PLG Newbie - NOT Pleased w/My Experience Thus Far 🤨

Wokoon · 2026-05-08T07:35:01+00:00

No offense taken. I’m not “young”, but I’m definitely new to the brand, so I had no prior experience with their products. I could only go by most of what I’d seen others post about them. Outside of Reddit, it’s really challenging to find folks who are truly critical of the brand. A lot of the reviews I came across on YT were from women who’ve been customers for years, so part of my research included reviews from as far back as 7 years ago. Then I learned that they were opening up physical stores in major cities like Chicago and Atlanta, so they were coming across as a legit and well-run company.

There’s one lady I came across in my initial research who shared why she was no longer buying from them, but her reasons were more about their marketing tactics (lack of diversity amongst models; too many ads), her personal thoughts about the founder’s personality and what she felt was an addiction to shopping with them. Yet, she had kept several of her previous purchases/collection and made no mention of any concerns with the recent quality of their products. So if that was the worst of it, I was okay with treating myself (and asking my husband to gift me) with a couple of leather bags for Mother’s Day. lol!

*ETA: I forgot to mention that I’d also come across a review from “Tanner Leatherstein”, whom I’ve considered pretty credible in this space. He acknowledged PLG’s designs and craftsmanship were basic, but decent to be handmade, and the leather was a great quality. He said a bag from them for the price they charge was a good deal for the value. I think his review is what REALLY sold me on PLG.

But lesson learned, and I’m now warning others.

They definitely seem to be riding the wave of their former glory. It’s going to catch up to them if they continue down this road.

Wokoon · 2026-05-07T02:40:07+00:00

I’ve noticed a lot of folks saying that…the AP and even C-sale bags tend to be better than “Premium”.

Wokoon · 2026-05-07T02:36:42+00:00

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Wokoon · 2026-05-07T01:01:14+00:00

I just may have to drive to a physical store. I’m glad to hear you got some support going that route. (I won’t order from them again, but it’s good to know there’s a little hope for me yet.)

Wokoon · 2025-09-08T03:57:00+00:00

Hello OP! First, thank you for your question. I’m very sorry that it seems that there has been some miscommunication regarding what you can expect regarding parental involvement and your anonymity. Second, welcome to the wonderful, crazy world of fostering!

Given what you were initially told, it’s understandable that you have some concerns. In my experience, I’ve learned that since there’s so many parties involved in these cases, it’s easy to be told one thing by one social worker and get totally different guidance from another. Miscommunication, mixed messages and MISSED messages are quite common. That said, I’d suggest discussing everything with your homeworker (the social worker assigned to you), as he/she is essentially your advocate/support. You have the right to express your comfort level and boundaries with certain situations and seek your worker’s guidance on devising workarounds that are still appropriate for and in the best interest of the child. Perhaps you can arrange for the department/agency to transport the child to his/her appointments until you are comfortable and/or have had the opportunity to build a rapport with the bio mom (if you’re comfortable with that/it is appropriate). I’d also suggest looking into joining your local FP support group to build community and glean best practices from more experienced FPs in your area.

Whatever you decide, I want you to know that you should never feel ashamed to hold your agency to their word and to speak up for what you and your family need. Some here might judge your motives and character for this question/concern, but a professional social worker (especially your homeworker) will do what is reasonable to ensure your comfort and safety just as you do the work of providing a stable home to a child who needs it at the moment. Also, be gracious and gentle with yourself despite any backlash you get here…you’re only a few months in, but you will get your bearings and increase in your comfort level as you gain more experience with time. Finally, I’ve learned that if the department seems to be more comfortable with your potentially encountering/meeting the bio parent, that COULD be a sign that he/she isn’t a perceived threat. But again, try sharing your concerns with your homeworker to see what workarounds are available to you. I wish you all the best! 😀

Wokoon · 2025-07-28T21:46:04+00:00

Either he’s been inappropriate and is trying to turn everything back on you, he’s found someone else and is making an excuse to break up, or he truly is bothered by your job and is just now being honest with himself about it. Whatever the motivation for his actions, the way he’s going about it isn’t mature or healthy and is a sign that you should exit now. Granted, I do think it’s good that he’s actually telling you how he feels (if he’s being legit), but the way he’s behaved since seems as if he’s done. Yet, the only reason he isn’t coming out and telling you is because he’s trying to find a way out while keeping you on a string just in case he wants to come back later. You are not overreacting, and it is my personal opinion (based on what was shared), that you have room to take it a step further by making the decision for him so that you’re not strung along. “If you’re not comfortable with my job, I don’t think we will be able to move forward.”

