Collaborative Post¦ There are many benefits to becoming a foster carer. The main one, of course, is the difference you make in children’s lives. Whether you care for children for a short period or much longer, they’ll leave you having enjoyed a period of stability and fun, ready to move on with the rest of their lives happier, more confident, and prepared to trust other adults. But there are also many benefits for you and the other members of your household, some of which may surprise you.
Gratification
We all know that fostering is rewarding, but you might be surprised by how gratifying you find the day-to-day experience of being a foster carer. You won’t just feel rewarded by the significant changes in the children in your care. You’ll also get gratification from the small changes, like the first time they open up to you or the first time you enjoy a successful family meal or day out. If you want to learn more about the rewards of foster care and how to get involved, look at orangegrovefostercare.co.uk.
Your Children Will Gain Empathy
If you have other children at home, becoming a foster family can help them to develop empathy and understanding, teaching them other vital skills like listening and sharing. Foster siblings can enrich their lives and help them to develop into very caring and considerate young people.
New Friendships
Fostering makes you part of a community. You’ll meet other foster carers and build valuable friendships. You’ll also gain support from caseworkers and people at your foster agency. There are many ways to meet new people and build friendships as a foster carer.
You’ll Become a More Positive Person
Fostering can be challenging, but it also teaches you to find the positives in any given situation. You’ll learn to become grateful for small breakthroughs and become a more positive person with a brighter outlook.
You’ll Gain New Skills
Foster carers need lots of skills. You’ll become more empathetic, organised, and a better advocate and speaker. You’ll learn to listen and read body language, as well as say the right things at the right times. Not only that, but you’ll learn to manage your time and to organise other people. These skills will make you a better carer and parent, but they could also help you in other areas of your life.
You Could Become a Respected Member of Your Community
Foster carers are often well-respected people. Everyone that knows you will know what a wonderful thing you are doing. This can help you build a reputation as a kind, caring and trusted community member.
You’ll Build Lasting Relationships
Some children will pass in and out of your care quickly. You’ll be there when they need you but never hear from them again. Others will keep in touch for the rest of their lives. You may even build relationships with their birth families.
Fostering can be incredibly rewarding for the children in your care but also you and the other members of your household. Find out more today if you are interested in the rewards that fostering could bring.
Cover photo by Pavel Danilyuk