How do I take care of a kid that's not mine/unofficially foster a kid?

SharkEatingBreakfast@sh.itjust.works to Asklemmy@lemmy.ml – 92 points –

Hey, so.. I may be in this situation soon, and I may just be in over my head here, but I'm a sucker who really couldn't say no to this.

This kid took care of his grandmother as she deteriorated and finally died. He was there when it happened. She had a degenerative disease and the kid's mom left him with her so she could "babysit" him, when in reality, this kid was the only one looking after her. His parent is a working single mom, so it's really not her fault, but, like.. damn.

The kid is 8 years old.

Kid's dad is just gone. Disappeared. Has been since he was tiny.

He sometimes is watched over by his aunt, but she & the nieces just literally ignore him. He says that he just sat quietly on the couch for days. They fed him and whatever, but that family has their own batshit fuckery going on. Not mentally stable, tbh. The aunt is very hostile and I think he is scared of her.

He's one of my in-law's kids (whom I don't even know well), but, like.. holy shit. He and his mom now live in the deceased grandmother's house, but she now has no one to watch over him. He has been going to work with her and being told to sit quietly and do not much else. They're now almost an hour away from his school, so he may lose that part of his stability, too.

Again.. he's 8. And holy shit, kid barely talks. He's so well-behaved and meek, it actually alarms me greatly. He used to hang out with my brother's kids, but my brother moved out of state. He came back this week and was asked to watch over the kid while he and his kids were in town. This is when I've most recently reconnected with the kid, but I've met him before when my brother was still in town.

I have room in my home. I'm a single parent, too, but I'm fortunate to work from home and have a kid who's 12 who could hang out, play video games with him, take him to the park, and whatever. I'm close to his school. I don't have much right now, but, like.. fuck, I want to give this kid a good, loving space, stability, and get him into therapy, for fucks sake.

I don't give a shit about what your opinion of the mom is. I met her like twice. I also don't plan to adopt this kid or anything (unless it really comes to that but that's not a thing right now since he obviously has a parent), but I just need advice on how I should navigate this.

Medical needs? Can I get him into therapy without trouble? Will I need the parent's permission? What should I ask her for? I'm not sure she'd be okay giving me his documents if this is temporary, but FUCK there's a lot to do. I want to do something right for this kid.

Help? Please?

9

As others have said, simply providing a stable place to be around another child and adult will do leaps and bounds. But if possible I would work on helping him get into activities he can do on his own when he is dragged to mom’s work and told to sit quietly in a corner or sent to the disinterested aunt—because that’s bound to happen again.

Maybe try discovering if he likes reading and what sort of material? Children’s paperbacks can be found inexpensively; library cards are free either for a physical library or digitally. If you find he’s into reading, an on-sale Kindle could be an option that you regularly load up with Libby ebooks.

How about a small sketchbook and a few pencils if he’s artistically minded? He doesn’t need a whole kit, just a few pieces for him to pass the time. If he’s into games, perhaps teach him solitaire or get him a travel chess set. Maybe sports are more his things, then fantasy football or some such.

I think teaching and helping him develop some low-cost, unobtrusive coping mechanisms could really save his mental health in the long-term. It’s a bit grim having to suggest all these solitary activities for a child, but the reality is that he will find himself in these isolating situations again. Giving him the tools to develop interests and hobbies without his mother/aunt’s intervention will put him in a better psychological place as he ages and will provide naturally-occurring encounters with potential friends who share his interests.

Damn, that hurts to read that, but you're right.

I have a bazillion books at my place (for every age group.. do 8-year olds still like "Magic Tree House"..?), art supply, board games, cards, and those kinda things.

I'm sure he'll be happy to do literally anything, tbh. Poor kid seems to feel guilty for simply existing. Fuckin' hate to see it.

I loved Magic Tree House at his age! That’s exactly what I was thinking—MTH is wonderful for escapism. If you can get him onto something that exercises his mind, that’s the ideal, hence my drawing, reading, and chess suggestions—anything he can sustain in isolation and when low on funds or access to shops.

Edit: magic tricks if he’s dexterous!

Unfortunately his mother is still his guardian, so she may very well one day pick up and leave with him. In that situation, at least he’ll have the skills to keep growing his interest(s) and entertain himself.

I am a lawyer. I am not your lawyer, and nothing contained within this comment can be used to create an attorney client relationship between us.

That being said, investigating getting a Guardianship through your county probate court. Should take care of all your needs.

Just. Be. There.

You're a parent, so you know how this is going to work. By the seat of your pants. Medical and Psychiatric needs are beyond your control. I know you say that it's a need but it's simply not one you can provide other than it coming from you directly. It's just not something you can unilaterally do. You can try and get in contact with counselors at their school, but that's about it. So focus on what you can do and that is be there. Harvard released a study about 8 years ago that had the statement that every successful child had ONE invested, stable adult person in their life. Not parent, aunt, uncle, brother, sister, grandparent. Person.

It sounds to me like you're pretty dedicated to being that person. So I'd say the best thing you can do now is to just be you, and don't stress about the things beyond your control. If you can continue to just be willing to invest this much effort you've shown already then you'll be the best thing going for this child.

The best thing you can actually do is be there for him right now. Be like a big brother or an uncle to him. I so admire you for caring. Take that capacity for empathy and caring and apply it to this child. Ask him what his interests are and help nurture them. I would be careful with getting involved in medical needs, therapy, etc. Those are dangerous and dicey waters to wade into and the only reason to get involved that deeply is if you believe this child's welfare is in immediate and imminent danger. If this is does become the case, please contact the proper responsible state agency. A situation like I just mentioned would open the door for you to become a foster parent. You are a good human being and to be commended!

Contacting the equivilent of Child Protective Services in your country is a safe bet, but you should check your country's laws regarding foster care if you're planning to adopt the kid. I would reccommend you to consult a lawyer if that's your plan.