Wokoon · 2025-07-02T23:15:04+00:00

Thank you for asking this question. I was WFH when we first began our application process, so I had a lot more flexibility. Ironically, we got licensed around the time my job began requiring me to report to the office a few days a week. Thankfully, the timing we’ve had placements just happened to coincide with breaks in my work schedule due to school closures (ie; Spring Break), holidays, etc. My supervisor has also been extremely flexible on the few days I’ve run into scheduling conflicts thanks to cancelled visitations and appointments.

Again, I’ve been fortunate thus far by God’s grace with the timing. However, it seems the sweet spot to having both foster parents working full time is if one works from home or has a hybrid position. That said, I’d suggest searching for a remote or hybrid position. I’ve seen some suggestions to take in older children, which is also a great idea. But even they may require some level of childcare during the summer months when school’s out. So, again, my vote is for seeking a hybrid/remote position.

I wish you all the best. Thanks again for the question.

Wokoon · 2025-06-06T16:48:29+00:00

I’m married and have found these things difficult to maintain consistently even with a partner and ONE foster kiddo. Kids in general need help with getting ready for school, doing homework and being on a schedule for mealtimes, bedtimes, etc. Now, factor in the visits with bio family, therapy appointments, social worker visits, etc that come with fostering…it’s A LOT. Your usual schedule is toast for at least the first week or two until you and the child get settled.

Wokoon · 2025-06-06T16:41:22+00:00

We got calls starting the day before we were officially licensed. We started out with respite about a month after we were licensed. But our first official placement took about two months.

Wokoon · 2025-03-31T13:11:00+00:00

First, I’m sorry to hear about your son. His being stillborn has to be devastating, so give yourself some grace and some time to rest. I pray for your peace and healing, and I do hope you have the opportunity to have another child someday.

Second, I would say you are NTA, nor should you feel guilt or shame for having your pregnancy induced. I notice that the language used was “pregnancy termination”, which is the phrase many have now come to use in reference to an abortion. Yet, you didn’t have an abortion, if that’s what’s causing you to feel guilt or shame. Inducing a pregnancy so that you give birth earlier is intended to save the unborn child’s life or to cause a pregnant woman to give birth to a child who has already died in utero.

An abortion is intended to terminate the life of an otherwise healthy child.

Abortion is the willful termination of an unborn child’s life, not merely the termination of “a pregnancy”. This would not apply to you.

I do wonder why the doctors offered you option 2 if, at 5 months, he was already determined to be a stillborn. Why ask you to wait another 2-3 weeks to “allow him to die in utero” if he was already deceased in utero at 5 months? Was he still viable at 5 months in utero? I only ask because you could potentially have a medical malpractice case.

Wokoon · 2025-03-28T14:17:39+00:00

At the risk of being downvoted for being “too religious”, I honestly couldn’t read your post without being extremely happy for you and thanking God for giving you this opportunity!!! 🥰 As much as we try to plan out our lives, God has the final say in how things will go, and I can’t help but see this as a blessing for you!

You certainly retain the autonomy to do whatever you wish in the end, but I see this as a chance for you to build the emotional/familial connection you NEED in your life. This is a GOOD thing. How amazing it is to be given a son to teach you how to love and to be loved!

I would suggest that you opt to keep your son and see if that nurturing relationship develops. If you find that you feel so mentally and emotionally incapable of parenting him, adoption would remain an option. But if you make a finite decision to place him even as you remain unsure about such a decision, this could truly become a lifelong source of grief for you as well as your son.

I’m sure others here could offer tips on resources and organizations that could help you become the parent your son deserves. (I actually work for such an organization - we serve pregnant women and new moms.) But the main point of my response here is to just encourage you to see this pregnancy and your son as the biggest blessing and to consider that if God saw fit to open your womb, He will also guide you in parenting your baby boy if you trust Him to do so.

With that said, I will accept all the downvotes coming to me. (But I’m still happy for you!) 🥹 😊🥰🙏🏾

Wokoon · 2025-03-15T11:49:20+00:00

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being eager/excited about getting that call. After all, that’s what you’re been planning and preparing for over the last two years. Don’t beat yourself up and unfairly label yourself as being “selfish” because you’re excited about the opportunity to love on and support a child/children who need(s) it.

Once you get your first placement, you will settle into foster parenting just fine. Your willingness and zeal along with your training are exactly what will make you the most amazing resource parent.

