Is mentoring for those who want to be in the life of a child for a long time?

Question

Parenting is a huge responsibility I am afraid I cannot do, mentally and physically. However I want to help out a child who struggles with life. I figured foster children deserve a lot of care. My heart is big.

I want to be there throughout their ups and downs. I want them to know I am here for them till I take my last breathe. Is mentoring the best way to do this?

Answer 1

You will not be able to stay in a child's life until you die unless they are a relative or your own child (adoptive or you gave birth). Fostered children go on to a forever home, hopefully, and you can't just force yourself into their life anymore. The child's new parents may feel uncomfortable and it is their right if they don't want you around. Mentoring can only last while the child is in school/high school. They won't need it when they're grown up. I don't know what you're expecting here. Perhaps becoming a God parent would be what you want.

Answer 2

Mentors are usually shorter term, but I'm sure it depends on the individuals.

Answer 3

Mentoring and foster care are two completely different things. Mentoring is volunteer work, foster care is full time care for a child in need.



Go here for more info on mentoring - http://www.mentoring.org/

Go here to learn more about foster care - http://www.adopt.org/what-foster-care



Read up on the two then contact your local social services about foster care or look on the mentor site about being a mentor.