There are so many children right now in need of foster care, but there are not enough foster families to accommodate them. Choosing to become a foster parent is a good way of helping out in this situation. However, it is not enough just being a foster parent, you should be able to be a good one while at it. The process can be challenging but it is worthwhile in the end. So how do you become a better foster parent? Tag along!
Practice compassion and empathy
Right off the bat, most foster children are products of broken homes and have experienced trauma and neglect that comes from that. As a foster parent, you should make sure that the child doesn’t feel like a burden to you. They are already dealing with so much and giving them the compassion and love they need will help them feel welcomed and adapt to the family setting easily.
Communication is key
Again, foster children often come from dysfunctional families and feel misunderstood and frustrated. Creating an open one-on-one channel of communication with them will help them trust and open up to you. It will be easier for them to deal with their emotions if they have someone to talk to. What’s more, listening is also vital, it might not be easy at first but once they feel comfortable talking to you, be sure to listen.
Be supportive of the biological family
The ultimate goal of fostering children is reunification, so keep tabs with their biological family. Remember foster children might feel angry at their biological parents but they still love them. So staying supportive and speaking well of them will also help bring closer the reunification process.
Embrace and take on the challenge
Fostering children is not a walk in the park, often, these children have undergone trauma and extreme neglect. As a coping mechanism, these children may have behavior different from what you are used to. So understanding that the process will require so much work right from the beginning and will help prepare you. Also, you will be in a better position of anticipating some things and knowing how to handle the situation in the best possible way.
Listening to the call of fostering and deciding to be one will do a lot of good for the children who need help. This process is not easy and requires work, commitment, and compassion. Prepare yourself before deciding to take on this selfless act.
Change Someone’s Life by Becoming a Foster Parent!