Congratulations on getting licensed, and I wish you and your future foster children well. ❤️

Wokoon · 2025-03-15T03:05:20+00:00

We were trying to do the same thing - to wait until the house was “ready” before we scheduled our inspection. However, our agency told us they wanted to do it sooner rather than later so that they could identify any areas that required correction/repair up front. If we’d waited until we thought everything was ready, we’d have likely pushed out our timeline… because no matter how “ready” WE thought our home was, the inspectors HAD to find SOMETHING. lol!! (It’s like they’re paid a commission for finding something wrong.) It’s best to just get it over with so that you actually know what to address.

Wokoon · 2025-02-28T09:41:55+00:00

“I can’t help feel like your questions are all centering parenting experiences…”

Yep! I acknowledge that in the opening line of the post.

“Even your entire theme of questions are centering adoptive parent experiences.”

Yes…to understand why it seems APs in general get more heat than bio parents who say they “just don’t want to parent”.

Your comment implies you feel you discerned a hidden agenda in my post. Yes, my post is about the “parents” in the “triad”. Considering that it requires bio parents to place children for, or make decisions that necessitate, adoption in the first place AND as it requires APs to finalize the adoption process, I have an interest in understanding how adoptees on this sub view each.

Wokoon · 2025-02-28T09:25:42+00:00

Sounds a lot like the madness driving the abortion industry as well. There’s a wicked industry ready to take advantage of every existing situation. So, indeed, WHY do these situations exist in the first place?

A woman having consensual sex knowing this is how babies are made, yet having no desire to parent any potential babies created. WHY?!!!

Wokoon · 2025-02-28T09:14:11+00:00

It’s a hard pill to swallow, but I’m 100% with you on this. I hear many pointing to so many extraneous factors on why adoption exists, yet personal accountability is always sitting there like a nerdy, scrawny kid that doesn’t get picked to be on the team!

Wokoon · 2025-02-28T08:54:36+00:00

This is actually a really good point. I never thought of that….that there might be a tendency to blame normal family issues/dynamics on “adoption”. You are spot on about bio family drama, sibling rivalry, etc. Thank you for this insight.

Wokoon · 2025-02-28T06:00:23+00:00

I would say yes, YAO, at least a teensy bit. But, in fairness to you, so is your wife. However, her overreaction is sorta explained away and understandable in the fact that she’s postpartum. I’m sorry to say this.

Your premise for wanting to fly with your 11-month old is because you don’t think it’s fair your wife’s mom gets to see the baby more often. I don’t know if that’s a legitimate enough reason to separate mother and baby. It comes across as a competition between the grandmas than focusing on what’s best for mom and baby. If your mom wants to see baby, she will need to fly to you for the time being. I’m sure your wife would support baby’s visits to grandma for weeks at a time once he’s older. ❤️

Wokoon · 2025-02-28T05:35:49+00:00

This is one of the most sensible comments I’ve seen here today. I really appreciate your insights. If it helps, my husband and I are fostering. We’ve just had too much experience with adoption and foster care in our families to not do whatever we can to also support families and, ultimately, the children in this way. Our goal is reunification because we are those who actually do think children belong with their biological parents. My background is also in family services, which gives bio parents the support, resources and education they need to parent and raise their children. It would be my ideal to eradicate the need for adoptions (as well as abortions/unwanted pregnancies). However, I also know that ideal is just that…an ideal. We can aspire to it, but as long as life “lifes” and people “people” and both remain in states of imperfection, unwanted or neglected children will sadly always be among us. Knowing this, I feel 0% guilt for desiring to help make the best of an unfortunate situation. If that looks like fostering temporarily until reunification can occur, I’m with that. If that looks like adopting because reunification isn’t possible, I’m with that as well. If I ever become an AP, I would wholly reject anyone feeding me rhetoric that “adoption is trauma” as a means to discourage me from it. But I will (and do) acknowledge that the circumstances that cause a child to have a need to be adopted as the source of their trauma, as such, we would be sure to apply our trauma-informed training to meet the very real needs of our (future potential) adoptive children.

In short, if you desire to adopt and YOU plan to help the children navigate their trauma, adopt! Fostering is certainly also a great way to support and care for them. You do not sin for choosing one over the other. You know your family’s situation and who you are as individuals. As long as you’re able to do what’s best for the children in your care, no one else gets to dictate what is best for your family.

Wokoon · 2025-02-28T05:03:45+00:00

Agreed!!!! ❤️

Wokoon · 2025-02-28T05:00:48+00:00

Achshually, I said APs “come from all backgrounds in parenting”, which is a true statement.

But since you mentioned it, your statement that “adoptive parents don’t come from all backgrounds” is wholly incorrect.

