The Bromley Family (a Fredericton area Foster Family)

1.    Everyone’s name

Lindsay (Mom), Darren (Dad), Caroline(8), James(6), Eddie (the dog), Orange and Spotty (the fish)

2.    Age range of children you have fostered?

The youngest was 10 weeks and the oldest was 6 years old.

3.    Length of time you have been a foster family?

We have been a foster family 3 and a half years.

4.    Favorite family activity?

Anything that we can do as a family, even if it is just hanging out!

5.    Favorite activity/thing for the month of May?

Getting outside and enjoying the warm weather. Every May, we take a trip to Rogersville (to the Trappistine Monastery). It is one of the most beautiful, peaceful places in New Brunswick. We pack a picnic and enjoy being together as a family.

And of course attending the fredkid Fair!

6.    Favourite part of being a foster family?

Putting someone else’s needs before our own.  We are not able to have children (Caroline and James are adopted) but we never felt our family was complete. Fostering allows us to complete our family in a unique way. Each child that has lived with us – short or long period of time – has been truly a part of our family.

7.    Best park in the area?

We love the park at the New Maryland center. The kids play and then we walk or run around the trails. The kids can also ride their bikes in the big parking lot – hardly any cars to slow them down!

8.    Favorite local restaurant?

We don’t eat out much and when we do the kids always want McDonalds. (Fine dining at its best!!)

8.    Favorite aspect of the fredkid.com?

I’ve recently discovered the “Mommy Blogs”. I also like to have a look at the calendar to see what is going on in the city.

10.    Suggestion for the fredkid family movie of the month?

“Hotel For Dogs” – EXCELLENT family movie and EXCELLENT movie promoting fostering and adopting!

11.    One thing that is great about living in Fredericton?

It feels homey; this is the highest compliment, as our family is not originally from here! Darren’s family live in Ontario and Lindsay’s family live in PEI.

12.  Favorite activity at the fredkid FAIR?

The kids love anything that they can bounce on or in!

13.  What I want all Fredericton Families to know about being a Foster Family…

Fostering is the most humbling thing you will ever experience. My (Lindsay, not Darren!) initial reservation was the feeling that I was going to get attached and that I wouldn’t want the kids to leave. That sentiment quickly disappeared when I realized it wasn’t about me – it’s about a child. Yes, it is heartbreaking, but the heartbreak quickly turns into: “look at what I just did for a child”! If you have ever remotely considered becoming a foster family, please don’t be intimidated. As the saying goes: JUST DO IT!

There is an ongoing need in the Fredericton region for couples or individuals to become foster parents for children in care.  Foster parents play an essential role in supporting the most at risk children in our community.  The Department of Social Development is looking for people who are interested in becoming a foster family or relief foster family for children between the ages of 0 and 19 years old.  If you are interested or wish to receive more information, please call 457-4892 or 1-866-444-8838 or visit www.gnb.ca/family.