Foster parents are integral in making the lives of foster children better. While fostering is rewarding, it can also lead to self-doubt and insecurities. These typically show up at the beginning when you are not sure what to do. You may also have a lot of questions, and your foster child will, too. It will take some time for you to get used to each other, but there are a few things you can do to make adjusting easier for your foster child.
Be Prepared
Being prepared gives the best chance for the best outcomes. Doing your research beforehand will help you feel much more prepared and confident before your foster child comes into your home and life.
Ideally, you should start preparing when the foster process begins. Because this process takes about six months, you have plenty of time to do so. If you do not know where to start, there are a lot of online resources provided by foster care agencies to help you know what to expect. Fosterplus has amazing resources on their website at Fosterplus.co.uk for those looking to foster in Gloucestershire and other parts of the UK.
As the process continues, you can start personalising how you prepare for your foster child. Preparing their room, learning about their history, understanding their favourite meals, and so on, should make things much easier.
Learn to Be Approachable
It will be very difficult for your foster child to adapt to their new home if they do not have someone who they trust and who they can talk to. Creating the bonds that make them feel they can talk to and trust you begins with ensuring they understand they can come to you at any time.
In the beginning, it will be difficult to understand why they may be talkative and excited one minute and shy, nervous, and awkward the next. Be there for them and keep the lines of communication open.
Also, understand that free and open communication might not start for some time, so you will need to be patient.
Be Flexible
Parenting requires a lot of flexibility, and this becomes more important when you are trying to meld both of your lives. Things will change from one moment or day to the next, and this happens a lot more often in foster homes. Remember that your foster child might be used to things going or being done one way, and you also have your own expectations and rules.
Being a little flexible while also remaining firm as a parent will allow them to integrate much more easily into the new environment. Firmness is required because there will be some habits and tendencies your foster child will need to let go of and learn new ones.
Make Plans for Fun
The family will need time to bond together once your foster child arrives. Arranging some fun activities is one of the best ways to create the time and opportunity for this to happen.
Adjusting to a new home and family will be challenging for your foster children. It is up to you to create a caring, supportive environment that they can be comfortable in, so they feel free and fine letting themselves be a part of the family.