Aunties and Uncles

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"Mentoring Children Since 1974"
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Frequently asked questions for kids

Who are aunts and uncles?
Q: Who are aunts and uncles? A: Aunts and uncles are special people in your community who would like to share some of their free time with a special child like you. Sometimes it may only be an aunt, sometimes only an uncle. Some aunts and uncles will have their own children, some won´t have any other children.
Do I meet them before they become my aunt and uncle?
Q: Do I meet them before they become my aunt and uncle? A: You sure do, so does your mum/dad. It´s really important that your family likes your new aunt and uncle. If you and your family don´t think you´ll get on with your new aunt and uncle, all you have to do is tell your Co-ordinator and we´ll all have a talk about it.
How often will I see my aunt and uncle?
Q: How often will I see my aunt and uncle? A: It depends, sometimes for a day, sometimes overnight or maybe a whole weekend. Some aunts and uncles have less free time than others, but generally you will see them once a month.
Do my brothers/sisters have the same aunt and uncle?
Q: Do my brothers/sisters have the same aunt and uncle? A: No, not usually. Your aunt and uncle are special people just for you. If we think your brother or sister should have an aunt or uncle, we will try to get them their own.
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Q: Do I have to eat the food at my aunt and uncle´s place?
Q: Do I have to eat the food at my aunt and uncle´s place? A: Nobody is going to force you to eat anything, but remember it´s really good to try new things. If there is something you really don´t like, are allergic to or just shouldn´t have, make sure your mum/dad tells your aunt and uncle.
What if I get sick?
Q: What if I get sick? A: If you get sick your aunt and uncle will let your mum/dad know as soon as they can. Remember only take tablets or medicine that your mum/dad knows about.
Can I ring home?
Q: Can I ring home? A: It shouldn´t be a problem to call home, but remember to ask your aunt and uncle first.
What will I do at my aunt and uncle´s place?
Q: What will I do at my aunt and uncle´s place? A: Sometimes you might stay at their home and play or you may go to the park or the beach. Sometimes your aunt and uncle may help you learn new things or help you with your homework. It really depends on what you and your aunt/uncle like doing. It´s important to remember that spending time with someone else who cares is the best part about having an aunt and uncle.
Where will I sleep?
Q: Where will I sleep? A: It depends on your aunt and uncle´s house. You will have your own bed. You might have your own room or you might share a room with your aunt and uncle´s children. Remember it is NOT OK to share a bed with anyone else.
How should I behave at my aunt and uncle´s place?
Q: How should I behave at my aunt and uncle´s place? A: Great Behaviour = Saying please and thank you - Listening to your aunt and uncle - Respecting other people´s stuff - Being helpful and friendly - Sharing with other kids. Not-so Great Behaviour = Hitting / Punching / Kicking / Biting - Stealing / Swearing - Breaking things on purpose - Being mean and hurtful to others
How long does it take to get an aunt and uncle?
Q: How Long does it take to get an aunt and uncle? A: There are lots of children waiting to get an aunt and uncle, so sometimes it takes quite a while. Get mum/dad to check with your co-ordinator every 3 months or so to see how things are going.
What if something happens at my aunt and uncle´s place that makes me feel sad, scared or uncomfortable?
Q: What if something happens at my aunt and uncle´s place that makes me feel sad, scared or uncomfortable? A: The people who want to become aunts and uncles in our program have to go through a lot of checks and training before they are allowed to meet you, so we try very hard to make sure that they are kind, friendly people who will care for you very much.
It is good for you to remember these few things too:
It is good for you to remember a few things too: First of all, your aunt, uncle or their family and friends are not allowed to smack you or yell at you. They are not allowed to do anything to you that scares you or makes you feel really embarrassed. If you are old enough to clean yourself in the bathroom at home, then you are old enough to clean yourself in privacy at your aunt and uncle´s place too. If something happens to you at any time that makes you feel scared, sad or uncomfortable, you or your mum and dad need to tell your Co-ordinator as soon as possible. Remember, no-one should stop you from telling, even when you have been told to keep it a secret. You have a right to feel safe all the time.