I've fallen in love with fostering - Georgia's story #SandD2015

Over the years I have met the most incredible young people who I have formed true bonds with. They have become my family which is pretty special considering there is no genetic relation. These kids have provided me with some amazing and unforgettable memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

However, fostering isn't always smiles and happy times… My family and I have gone through some serious lows in our five years of fostering. Dealing with behaviours that include violence, sexualised acts, attachment issues, stealing, refusal to eat, inability to talk (but more than capable of swearing) and extremely poor academia are just some of the difficulties I face being in a fostering family. It's draining,  both physically and emotionally. Although these challenges bring me down, they are also a great opportunity to learn, whether that be dealing with such behaviours or discovering causes for these behaviours. These challenges also allow me to grow and develop as a person. I  believe empathy is vital in life, no matter what your occupation or who you are, and fostering has really helped me establish myself as an empathetic person which I am so thankful for.

Another frustration is seeing how tough a time my mum has. She gets hit with all the worst parts of fostering and often has to deal with it alone whilst I'm at work. Witnessing her being down isn't what I want to see but it's what comes hand in hand with being in a foster family. It is hard and there's no sugar coating it.

On a positive note, fostering has provided me with some remarkable highs. I have learnt so much which I can take with me and use in whatever I do. More often than not, the highlights of fostering completely outweigh the low times. I hope to be involved with fostering for many years to come.

By Georgia, 18

Georgia's ​blog was written as part of our Sons and Daughters Month blogging competition. Find out more about Sons and Daughters Month.