Creating a stable home for the children in their care is one of the most important things a foster carer can do. But stability isn’t just about having four safe walls and a comfortable bed. Typically, emotional stability is far more important and often harder to achieve. Here’s a look at why stability is so important and what you can do to achieve it.
Why Stability is So Important for Foster Children
All foster children have been through some form of trauma. The type and severity can vary, but every foster child will arrive with you following a period of instability and uncertainty. Providing a stable home will help them to feel safe and cared for. It will help them thrive as a person, settle into school and give them the tools they need to start making friends. Stability will also help you bond and to create a positive family environment filled with fun and laughter. Before you get started as a foster carer, make sure you know everything about fostering in Manchester and how you can help the children in your care.
Be Open to Working as a Team
As a foster parent, you are part of a team of people with your foster child’s best interests at heart. You’ll provide a much more stable environment if you are open to working productively with other adults, including teachers, people from your local authority or agency, doctors, and other family members.
Give them a Bedroom
A bedroom gives your foster child their own space. Let them add personal touches like photos and posters, and make sure you give them time alone and privacy when they need it.
Have House Rules
No child likes the idea of rules, but rules mean stability and make it easier for everyone to get along happily. Common house rules often revolve around meal and bedtimes, screen time and respecting each other’s space and possessions.
Get into Routines
Routines offer safety and stability. After uncertainty, having routines can give foster children something to rely on and help them to build trust. Bedtimes and mealtimes are basic routines, but things like going swimming every Sunday, attending clubs and groups and a regular family movie night are fun routines that create stability.
Give them Choices
Instead of making all the decisions for your foster child, try giving them options. This helps them feel like part of the family, but also like their views are respected, and they have some control over their own lives. Offer choices when it comes to food, days out, weekend plans and clothes.
Keep Your Promises
One of the best ways to create stability and trust is to do what you say you will. If you tell your foster child that you will do something or be somewhere, follow through. Don’t make promises or plans that you can’t stick to.
Display Affection
Affection comes in different forms, and you should take your cues from your foster child. Some will like hugs and other forms of physical affection. Others need verbal reassurance and support. Some just need you to be close to them and may find physical affection awkward.
Consistency is very important when it comes to creating a stable home. Having rules and routines but fun things like weekly movie nights, sports clubs, and themed meal nights can help.