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Children in foster care often struggle with confidence and self-esteem for various reasons, including a history of neglect and abuse, abandonment issues, a lack of stability, and feeling like they are “different” from their peers at school. It is not easy to be uprooted in general, and the underlying reasons for a placement in foster care make matters all the more difficult. But as a foster parent, there are steps you can take to help your child build confidence and self-esteem despite challenges in life.
Provide structure.
When you welcome a foster child or teenager into your home, they become a member of the family, no matter how long they stay. Therefore, creating a safe and stable home environment is vital from day one. This includes setting clear rules and expectations, establishing a routine, and furnishing a space for your child to call their own. You should also allow the freedom to express opinions and have a say in family discussions without fear of judgment. Not only will your child feel loved, valued and accepted, but they will also have a strong foundation to build upon.
Problem-solve together.
Children and teens with low self-esteem will often doubt their abilities. They may become easily frustrated, and they may also be hesitant or fearful to try new things. When a problem or situation arises, let your child know they do not have to face it alone. Be there to offer support, and try to help them overcome any difficulties. As children grow in confidence, they will become more capable of dealing with obstacles on their own, and they will also feel more comfortable seeking help when necessary.
Offer praise.
Low self-esteem and a lack of confidence can have a ripple effect. Kids in foster care may be self-critical due to past trauma and abuse, but offering praise can help children and teens see themselves from a new perspective. Just be sure not to overdo it, or your words will lose their meaning. Simply encourage children to be themselves, and make sure they know you are proud of them and appreciate their effort. When they stumble or fall, stay positive, talk about what could be done differently next time, and help them to learn from their mistakes.
Seek opportunities for growth.
Encourage your child to explore their interests and find something they are good at. Then, help them to develop their skills and talents, and be there to cheer them on. Options could include playing a sport, participating in the school musical, or competing with the robotics team. For high schoolers, finding a job or volunteering in the community are also healthy pursuits. Children and teens with low self-esteem may struggle to make friends, and extracurricular activities can provide a great opportunity for socialization — and a boost in confidence.
Of course, foster parents could sometimes use a boost in confidence as well. Click here for empowering quotes about the fostering experience and know that Camelot Care Centers is here to help! Our comprehensive service line includes case management, foster parent support and training, in-home counseling, therapeutic mentoring and access to tele-psychiatry to help create healthy environments of care. If you live in the state of Illinois are want to become a foster parent, we invite you to visit our website for more information, or click on the following link to get started: https://family.binti.com/users/signup/camelot-il-initial
Every child needs and deserves to grow up safe and protected from abuse and neglect, and caring foster parents offer children support and stability when they need it most. At Camelot Care Centers, we specialize in higher-level foster care for children and adolescents that need extra support. We partner with our foster parents/homes to provide trauma informed care and additional services, including in-home counseling, parent support and training, tele-psychiatry, and therapeutic mentoring, to maintain children at the least restrictive, yet most appropriate level of care.Camelot Care Centers (“Camelot”) is a Child Welfare Agency.
