razelbagel

Current big to an 8 year old.

We hang out twice a month for 3 hours. So it is a commitment, but it's not going to take over your life. My little also calls me 2-3 times a week with an idea of what we can do. Again, my little is 8 so that might change kid to kid.

You have an interview with a mentor specialist, which is a couple hours. You go over everything, it's fairly invasive but it doesn't feel like an interrogation. But they ask about family life, relationships, drug use, alcohol use, etc. Part of the time is also spent on your interests, hobbies, and what you want out of the experience. She asked me what age group I was interested in, what kind of kid, if I was willing to have a little with physical or mental disabilities, if I was comfortable being paired with someone that has been physically or psychologically abused, etc. Then she tried to find a pair. She called about a week or two later, tols me a little about him and asked if I was interested. If I said no she'd jeep looking, but I said yes and so we met.

I don't want to hijack his AMA, but I am a current big brother to an 8 year old so I thought I would answer.

I have not had any problems. I'm 25, and he is 8 and Israeli so we are obviously not related but I have never gotten any looks or comments. I hold his hand when we cross the street, I've held his hand walking through crowded places, and have never had a problem. I am responsible for this child, first and foremost, so walking around the Santa Monica pier with thousands of people I'm more concerned with keeping him with me than what other people think.

You should definitely apply if you're interested. Its not a huge time commitment but there is one so make sure you can commit. He and I hang out 2 a month for roughly 3 hours.

Well you're doing a good job answering people's questions. Just figured since I have such a young little brother I could help ease that concern

Wow 5 how exciting. I've been a big since February. He was 7 then, actually the second time we hung out was his 8th birthday party, which was a little nerve-wracking because his family, friends, and friends parents were there. If you two end up liking each other and getting paired, the best advice I can give is try and remember yourr there to be a friend and mentor, not a babysitter. Especially at first when they don't talk much it can feel like you're just watching them for 3 instead of hanging out with them. Do things you can both do, and it doesn't have to be expensive. It can just be going to the park or beach or riding bikes.

As I said in another question I'm a current big to an 8 year old. First meeting is a little awkward. For me I met his mom and him at the same time. They came in, his mom had a few questions for me, then he and I went into the other room which had toys and just chatted for a few minutes. Then he went back in with his mom, the case worker talked to each of us separately to see if we both wanted continue and that was it.

Do you know how old she is going to be? Just remember it's a little kid so they'll likely be awkward, shy, and very excited that an adult wants to hang out with them.