Celebrating Special Occasions With Foster Children FAQs

Every foster child has a different story about how they ended up needing foster care. As a foster parent, the best thing you can do for any child is to give them space to adjust, while also allowing them to be themselves. 

Once they start to settle in, you can then look to engage in bonding activities that will help them get to know you better as well as gain confidence. 

It’s not always easy to connect with foster children, but understanding and patience can go a long way in gaining their trust.

One of the easiest ways to welcome a foster child into your home is to emphasise their bedroom being their safe but also private space.

Given your home will feel very unfamiliar, this is the first step to making a child settle in. For short-term foster placements, it might not be feasible to redecorate the room, though there are still plenty of ways the child can make the space their own. 

As a family, you should also look to engage in activities together that allow the child to build confidence or learn skills, as well as relax in their new environment. For instance, learning to cook together, holding a games night or playing with pets can all be fun things to do. 

Also, asking the child what they would prefer and giving them options can ensure you navigate the best path forward. This approach can also make foster children feel more comfortable, especially at a time when they will be experiencing a complex range of emotions.

Christmas can be a challenging time of the year for all foster children. As a foster parent, you have the opportunity to make the festive period a memorable experience for the children in your care. 

One of the best tips we can share is to engage with the child throughout the build up to Christmas. Doing so can help them to feel included, but most of all heard depending on their preferences. 

Depending on their age, fun ideas can include helping to decorate your home, creating a Christmas bauble, baking Christmas treats or going along to the local panto. Of course, every child also should be given the chance to write a Christmas list too. 

Beyond physical activities or gift giving, it’s important that foster children feel like they belong, making quality time as a family just as crucial over the holidays. 

Yes, it is usually possible for foster parents to take their foster children on holiday, including abroad. In fact, there can be many benefits for the child, so long as taking them on a trip is deemed suitable for their needs. 

However, you will need to consult with the foster child’s social worker first so that the trip can be approved.