<UNDERSTANDING RATHER THAN PREJUDICE>
– Joonseok JUNG
The first idea of foster care was introduced in the States during the mid 19th century, and since then, there were some problems shown about foster care. Many children were not able to find a foster family, nor could adapt easily. Although foster caring definitely is a controversial topic as the kids might struggle in forming their own identity, it seems like foster care shapes and changes the children in a very positive way in lots of different aspects.
Mr Sharry, who currently teaches at UWCSEA, once was a fostering parent. He had a foster child named David, who wasn’t quite an obedient child at first. Foster children not being obedient might have some reasons, and we should try understanding them rather than having a prejudice.
A lot of people think that foster children’s behaviour is bad. This is partially true, but only because of their unpleasing background. David, for instance, had a drug-addicted mother and was isolated from her at the age of 11 months. This couldn’t have been easy for him. For his own living, he started stealing at the age of 6. I am not saying stealing is good, but if we think of how harsh and tough it would have been for that little child, we should at least try understanding him, in his perspective.
Every single time David met his biological mum, his behaviour and emotions worsened. This was because he still had trust in his mum, and he needed some time to get away with it. Every moment David was having trouble, Mr Sharry as a foster parent tried to understand and to communicate with him. By doing so, their relationship has gotten better.
Mr Sharry used to have a chart with David, about things to do or not to do, to help David’s actions to improve. Things improved after doing so, and it seems to be very true that understanding and communicating does help to improve the foster child’s behaviour.
David has improved a lot, especially after meeting a loving foster parent as Mr Sharry, and has grown up to serve in the army. Anyways, by looking at what happened between David and Mr Sharry, it seems like it is true that understanding the foster children is important, and it truly does help them in a lot of aspects.
It would be very lovely if we could try understanding the foster children, rather than having prejudice or having stereotypical thoughts. If you have further questions that are not explained in this article please do not hesitate to write some comments, and it would be magnificent that you visit this website: https://www.msf.gov.sg/fostering/Pages/default.aspx
Hi Joonseok,
Thanks for your post.
I’m glad you introduced your post with some background history on fostering children. It’s important for readers to know where it comes from (and what it means) before they themselves can determine if it’s something they’d like to do.
Things I would suggest for next time:
– cite all sources (including photos)
– include basic info on the link you’ve provided at the end (e.g. name of organisation, what they do, other contact details, etc.)
Mrs. Ashton