Foster Care at Christmas

As the festive season approaches, we’re grateful for all of our carers who have opened their hearts and homes to children and young people in need.

Fostering is not an easy task, especially in these challenging times of uncertainty. Our carers have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability, as well as creativity and humour, in providing a safe and nurturing environment for your children. They have supported their education, health, and well-being, and helped them maintain contact with their birth families and friends.

We know that Christmas can be a difficult time for some children, who may feel a mix of emotions, such as sadness, anger, guilt, or anxiety. They may also have different expectations, traditions, or beliefs than our carers and their families. That is why we have prepared some tips and resources to help make this Christmas a memorable and joyful one for everyone.

• Plan ahead: Discuss with your child what they would like to do for Christmas, and involve them in the preparations. You can ask them about their favourite foods, activities, or gifts, and try to accommodate their wishes as much as possible. You can also explain to them your own family traditions and customs, and invite them to join in or suggest their own ideas.

• Be sensitive: Be mindful of your child’s feelings and needs, and respect their boundaries. You can offer them comfort and reassurance, but do not force them to participate in anything they are not comfortable with. You should acknowledge their emotions, and let them know that it is okay to feel whatever they are feeling. You can also help them cope by providing them with a quiet space, a favourite toy, or a soothing activity.

• Have fun: Christmas is a time to celebrate and have fun, so make sure you include some activities that your child enjoys and can look forward to. You can play games, watch movies, listen to music, bake, decorate the house, or go for a walk. You can also create some new traditions, such as making a scrapbook, writing a letter to Father Christmas, or volunteering for a charity.

• Stay connected: Christmas is also a time to connect with loved ones, so make sure your foster child has the opportunity to contact their birth family and friends, if appropriate and possible. You can arrange a phone call, a video chat, or a visit, depending on the situation.

We hope that these tips and ideas will help our carers and children have a wonderful Christmas together. We also want to remind them that they’re are not alone, and that we are here to support them in any way we can.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and we look forward to working with you next year!