I mean! Cos I don’t understand the harm in giving love to this kid openly. Just what if this was his only chance at a loving home, lost because of ‘technicalities surrounding permanence’. A child can and should be loved by as many as possible

I’m so glad you had this experience and I agree with you. Let this child feel cherished even if it’s a short term

I’m hating that some people think your careful approach to using the word ‘love’ is mean spirited or withholding. I think you are being very unselfish. You seem to have the right awareness that it’s not about you making yourself look good or being memorable. As for people saying you’re not suitable for fostering if you’re not lavishing affection and the ‘l’ word around, I wonder if they’re aware how many children are disappointed by misleading claims of love and devotion?

This might be the only time this child is ever told that someone loves them. Please don't let this pass you by.

And you can love him and be supportive of him forever even if he isn't with you forever. I've never been in these shoes and it takes a lot of strength to do so and it makes me happy they're thinking along these lines of what's best for his well being, but I don't think showing love needs to equate to you being a forever home either

I agree he may feel rejected and then becomes guarded with his feelings because he says I love you and it gets brushed off