Becoming a foster parent can be extremely rewarding, but you’re bound to be filled with worry before your first placement. Our advice to you is to stop worrying, but that’s easier said than done. Therefore, we’ve gathered together some helpful tips to support you through the early days.
Have a Strong Support Network
You should surround yourself with a network of supportive people that can offer you support in times of need, which can include family, friends, and fostering support groups. However, you should have registered with a foster care agency, like Fostering People, who you can turn to when you need guidance or support. Further, you can expand your network by checking out the wealth of Facebook groups – there’s bound to be one for your area.
Getting Help Isn’t Weakness
Your support network, including your loved ones, is there to support you. Therefore, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. When you’ve got a group of people offering you their help, don’t turn it away. We’re not simply talking about asking for advice here; you should utilise your friends and family because they won’t mind lending you a hand to cook a meal in the evening or handing you a bunch of nappies in a pinch.
Set Rules and Stick to Them
If you’ve already got a family, you will have a set of rules in place that you need to stick to – you don’t want other children to feel like you’re playing favourites by negotiating. The key to setting rules for new foster placements is to find the right balance. After all, you don’t want to overwhelm them, but it is important to have boundaries. If you experience backlash from your rules, take the time to explain why it’s in place – your new placement may not have heard of the rule before.
Routines Are the True NVP
Children in care have often had an unsettled and turbulent life. Therefore, you should create a consistent routine and narrate it to your new placement. When foster child understands what is happening throughout the day, they’re much more likely to feel at ease. If you’ve got little ones or toddlers, you can help them out by using pictures to explain their day to them.
Stay Organised
Foster children have a unique set of needs, and each one will be different. Therefore, if you’re opening the doors to more than one, you should get organised. You can do this by creating a binder for each placement, which will contain any paperwork and background information that you may be asked for from time to time.
Your home will be alien to a new foster placement. Therefore, it’s your job to make the new child feel at home. To do this, you need to provide them with routine, rules, and love. You can expect to face some backlash to your care, but don’t let it get you down. Remember, if you need help, never be afraid to ask for it.