Being a foster carer is more rewarding than ever. This is an opportunity to nurture, protect, and support a young person in need at a crucial point in their life. Yet, every new carer out there is bound to have a hundred and one questions running through their mind. Check out these top tips to help your journey get started in the best way possible.
Relax
Yes, you heard it right. Relax! Take the time to enjoy what you’re doing and lean into the joy of it all. There are so many wonderful moments to embrace that your heart will be full by the time your head hits the pillow. Relaxing into the moment will help you be more present, consistent, and reliable for any child you look after.
Pick the Right Agency for You
If there is any advice that you take away, let it be this. Picking your foster care agency is a big, key choice that can make or break how you feel about foster caring. Go for a local provision that can support you 24 hours a day, and you will never feel alone. Make sure they have experience, like fosteringpeople.co.uk, and a fantastic support team too.
Don’t Neglect the Prep Work
There are lots of things that you will do as a foster carer, but the first job is to get ready. After all, you never know when the phone will ring and a child needs to move in, so you might as well be prepared. This means sorting out their bedroom is at the top of the list. Other things like having an online shop on standby just in case, and ensuring basic things like having a pack of new toothbrushes waiting in the cupboard should be taken care of too.
Stay Open to Possibilities
Lots of people go into fostering with an idea in their mind of what it might be like. There is a good chance that reality will line up with this vision, but it’s better to stay open minded. The truth is, you never know who will walk through your door. You could have a huge, positive influence on a young person in a really obvious way. Other times, it might be more subtle and slow burning. Be open to whatever is coming your way, because this is the best way to really get into the role.
Have Fun
They do say that laughter is the best kind of medicine, and this is never more true than when working with children. You are likely to meet a range of kids with a variety of backgrounds and stories. One of the easiest ways to create trust and a dependable relationship is to inject a bit of fun into everything you do. It is possible, even with the more serious stuff. So, while your training is important and should be used, don’t forget to have a few giggles here and there too.
Foster carers have an amazing role to play for the children they look after. You never know where this road will lead, so dive in wholeheartedly and enjoy the ride.
