An Open Letter

Dear Bio-Momma, *

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If you are an indulgent Momma from day one... If you give in to your child's every demand because you don't want to upset or disappoint the child... If you are lax in making and enforcing rules... If, in short, you are more interested in being your child's "friend" than their parent...

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PLEASE do not complain when said child hits the teenage years and thinks the world revolves around them.

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PLEASE do not act surprised when said child, after you take away their cell phone and attempt to ground them, lashes out verbally, decides that living with their boyfriend is better than living with you, and takes off to find comfort in their boyfriend's arms.

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PLEASE do not complain that you don't want the police and CPS involved in your life when YOU are the one who called the police to go fetch your child because you "just couldn't deal with it." Because, here's the thing...if YOU call the police, the police will come. That's what they do. They show up when called. And if you thought they would just fetch your child and NOT file a report, you were mistaken. You have gone down this road before. PLEASE stop acting surprised!

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PLEASE, when your child who is already in foster care, shows up at your door for their weekly visit, do not emotionally vomit all over them. That child has enough to deal with already without having to convince you that you are a good parent and that really none of this is your fault.

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PLEASE, as the child who is already in foster care tries their best to comfort you, do NOT threaten to run away like your other child just did. I mean Really!!! You are not a teenager. You are a grown-up. Please start acting like it.

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Sincerely,

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The Foster Mom

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*Disclaimer: This post of course has nothing to do with any children in my care. Nothing whatsoever. :S