on.
If it is such a hard question then I day no. Let them be placed in a home where they are totally loved and wanted
You are stronger than you think, follow your heart.
Nobody can answer this question for you. If you say yes, make sure it’s not a no to yourself. This is a huge responsibility.
From an ethical standpoint it’s easy to say take the kids but you are only 22 and your boyfriend only helps with his kids sometimes. There seems to be little to no support from their/your dad and mom is not able to. I recommend to find out first where you find support. Financial support and emotional support. You need to know that before you make a decision. It seems you have been pushed into this role and everybody expects you to fill this role. Remember you have the right of your own life, your own dreams. If that can include your brothers, that would be wonderful. If you feel you are stuck with four kids then have the courage to say no. Kids will feel if they are welcome or if they have to be with you because there was no other option.
My sister had custody of my little brother for years probably ages 5-10 and she’s still not perfect at it but she does a really good job, and I couldnt imagine where the poor kid would be without her. It was super hard on her the first three or so years but she’s kind of gotten the hang of it. Our mother and the kids father live out of state for legal reasons
I agree. The systems are fucked. I’ve seen more enough stories where foster homes are filled with different types of abuse. The questions those kids will have as to why their sister didn’t protect them. I’m sure they would be thankful to struggle with you than be raised in the system smh I have 3 siblings. 2 of which are a handful but I wouldn’t put them in foster care
Can you take custody but not adopt, that would give you the ability to file for support, though you may not always get it it would help some if and when you do….just a thought good luck! Hope it all works out for you, that’s a big choice at such a young age!
You sound like an amazing person. 22 is very young for such a huge responsibility. From what I’ve read you love your brothers and your probably the only constant, loving person in their life.
Its a lot for a 22 year old but you wouldn’t be able to live with your self if something where to happen to them being in a foster home please take Care of them
You should take them in as your the foster mom. That way you have the backing of the state that would help with child care, schools, medical insurance and other things as well. Your just be there permanent guardian with fiance aid, and benefits as well.
My husband. Got killed in a car wreck and left me with 5 kids ages10 to 2
I worked and raised them by .myself.It wasnt easy but l did what l had to do.l prayed a lot and god always made a way.There are places to get help food stamps and other agencies now.None of these places where there then.Your stronger than you think.God bless you.
As overwhelming as it seems, those boys will need you. Honestly you will find out that you actually need them more then they need you. You have already been doing it and yes it’s overwhelming but so worth it at the end of the day knowing those kids are safe and loved. Good luck momma.
You can do it love stronger then you know the way id look at it is u want them in the system in their whole lifes ? or u want them healthy n happy? With their acutal family ? I no its alot for u with wee one but in long haul foster care could also make things worth for them when getting put in system
Yes you can do it. It will be hard. But you have an attachment to them and they to you.
Wishing you well.
I understand it’s a lot but you can do if thats what u want. It will be overwhelming at first but it is something you have already been doing on and off. I have 4 girls and do it by myself some days I want to give up but it rewarding once I get that moment to my self.
Foster them that way you get more financial support plus they can help with counseling if needed! Prayers for you and your little ones!
God knows the answer to all your problems he will make away where are they saying not to be a way God bless you and the kids
Mom is in jail, but it didn’t say where their father is? And will she get financial help from their father/mother?
It will be hard and you are so young. I think you will have regrets later on if you don’t keep them. Will the state help with daycare and expenses for them? Good luck sweet lady. Hang in there.
Where is the father of the children or grandparents? If there is no one else me personally coming from a big family and having 5 children of my own I could not imagine allowing my siblings to go into foster care. You can do this you have been doing it yes it will be a big responsibility but your siblings need you the only person that has been there.
I say yes. My daughter-in-law is in her 20’s and also has custody of her 11 yr old brother plus has a 7 and 2 year old and she works as well. She wouldn’t change it for the world.
Please get them, foster care is horrible and so many kids get abused. Age has nothing to do with it… I had 3 kids by the time I was 21.
You will definitely feel overwhelmed and luke it’s to much but with time it would get easier. If I was in your situation i would definitely take them
Take the boys…there are plenty of places and opportunities that will help! The boys know you and are safe with you.
I would do it!!! I take care of my granddaughter. I have No regrets! There are places that will help. After school care etc. To give you time breaks.
