If you’re considering welcoming a foster child into your home, you may wonder what you can do to prepare for their arrival. The truth is that preparing for a foster child isn’t as tricky as you’d expect. The tips below will help you on your way:
1. Make Sure You Have a Strong Support Network
When fostering in Scotland or other parts of the UK, it is essential to have a strong support network. Caring for a child in foster care can sometimes be demanding and emotional. You will, at times, feel overwhelmed and exhausted. This is where your support network comes in. They can take the strain off a little by giving you a much-needed break or completing other tasks around your home so that you don’t have to.
2. Get First Aid Certified
Whether you’re looking after your own child or a foster child, getting first aid certified is a great idea. Knowing the basics of first aid will help you to deal with any injuries should they occur.
3. Be Prepared to Be Flexible
When caring for a foster child, flexibility is essential. Foster children coming into your care may come from an entirely different environment. They may have additional needs and may experience challenging behaviours. This will mean your life will change from day to day.
4. Give Them Time to Settle In
Moving into someone else’s home can be extremely scary, and your foster child may need time to settle into your home. Don’t expect them to be chatty and open with you when they first arrive. Instead, let them know you are there for them and ready to talk should they want to.
5. Create a Welcoming and Safe Foster Bedroom
If you’re preparing to welcome a foster child into your home, you will need to set up their bedroom ready for their arrival. Your foster child’s bedroom should be a space of their own where they can feel safe and relaxed.
6. Create a Welcome Hamper for Your Foster Child
Many foster children arrive with extraordinarily little in terms of clothes, personal items, and other essentials. Creating a welcome hamper for your foster child with these bits will help them feel more at home and cared for by you. Most foster carers are given information about their foster child before they arrive. You can use this information to get any bits they might need.
7. Remember to Have Some Fun
Having fun with your foster child is one of the best ways to get them to feel comfortable around you. There are lots of ways you can do this. You can have a movie night, go bowling, or play cards. Talk to your foster child about what they enjoy, and plan something for them. You never know, you might enjoy yourself too!
Welcoming a foster child into your home can be extremely exciting but also a little scary. The tips above will help you prepare for your foster child’s arrival.
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