If you have decided to foster children who need a good home, that is great news. However, be prepared that not everyone is going to be happy for you. Your extended family might question your motives and reasonings. Some may even try to convince you not to foster a child.
Fostering a child can be wonderful for your family. It can also be a disaster. Many children don’t understand why their parents need to add on to their family. Here are some tips to introduce your children to foster children.
A multi-ethnic group of elementary age children are playing with plastic blocks.
Talk About it with Your Kids
Before you even go through the whole process, sit down and talk to your children about it. Come prepared with a list of reasons why you want to help another child. You may also want to have a list of concerns that others may have and your thoughts behind them. Then, once you have had your chance to explain, sit down and listen to their thoughts and concerns.
Don’t Push Them
If they aren’t on board, don’t push them. It just might not be the right time for your family to look into fostering. Give them some time to think about it. You probably have been thinking about it for several months so they deserve a chance to wrap their head around it.
You’ll Always Have Time for them
Make sure that you let your children know that you are going to still be there for them after a foster child enters your home. Make sure that they know that you want them to come to you with any concerns that they have about the new foster child. They need to know that you are still on their side and want to make the transition go as smoothly as possible.
Learn More About Introducing Foster Children
Before you foster a child, make sure that you talk to your children. They may need a little time to get on board. You don’t want to bring a child into your home and upset your biological children. It is also important that they know that you are still going to be there for them. If they have any problems with any situation with your foster child, they need to know that they can come to you!
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you are interested in becoming a foster parent or would like to support our efforts.