How to Make A Foster Child Feel Welcome In Your Home
Once you have completed the necessary checks, interviews and processes, the only thing remaining is to welcome a foster child into your home. It is understandable to be nervous about making the foster child feel welcome. However, there are a few simple things you can do to make things go smoothly for everyone.
How to Make A Foster Child Feel Welcome In Your Home
Create An Inviting Bedroom
A foster child wants to know that they are welcome in your home, and one of the best ways of doing this is by creating an inviting bedroom with them and their needs in mind. The pillow, bedding, furniture and other items should reflect who they are, although keep things simple so that it is easy to replace them if needed. Remember to empty the wardrobe and drawers so the foster child knows the space belongs to them.
You can talk to your foster care agency such as fosteringpeople.co.uk if you do not know much about the foster child you will be welcoming into your home. Once everything is confirmed, the agency can provide you with some of the child’s details so you can use that information when creating a space for them. At the very least, they might confirm the child’s gender so you know how to proceed.
You can talk to your foster care agency such as fosteringpeople.co.uk if you do not know much about the foster child you will be welcoming into your home. Once everything is confirmed, the agency can provide you with some of the child’s details so you can use that information when creating a space for them. At the very least, they might confirm the child’s gender so you know how to proceed.
Encourage Them To Add To Their Bedroom
We are all guilty of collecting things that make a home feel welcoming and inviting over time. In addition to everything else you do, consider asking your foster child to add whatever else they want to the room. This could be their favourite items and things that remind them of where they are coming from or that hold a special place in their lives. You can also ask them for suggestions about significant things like wall colours and what decor they want on the walls.
Set Expectations And Routines
Foster children are always anxious if they do not know what to expect and what is expected of them in a new foster home. The first day is excellent for setting expectations, explaining routines, and helping the foster child understand what living in your home is like. You should tell them about bedtime, whether they are allowed to use electronics and for how long, their chores, and when the family spends time together.
Empower Them To Choose A Name For You
It is also a good idea to let a foster child decide what they would like to call you. It can seem like you are giving them too much power by doing this, but it shows you respect their decision-making and can trust them with some tasks. Also, letting them decide avoids confusion because they do not have to call you “mum” or “dad” if their biological parents are around.
Becoming a foster carer is a rewarding experience. As you open your home to a foster child, you should ensure they understand they are welcome by what you say and do. For example, preparing their bedroom in advance helps them know it is their space, while setting expectations early on removes doubt and uncertainty.
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