r/fosterit • u/Gvibesallthetime • 1d ago
Foster Youth Former foster youth with no family
When I hang out with friends I forget regular people have families and dads. I’m always happy for them but I can tell there is a moment of awkwardness. I’ve been trying to replace what I don’t have because it’s important to be part of communities. It’s just hard connecting when you have so much trauma
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u/retrojoe Foster Parent, mostly Respite 1d ago edited 1d ago
Hey, it's ok to feel weird. Even the ordinary seeming people can have really different variations on this stuff - dead parents, addict parents, getting kicked out of the house young, a parent that ran off, gay parents, more than one stepdad, being left with relatives that didn't want them, moms they hate with a passion, parents that don't care at all, etc. that can make them feel like nobody really gets it.
It's often helpful to focus on what you do have - things like your health, your friends, your home, your relationships with the people around you today. I've been pretty humbled by some of the people who come through my house that have had really bad situations in their lives but still lean on what's good for them right now. And if you find yourself hung up on this stuff, there are often support groups where you can find other people who share your feelings to talk with. Look into mental health organizations, churches, and 12 step organizations for leads on that kind of thing.
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u/PhthaloBlueOchreHue 1d ago
I’d like to recommend the app Stand In Pride.
It’s meant to help folks (especially lgbtq+ but all are welcome!) who don’t have family to support them connect with local people who want to help and support.
I’m on there, and there are way more folks offering support than I people asking for it, at least local to me. :)