Fostering can be a very challenging process, not only for the foster children but also for the family who is going to foster them. Fostering is basically the process in which individuals, who have committed to be foster parents, take up the responsibility of the children who are not able to live with their parents or guardian and provide them with the basic necessities of life like food, shelter, education, etc.
People may have various personal reasons for fostering. Someone may want to make a difference in the life of children; while another person might want to feel better about themselves by doing good deeds. Some people also consider the option of fostering in order to teach their children about helping people, be empathetic, the art of sharing and to be the good citizens of the country.
Fostering children in a family will definitely have a certain effect on your own children. It can be very hard and challenging in the beginning to convince your children with the idea of fostering, especially if they are in their teenage years. Convincing them to share their things and to be responsible can be difficult but it definitely proves to be fruitful in the end. There are certain ways in which you can make your child comfortable with the whole situation and help them imbibe the values that you want them to have:
1. Prepare them beforehand:
Considering your family as a team will help you open up with your children in many ways. When you talk to your children while making decisions regarding your family, it makes them feel wanted and feel satisfied knowing that their parents trust them. Discuss with your children about your desire to be a foster family. Share with them about the difference they can make in the lives of children who need it. Telling them after finalizing everything can throw them off guard; they might not be prepared for the change in the family and take your decision negatively.
2. Help the kids bond:
Being biological and foster parents, you are the major link between your own children and your foster child. It is your duty to try and make efforts to help the children get along. To do that, you must first learn the art of foster care and help the foster child to open up to you and your children. Plan some activities and outings where the children can bond. This friendly atmosphere will also help the foster child to be at ease and feel at home.
3. Teaching them responsibility:
Along with teaching them to be helpful and to share, this is also the perfect opportunity to teach them about being responsible. Trust your children to be responsible and assign them with tasks like helping you in your household chores, keeping their bedroom neat and clean, learning to be independent enough, and knowing the difference between what is right and what is wrong.
If done in the right way, the act of being a foster family can help you get close to your family and open up about many things. It helps your children understand the miseries of life and make mature decisions in their life.
