Making Your House a Home for a Foster Child

Becoming a foster parent is a great way to make a positive change in the world. Vulnerable children need to be cared for during the transition phase of finding a more permanent home. Fostering is a temporary solution for many children who are waiting for their living situations to be properly arranged. This doesn’t mean, however, that foster children shouldn’t be made to feel comfortable and at home in their foster residences. Here are some ways you can make your home more welcoming to a new foster child.

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   Prepare a Comfortable and Private Space

One of the prerequisites for becoming a foster parent is having a spare bedroom where the child can stay. In most cases, a foster child will need their own room, although sometimes they may be sharing with a sibling if the relevant authorities deem it appropriate. Make sure this room is suitable for the age of the child who will be staying with you. Clean bedding and age-appropriate toys, as well as enough room to play and some storage, will help to make the foster child feel more comfortable. You might not know in advance how much of their own belongings they can bring, so keep this in mind when fitting out the room.

2. Be a Welcoming Presence

Your attitude and first impressions are vital in helping your new foster child feel welcome and comfortable in your home. A new environment for a vulnerable child can be scary, so being as gentle and as kind as possible will show them that they are safe with you. No matter how comfortable the physical aspects of your home might be, no child can relax if their carer causes them stress. You can find out more about being a suitable foster parent at thefca.co.uk. Let the new child know the house rules early so they aren’t anxious or confused by unclear boundaries.

3. Know Their Dietary Needs

Being able to offer a good meal to your new foster child will go a long way to helping them feel more at home. Learn what allergies or intolerances they might have to keep them from having a reaction. You can involve them in preparing some meals to help them feel more like part of the family. Food is an excellent way to bond, even if it isn’t home-cooked. Simply spending time eating together with your new foster child can help them associate you and your home with safety, peace, and relaxation. Some children are fussy eaters who might need gentle encouragement to try new foods.

4. Remember the Small Details

Bigger aspects of preparing your home for a new foster child, such as putting together a suitable bedroom and planning good meals, shouldn’t distract you from the importance of smaller details. Toiletries such as a toothbrush and toothpaste show your new foster child that you have considered the minutia of their everyday life with you and that you want it to feel as simple for them as possible.

Although a child may not be able to express their gratitude in the moment, these small considerations will be appreciated when they are older.