Build a family bond
Working to build a family bond is one of the most important, as well as rewarding parts of being a foster parent. There are many things to keep in mind when welcoming a foster child into your family. It’s very important to treat a foster child as a family member, to help them feel welcome and safe in your home. It’s very important for a child to feel comfortable with the people in their life because when they need support, having somebody there they can trust will help them emotionally.
Becoming familiar with a foster child’s personality, hobbies and interests can be a great way to build trust. By paying attention to, or participating in/organising activities that the child is interested in, you will build a sense of belonging and show the child you care.
Sometimes, all a foster child needs is somebody to talk to – it may take some time for a child to be well adjusted to their foster family, be prepared for a foster child to become comfortable with their foster siblings before or after you.
Be a good role model
One of your many roles as a foster parent is to function as a good role model for your foster child as it is integral to building trust. It can be very difficult for foster children to integrate into a new environment, so being welcoming and caring can help a child integrate and feel comfortable faster.
Being a foster parent requires all the same skills as a biological parent and more. Here at Nexus Fostering, we will work with you to make the job easier in any way possible. We host a wide range of training courses and events for you to learn more about being a foster parent and ask our team any specific questions you need to be answered. To find out more about it on our events page (https://www.nexusfostering.co.uk/events/)
Provide a sense of stability
It is very important to remember that during a child’s time in the foster system, they may have travelled between different locations and spent time with many different people. Providing a child with a sense of stability will greatly impact them.
You can help build a sense of stability by;
- Providing emotional support where necessary
- Encouraging social behaviour
- Introducing a reliable daily schedule
If you are thinking about fostering or have any questions about how you can become a better foster parent, you can get in touch with us (here) or attend one of our frequent events across the country.