Respite care needed for two toddlers

MONTREAL — Two Jewish toddlers need a place to go to a few days a month to give their single mother an occasional break.

Ben, 21/2, and Jonathan, 1, need the support of a Jewish foster home. For now, the boys would spend two to three days and nights once a month – and possibly more often if needed –with their respite family.

“This would give mother some time for herself and the little ones a different experience,” said Rena Rubin, foster home recruiter for Batshaw Youth and Family Centres.

“Fun, structure and learning would be the game plan for the children. In play, activity and interaction, they would experience normal day-to-day stimulation, which is so important for their development,” she said.

Ben is described as curious and active, but his speech is limited and he doesn’t form sentences. Puzzles, interactive children’s games, and dancing are his favourite activities, while sitting with a book does not yet interest him as much.   

“As he tends to seek attention by misbehaving and he may be physical with small children, other youngsters [in the home] should be older than him. This would also provide him the chance to watch how they play and behave,” Rubin said.

Jonathan smiles a lot and likes to cuddle. “As he only recently sat up on his own and is somewhat passive, lots of stimulation should be a part of his daily routine,” she said.

If you think you can help, contact Batshaw at 932-7161, ext. 338.