53-year-old Rosli bin Othman and his homemaker wife have four children of their own, and still devoted their time and passion to be foster parents to 15 children over the past decade. We spoke with Rosli to find out what makes him so passionate about being not only a dad to his four children, but also a foster dad to so many more.

1. How did your passion for fostering come about?

- My wife and I have a passion for kids and it was a quick and easy decision to decide we wanted to try out fostering, starting back in 2000. We actually felt excited about the prospect of becoming foster parents.

2. How do your own children get along with the foster children?

- My youngest daughter Iza gets along best with my youngest foster daughter as they are closer in age. When they get together they play pretend games and board games, or watch TV. My other children are busy working and a lot older, but they get along well with the foster children too, acting more like older siblings to them.

3. What are some of the things you do as a family to bond?

- We try to have sit-down meals as a family on weekends. We’ve also taken trips together to Malaysia, such as to Sunway Lagoon and Penang. More than 10 of us usually go for such trips so those trips are full of laughter and joy. I also try to help my foster children with their school work as often as I can, and this is also a way to bond closely with them.

4. What is your philosophy about parenting?

- At the end of the day, there is no hard and fast rule and it’s is all about improving communication with the children, understanding them better and knowing their unique personalities through time spent regularly with them.

5. What would you say to other parents who might be interested to volunteer as foster parents?

- I would definitely tell any parent to go for it... because the things you learn from the children and the experience as a foster parent... it’s all very challenging yet enriching. I would say life-changing too! You definitely gain more then you give.

 

If you can offer a child a stable and loving home as foster parents, and nurture their growth and potential, call MCYS at 6354-8799 or visit www.mcys.gov.sg/fostering to find out more.

 

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About the Author: The Dads for Life Resource Team comprises local content writers and experts, including psychologists, counsellors, educators and social service professionals, dedicated to developing useful resources for dads.

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