Foster parents provide care to babies, infants, kids, and teenagers in need. Integrating a foster child into your household can come with some difficulties, but with love and patience, you can become a great foster parent. These are four tips that can help new foster parents love and support their new children.
1. Accommodate food insecurity issues.
Foster kids come from many different situations. Some children may have struggled with poverty and hunger in the past. These experiences can cause kids to develop food insecurity. Food insecurity in foster children may manifest as a tendency to overeat or display secretive behaviors, such as hiding food for later. Foster parents can help kids by being understanding. Instead of punishing kids for these behaviors, understand that they're coming from a place of fear. Foster parents can help kids feel more secure around food over time by ensuring that meals are served on a consistent schedule and making snacks available to kids.
2. Consider avoiding alcohol use in your home.
It's not uncommon for foster kids to struggle with trauma. Some kids may be triggered by the site of a caretaker drinking alcohol, especially if they have been around alcoholics in the past. If your child is sensitive to adults' alcohol use, you may want to consider foregoing drinking in your home.
3. Make time to bond with your foster child.
Some parents who already have biological children choose to invite foster children into their homes. This can be a loving way to care for children in need while also expanding your family. Foster parents should remember that it's important to spend quality time with each young member of their household. Take the time to bond with your foster child one-on-one to nurture your relationship. You can do this by participating in activities that your foster child enjoys, showing interest in their hobbies, or spending a day out visiting the park or zoo.
4. Be understanding if your foster child prefers one caretaker over another.
When couples decide to provide foster care, they may find that foster children prefer one caretaker over another. If this happens, try not to take it personally. Remember that your foster child isn't trying to hurt your feelings. Some foster kids may have trauma surrounding men and feel more comfortable with women as a result. Being understanding and accommodating your foster child's wishes, within reason, can help to build trust over time.
For more information on what to do as a foster parent, contact a professional near you.
Share17 May 2023
Welcome to my website. My name is Julia Linder. I’m the single mother of two young children ages two and five. I work full-time and have had to have child care for my babies since they were infants. I’m a firm believer in finding child care that provides a stimulating environment for toddlers. Of course, the number one thing I look for is a safe place. Then I observe the child care while children are present. I want to see how staff interacts with the children. Another important factor for me is that my children are well socialized. I’d like to share in more detail about finding the right day care for your toddler. I hope what I share proves to be helpful to you.