Foster dad giving chocolate to his foster daughter.
When you become a foster parent, you enrich a child’s life in many ways. In addition to providing a loving and stable home, you can help them feel like they’re a part of a larger community. One way to develop this sense of connection is to follow the news together. It’s easy for a foster child to feel like they’re left out when they lack some of the experiences that many of us take for granted. By helping them to become better informed, you’re building their confidence and making it easier for them to develop and share their personal opinions. Plus, you can have fun and strengthen your relationship while you’re catching up on current events together:
Browse Online
Make consuming the latest news a natural part of the time you spend online each day. Visit news sites together and follow their social media feeds. You may even want to try sites designed especially for kids, such as Scholastic Kids Press.
Personalize the News
Foster children will be more enthusiastic about current events if they feel like the information relates to their personal lives. A child who loves animals may want to learn more about the impact of climate change on global habitats. You could also pique their interest by sending them articles with a note about why you thought of them.
Watch and Listen
Reading newspapers isn’t your only option anymore. Watching videos and listening to podcasts counts too.
Encourage Critical Thinking
How can you prepare your foster children to evaluate and discuss the news? Start by talking about issues at home around the dinner table or while watching TV. Encourage them to check and compare various sources for the same story. Show them how to spot fake news.
Learn More About Helping a Foster Child
Do you want to become a foster parent or support organizations that work with vulnerable children and families? Contact us at Pathway Family Services where we work to give Kansas children a home.