I would wear myself thin to death before social services taken … family is always first. I would be afraid this failing system would split them or abuse. Hang in there, praying for you all
I was put in a similar situation at the age of 24 my sister was murdered and her husband committed suicide which left two children I at the time had a seven-month-old baby I did take in my niece and nephew at the age of four and five I later adopted them both. I never regretted it for a minute. Even when my husband left after four years because he decided he didn’t want the responsibility. Be strong and make sure you can do this alone. Wishing you the best in what ever you decide to do
That’s a lot handle but you love them and if they go into the system you may never get to be any part of their lives. I would talk to the men in your life and talk it over asking for more help.
Do what ever it takes to take care and keep them…you will not regret it and the children will never forget… family is everything…
You can do this! Those boys need you. Can you get custody of them but not adopt? That way you would be able to get child support, etc. If no one pays child support then the state would give you a check to help financially care for them. I forget what it’s called. You should also be able to get snap benefits for them without going by your income. There are also other resources that fall under kinship benefits for when you raise your family members who are not biologically yours. I took in one of my nieces when she was 11 and she lived with us until she was 18. Then I got custody of another niece when she was 4 and she is now 9. We had 3 other kids also. My heart has definitely been full
Take them babies in! God will bless you with the resources to do that. They are your siblings, I’m afraid you will regret it.
In Pennsylvania we were given money every month for the care of a foster child and they handle everything. School enrollment, doc appt.
You can handle whatever you put your mind to. That’s alot to take in, but the task could be tackled If that’s your hearts decision. Nap times are a must, strict bed times, helping with tasks for their age. I became a mom at 22, now currently 25 and pregnant again, due in 15 weeks. Do things to keep and help yourself stay sane. you will feel very rewarded for doing this. You’re a superhero!
You would feel guilty putting them in the system. They are your brothers. You can get help from the outside. Family is family. How would I feel if the shoe was on the other foot. Do u want someone to give up on you?
See if you can do a fostering program. That way the state helps you financially and medically plus you would be eligible for food stamps. Plus you get to keep them together. You never said where your dad is in all this. Why isn’t he taking responsibility for these two children? Would he really sign his rights away? And your baby daddy needs to start helping more. These children need a male figure in their life and don’t deserve to be ignored while your boyfriend helps with “his” two kids. You are doing the right thing for these kids. At least they won’t get lost and separated in the fostering system. It’s going to be hard but you love them and want what’s best for them. They will be forever grateful for your sacrifice. I’ll be praying for you whatever your decision. Good luck
Do it but ask for yourself. Ask for foster care pay and support. File for all the financial help you can get…
Ask for therapy for the 5 of you. You can do this with support.
In Texas we have what is called kinship program for family or even friends of the family. We have permanent custody of 2 girls we are not related to. The girls have Medicaid that is automatic every year without having to file every year. We are paid a small bit to help, but can have help getting to dr appointments. We had to go thru a shortened foster care class
I think you should kids deserve to stay in the family. Youve already been taking care of them so whats the difference now.
Take the kids and live and care for them. Their lives will be turned upside down in foster care.
I wasn’t much older with 4 kids. There will be many hard times. But it will be worth it
I’m 22 with 3 children of my own, and I would take in more if the child was in need. It’s not easy but sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do
Do it, but put them in school and pre school to give your self a break.
Well worth it they need someone they can rely on at that age
Do it you’ll never forgive yourself if you let them go to foster care and you could of stopped it
Where’s your dad he should take care of them.
Yes you won’t be sorry they’re young enough for you to train them right
I have 5 kids .
With those ages they’ll be best friends for Life.
If you’re so close to them you wouldn’t be Asking this question.
But there your brothersn with you youll know what they go thru yes it will be a challenge BUT GOD WILL BE THERE FOR YOU
Yes you have to so they can stay together & not become part of the system. It’ll be hard but worth it
My advice to you is do everything you can to Make it work! You do not want to regret your decision down the road , and lose all connection to your brother’s, and/or have something happen to your brother’s, when you could have kept them safe…
As someone who adopted 2 babies from the system, I would not hesitate, they need you so bad right now sweetie.
I know your young, but you could all grow together, and they aren’t going to get any younger. Teach them to help you, and work as a team. Not only is their life being completely uprooted, it is now forever! If you do not take them in, then im sorry to say, their future is probably not looking too good.
