5 Ways To Inspire Creativity In A Foster Child (And Why It Helps)
March 8, 2019
How Will Fostering Affect My Biological Children?
March 22, 2019
When you think about foster families, you may envision two parents and maybe even a few siblings. The truth is, while some do, not every foster family looks like that. Many times, single women or single men choose to foster on their own. Some may have biological children, while others may be childless and chose to foster. Although it has its challenges, fostering as a single parent does not have to be intimidating. Here are a few steps to help you through the journey.
#1. Tap Your Resources.
First, realize that you are not alone in the fostering process. Your foster agency and caseworker are there to guide you through the steps and to help you understand what additional resources your child may need. For example, your foster child may have a therapist or counselor, depending on their situation. Remember that you have professionals at-hand to help with everything from a crisis to a simple understanding of what someone in your foster child’s age group needs.
#2. Find Your Tribe
Along with your professional resources, look at the people currently in your life to see who would be willing to help you along the way. It could be as simple as having a friend to chat with after an especially hard day, or a neighbor to help babysit when needed. Depending on your current support system, you may have “uncles” and “aunts” that may want to be in your foster child’s life. Your parents may also want to step in as foster grandparents. Additionally, you can find a local parenting group online to connect with other foster families going through similar experiences.
#3. Provide Structure
Start your foster parenting journey by clearly explaining the rules, expectations, and consequences from day one — and be consistent. By providing structure and setting boundaries, you let your foster child know what to expect as a new member of your family. Include age-appropriate chores, bedtimes, and keeping up with schoolwork, just like any other child. Be prepared to experience some backlash at first, especially with teens, and know that things should smooth out as your foster child adapts to the rules of the household.
#4. Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff
Single foster parents have the extra challenge of parenting on their own. While you want to provide a structured, safe home for your foster child, learn not to sweat the small stuff. If the kitchen doesn’t get cleaned up right away or shoes get left in the hall, it isn’t the end of the world. While you want to abide by your household’s rules, realize that your foster child also needs gentle guidance so that they can build a fulfilling bond with you as their foster parent.
Choosing to foster as a single parent is a courageous and selfless act. Understand that you are doing much good for a foster child in need by inviting this new family member into your home. Follow these guidelines and relish the time you and your foster child have together.
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 licensed by the State of Illinois, a member of the Illinois Collaboration on Youth (ICOY), and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA).