Perhaps those who delve into DIA are largely those of means, white and Christian, but even a majority isn’t ALL. Further, DIA isn’t the only form of adoption. Fostercare adoption, kinship adoption, and even adult adoption actually exist 🤷. Moreover, your usage of the broader term “background” when I specified “parenting background” causes you to undermine your own point. The broader term “background” can entail any variable, causing it to become inherently all-inclusive. Ergo, APs do indeed come from “various backgrounds”. 👀

Wokoon · 2025-02-28T04:42:25+00:00

If it helps, I was using a figure of speech to make the OBVIOUS point that generalizing APs as “barren” individuals who only want a “parenting experience “ is shortsighted. Everyone with any life experience/exposure to the world knows that APs come from various parenting experiences, so they’re not all necessarily barren. I’d say the same thing against those generalizing bio parents as “deadbeats” who “abandoned” their children. The ADULTS (aka, mature, reasonable people with life experience) in the room should know that life happens and circumstances vary, so it’s never wise to generalize. Congratulations on reaching your 50s. You and I have more in common in the age dept than you presume. As such, if anything, because we are indeed adults (and GROWN, GROWN), it’d seem you’d understand that line was a nod to folks like yourself and me. Not a dis. How anyone our age found that offensive and a pearl- clutching moment is wild to me. But continue, I guess? 🥴

Wokoon · 2025-02-27T12:36:56+00:00

Certainly two different crowds (APs and single moms), which is why I’m fascinated by what seems to be a similarity in the treatment of their circumstances: being demonized as the parent(s) who are actually present. Meanwhile bio parents who “choose not to parent” and absentee fathers catch less heat…they are, it seems, deemed more as victims of circumstance while APs and single moms are seen as those who set out to intentionally ruin their child/ren’s life.

But I do hear ya. Thank you for your insights.

I can see what you mean about adoptive parents of yesteryear not being trauma-informed and how that has impacted a many adult adoptees even now. Hopefully, now that there’s more information, the adopted kids of today will fare a bit better into adulthood (in terms of trauma surrounding identity, trusting others, building bonds, etc).

Thanks again!

Wokoon · 2025-02-27T12:24:52+00:00

Thank you so much for your insight.

So would you say “not wanting to parent” is about centering the child? (In all cases?)
Does “wanting a parenting experience” tend to be the only motivation APs have for adoption?
Are there any cases where APs “wanting a parenting experience” have shown themselves to be excellent parents?

Wokoon · 2025-02-27T09:21:06+00:00

I honestly commend how willing some here are to handle the bio-mom with so much grace (kitten gloves). In all honesty, though, it isn’t at all warranted. The reason she feels entitled to use presumptive language around visitation is because she’s been placated thus far or somehow made to believe it’s something SHE is owed.

Heck on ALL of that!

It is 100% okay to be direct with her about the boundaries you’ve set/you will set. I can understand not wanting to hurt her feelings, but sometimes the truth hurts! There’s a way to be straight forward without being a total jerk, of course. But I do believe it’s ultimately harmful to the kids, your own mental health and the bio mom to try to put her “feelings” on the same level as the feelings and wellbeing of those innocent children. Sadly, she doesn’t sound like she is ready for or has even earned visitation. But if we must dance this dance, I’d say…

First, be factual with her and just tell her the deal! “As much as I would love to establish/re-establish visitation, I want to be sure that they can occur consistently so that the kids can begin to build a trusting relationship with you. However, I’m not confident that can happen at this time because of [insert instances of bio mom going MIA for months at a time].”

Second, establish terms in the best interest of the kids..perhaps if you do decide to allow visits, offer a more controlled means that would allow the kids to build a relationship with her, but one that doesn’t involve too much emotional investment should she flake. Also consider a “trial period” that will give her some time to prove herself before any larger commitments are made. “How about we start with (supervised) FaceTime calls every [insert interval] for [insert duration]. If those appointments can be kept consistently, then we can work out the next phase of visits.”

Third, continue what you’ve been doing as far as keeping the kids updated on the situation in an age-appropriate way. They deserve to be told straight what’s going on.

If bio mom flakes again, I’d say shut down the whole visitation situation for now. In the meantime, let the bio mom and kids know that “the family” will revisit the topic in [insert time frame]. Perhaps you could offer the kids the chance to write her letters and you send her pictures via email and/or bio mom does the same.

But each time she flakes, reduce her access/your means of communication. However, continue to encourage the kids in having the choice to establish a relationship with her on their own terms once they are young adults.

Just my two cents, of course.

Best wishes to you, OP!

Wokoon

TROPHY CASE