Imo The foster system is no place for kids!! I would definitely do all I could to make sure they are with people that love them! Regardless of your decision, i hope they get a forever loving home. THIS BREAKS MY HEART!! For all of you, because you are so young, but I think you would be an amazing mother to your siblings. You may have to teach entitled people boundries. Meaning if dad or anybody else for that matter comes back into the picture and tries to be the parent, too bad!! Those are your boys now, and you will fiercely protect them. I have seen the latter, and how those kids end up it is very sad. To have kids around to receive a check will only make you bitter, and mean towards the children, and they will ultimately suffer greatly. Sadly a lot of people do only take them for the money. If you adopt there is no money, but you should be able to get medicaid for the boys until 18, and depending on your state many other resources. Look up the laws in your state. There is help out there, you just have to find it. There are many fb adoption groups that you could find support in. If you truly do love your brother’s, and I can tell that you really do, I would make it work!! No matter what!! … Not to mention the uncertainty happening in this world today. Not only are your brothers going to need you, but you will also need them… Right now we live in a world where CHILDREN ARE BEING SEXUALIZED! I do not understand it, as it turns my stomach to even think about, but it is happening all the same! I know some kids who had everything taken from them on their first placement. They did go on to be adopted, but the damage was already done. I’m not telling you this to scare you hun, i am telling you this so you are aware of what your brothers could potentially have in store for them. Their first placement could potentially be the end of their innocence, or life for that matter!
You got this sweetie, you are way stronger then you think. You only ever wanted to have 2 kids, because you knew you had 2 here already in your heart. I truly believe we know our purpose here, but we have to discover it.
Become a team, and work together. If you allow others to make decisions for you, you are allowing those people to control your destiny… Feel free to message me if you have any questions about adoption or anything, or as someone who has been there, if you just need someone to talk to…
I wish you all the best of luck!!
REMEBER : YOU ARE MUCH STRONGER THEN YOU THINK YOU ARE SWEETIE, I PROMISE!!
Hugs
I think you’ll get tax breaks and extra $$ on taxes every year if you adopted.
Not sure that works
Try speaking to an advisor like a lawyer about options you can take with financial assistance and such.
Because your kin, I worry you won’t get “Foster” money… And I think it would be wise to strategize your financial Outlook handling 4 children and understanding your options and legalities.
It’s a big responsibility, but it’s worth it. You’d be the safest person for them to be with
There are lots of resources out there to help you if u need it u are a great sister and you will do great
Don’t let them go to foster care. Please.
Where the hell is their father?
Can your dad help out?
Do what’s in your heart.
Just pray an ask GOD to give you strength and the mind to do it. Those babies need you.
You will regret not taking them get in church and pray it will all work
Love those babies like they’re yours🥺 they need you. You’ve got this momma
Try adopting thru fostering n maybe get respite care for some help
You got this:muscle: your brothers are very lucky to have a big sister like you:heart:
Definitely do it!!!
Go get a house through “habitat for humanity” honey. They will help you.
Brothers are forever …god brings you to it he will help you thru it
The safest place for them to be is with you
Just keep them out of the system. It’ll be hard, but it will be so worth it
Take them. Great things will happen for you.
I know that God is placing them in your care for a reason. They obviously love you and feel safe with you. You may be young, and it get overwhelmed at times but trust that God will guide you to take care of them.
Go ahead, their will be plenty of blessing come from this:innocent:
It’s overwhelming now but in the end they could be big helps and you could give them a happy, loving family!! Something they and you deserve
The fact that you’re putting their best interests says so much about you. As a foster kid I can tell you the system is so very flawed, is there any other family that can help or take them in?
I don’t know but if I could redo my decision which is just like yours except they where in-laws I would of done differntly, I feel my own kids was push to back burner so did my own life. I am sorry you have to make that decision and I was the same age now I am 35 and I would say this is a decision only you can make but I wish I gave it more thought because my own kids deserve more then what I could have them and now I just too exhausted from life for my granddaughter … I could write a book about this, good luck. Prayers for you (my in-laws we 3 and 4) I had a 2 year old and a newborn
I’d never let my family get separated. Come back to bite you.
Where’s the boys dad ?
Foster care is no place for children!! I wouldn’t send my worst enemies kids there. Not only will they be at risk of being split up but they’re also more likely than not to be abused.
My daughter is 26 and just took four boys so they did not go to foster care
Take them of corse why Would you ever want them in goddamn foster care?
They will be destroyed there
I think you already know in your heart you will.And Bless your heart for doing what you’re doing and have already done. Take all the help you can get, It will be a big job but so rewarding .Wishing you all the best!