Whether you are already a foster carer, or are considering becoming a carer with Fostering Solutions, our 12 days of Christmas will offer some insight into fostering during the festive season.
On the first day of Christmas, my foster child said to me,
“How is Father Christmas going to find me?”
You’ve welcomed a foster child into your home, and together you are facing the ups and downs that the festive season can bring. Keep calm, and try to be as prepared as possible for the questions your foster child may have. A chat with your foster carer trainer or social worker might help you prepare yourself for these questions, and a quick visit to a local Father Christmas – or a (free) personalised video message from Santa himself – might set your child’s mind at ease.
On the second day of Christmas, a single person thought,
‘I’d love to foster. Would I be allowed to, or not?”
Anyone can foster – single parents, same sex couples, older people, and families who already have children. If you long to help a child or teenager in need, please download Fostering Solutions’ guide to fostering, and feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.
On the third day of Christmas, my social worker asked my family,
“Can you take in a sibling group of three?”
December is a difficult time for fostering agencies like Fostering Solutions, because it can be difficult to find emergency foster placements. Get in touch to see if you could help.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my foster child said to my son,
“Is Christmas at your house fun?”
It’s important to make sure that foster children feel like a part of the family at any time of year, but especially during the festive season. By ensuring they know that they are welcome to join in with your celebrations and traditions, they’ll feel more comfortable and can bond more closely with all your family members.
On the fifth day of Christmas, I heard my foster child say,
“What activities do we do over the holiday?”
It can be difficult to decide how to handle the holidays, especially when some foster children can miss their families or family traditions. Try to ask them what they usually do at Christmas time, and where possible, include their traditions in your plans.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my foster child questioned,
“Can we make Christmas cookies this weekend?”
It’s great when foster children get into the festive spirit, and when they are enthusiastic about spending time with their foster family. It’s helpful to accommodate any of their festive traditions into your family’s Christmas, which can help make them feel more at home over the holidays.
If you find that your foster child is feeling down over the festive period, don’t fret: Fostering Solutions’ friendly and qualified team is on hand 24/7 to advise on how to handle any situation over the holidays, so if you have a question or just want to chat, give us a call.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my partner said,
“I think we should do something about that empty bed.”
If you’re considering fostering, don’t hesitate to learn more about the process. You’ll need a bedroom for your foster child, and Fostering Solutions can guide you through the rest of the requirements to ensure that you are comfortable with the assessment process and have all the tools and skills to become an incredible foster carer.
On the eighth day of Christmas, your foster child asked you:
“Can I come to the Christmas party, too?”
Foster children can sometimes worry that they’re imposing over the holidays, so it is best to make sure that they’re fully aware that they’re welcome to join in your holiday plans. By setting their expectations early on, it helps them to adjust to your family’s traditions and feel comfortable spending the holidays with you.
On the ninth day of Christmas, I heard my daughter whisper,
“I love my new foster sister.”
Most children whose parents choose to foster are proud to be part of a ‘family that fosters.’ To learn more about how fostering affects your whole family, have a look at Fostering Solutions’ fostering guide.
On the tenth day of Christmas, Tom, a foster child, decided
He would like to show how grateful he was for the care his family provided.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, the family could hear
Thomas singing from his room, sounding full of cheer.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, the family was filled with joy
After they received handmade presents from their newest little boy.
