How can I connect with my foster child?

It’s normal for a foster child to be nervous or shy at first as they feel cautious about communicating with you. To overcome the communication barrier, you must build an emotional connection with your foster child so they can feel safe communicating with you.

Fundamentals for building an emotional connection with your foster child are making sure you spend time with them, listen to them, praise them, and establish commonalities by doing things you both enjoy together. Once your foster child is more trusting you can use therapeutic parenting strategies and establish physical contact like hugs and holding hands, letting them know you can be trusted.

With that being said, make sure to involve your social worker first before you carry out any of the above. If your foster child has suffered from abuse, this could cross your foster child’s boundaries and trigger an emotional response. Therefore, it’s imperative to consider their background and past experiences.