Being A Foster Parent: How To Prepare And Cope

12 February 2018
 Categories: , Blog


Fostering a child may be one of the most generous, caring things you can do with your life. However, you may encounter issues that you didn't really expect. To best prep yourself and handle this new situation in your life, consider these fostering suggestions.

Volunteer with Children

Your heart may be telling you that taking in a child is something you want to do, but the reality of dealing with children daily needs to be known before you start foster care. If you don't have any kids yourself, before you even apply, spend some months working at afterschool programs, mentor programs and other activities that involve kids of different ages. You may learn that you're more comfortable with kids in a particular age range; that can help you when you're filling out your foster care application.

Befriend Others in Training Course

Once you're approved for child fostering, you're likely to need some training to take on this role. Many of the kids you'll be housing are coming from difficult situations with their families, so you need some education and techniques for dealing with them. Other foster parents will be there with you; attempt to form and maintain friendships with these people. You may need support from others in foster care instead of parents who are unfamiliar with the particular challenges that foster care can bring.

Respect Boundaries

Your eagerness to welcome a new kid to your house may seem overwhelming to the child. Give them space and respect their boundaries as much as is healthy. If they want to be alone sometimes, give them the freedom to do that. If they don't want to participate in every family activity, don't force them. They may just need some time before they feel comfortable enough to get involved.

Check-In with Family

Your biological children might not have attended training with you; having a new child entering the house can be challenging. Check in with your biological kids from time to time to assess how they're doing with all this. 

Consider the Child's Family Relationships

Depending on the child's history, they may still be allowed to interact with some members of their family. It may be in everyone's best interest to keep these lines of communication open. Talk to the child's caseworker, the child, and your own loved ones to decide how to incorporate your foster child's biological family into your lives.

Your fostering experience can work well for you and benefit the child and your family. Let this information get you ready for life with a new child in it. Contact a company like Kids Count Too for more information and assistance. 


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