Are you relatively new to foster care and want to be sure you’re doing all the right things with your foster child? Do you want to be sure you create a loving, stable, and safe environment that supports your foster child at all times? The role of a carer is extremely important and will likely be the most rewarding thing you do in life, so you want to give it your all. With that said, here are some simple things that you can do as a carer to support your foster child.
Respect Their Feelings and Show Empathy
Foster children can be going through a lot of emotions when they arrive in your home, and even well after they have settled in, there is plenty they will be working through. It’s not your job to shake a magic wand and make everything okay; instead, you are there to show support and empathy. This means respecting their feelings, showing compassion for what they are feeling, and understanding they will have ups and downs and that is okay.
Create a Home That Values Communication
This is a tip that doesn’t just apply to foster children, but the entire household. Creating the kind of home that values communication and works hard to ensure everyone is open and honest is essential. It’s how you create trust with one another, form a deeper understanding and bond, and ensure everyone feels safe being themselves.
Give Children Fun and Memorable Experiences
While it’s important to have those moments of reflection and heartfelt conversations, you also want to give children fun and memorable experiences while in your care. This can include family outings, visiting popular attractions, attending festivals and events, socializing with family members and friends, and giving them the kind of childhood that has plenty of positive memories.
Use the Support Tools from the Foster Agency
Always remember that you aren't going about things on your own. Fostering agencies offer a wide array of support tools both for kids and carers and can help immensely. Agencies such as orangegrovefostercare.co.uk offer a dedicated social worker who will make regular visits. They have training courses, a helpline and more.
You May Be Building a Life-Long Bond
Keep in mind that if you have a long-term foster child in your care, they may be with you until the age of 18. There’s a good chance you will be establishing a lifelong bond wherein they will continue to be in your life even throughout their adulthood. They may even have children of their own one day, and they will be remembering all the moments the two of you shared and the love and support you offered. This can help them to be the best parent they can be.
Supporting the foster child in your care isn’t about one magic step; it is a multi-pronged approach that is happening 24/7. Building a solid and stable home life is important and something that can be extremely fulfilling and joyful for everyone involved.