How to Build Trust with Your Foster Child or Teen
While we often assume fostering creates an instant family, connecting with the newly-placed youth in your care and building trust will likely take some time and […]
Financial Considerations for Foster Parents
There are many things to consider when you become a foster parent, from helping your foster child feel welcome on the first day and creating a […]
5 Tips to Head Off Sensory Overload During The Holiday Season
For many kids, the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, filled with twinkling lights, colorful decorations, festive music, brightly wrapped presents, parties […]
3 Things Children in Foster Care Need This Holiday Season
Maybe you can’t change the whole world, but you can change the whole world of a child. And while brightly wrapped gifts can bring so much […]
Tricks, Treats, and a Happy Halloween for Foster Kids
Halloween is lurking just around the corner, and Camelot has some tricks and treats for you! No, we’re not talking about lollipops, taffy, and chocolate bars. […]
Foster Parenting for Beginners
If you are new to foster parenting or want to become a foster parent in the state of Illinois, you may feel a bit unsure about […]
Surviving the Transition from Summer Back to School with Foster Kids
Heading into a new situation is never easy, especially for children and teenagers in foster care. In our blog article, What Back To School Means For […]
Making Summertime Sweet for Foster Kids
Summer is the perfect time for making memories (and sweet treats) as a foster family. The sun is shining brighter and longer, and everything seems just […]
Tackling the Transition from School to Summer with Foster Kids
The early weeks of summer break can be a struggle for everyone, including foster kids and teens. The disruption in routine and structure that comes at […]
May Is Foster Care Month
Did you know the month of May signifies both Mental Health Awareness Month and Foster Care Month? According to childwelfare.gov, “There are over 391,000 children and […]
Clever Ways to Calm and Comfort Foster Children
Little kids can have big emotions. And for children of all ages in foster care, big emotions can be a common occurrence. Emotional regulation, or self-regulation, […]
6 Fun Spring Break Activities For Foster Families
Spring break is a welcome pause from school responsibilities, and it’s also a chance for foster family bonding and spending quality time together. With that said, […]
Making Valentine’s Day Sweet For Kids In Foster Care
Foster parents offer children support and stability when they need it most. If you have opened your heart and home to a foster child or teen, […]
Why You Should Resolve To Become A Foster Parent In The New Year
It’s the start of a happy new year for some, but for many children in foster care, the future seems filled with sadness and uncertainty. According […]
Foster Parent Tips For A Happier Holiday Season
There’s no place like home for the holidays, and for children in foster care, this time of year can be anything but merry and bright. Instead […]
5 Thanksgiving Traditions For Foster Families
Preparing for the holiday season when fostering brings some unique challenges, but there is also a lot to be thankful for. Reporting on the health benefits […]
15 Halloween Safety Tips For Foster Kids and Teens
Halloween can be scary, in more ways than one! Naturally, you want your foster children to have a fun night, but as a parent, it’s also […]
How To Help Your Foster Child Build Confidence And Self-Esteem
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, […]
What Back To School Means For Foster Families
For many of us, back to school means shopping for new clothes, backpacks, and other supplies. For others, it’s the excitement of reconnecting with friends and […]
5 Stress-Busting Summer Activities For Foster Kids
Summer is in full swing and the “back to school” season is looming straight ahead. If your foster child or teenager thrives on routine, being home […]
Tips For Dealing With Foster Sibling Rivalry This Summer
We’ve already discussed the positive impact fostering can have on biological children, including practicing empathy, learning how to share, and experiencing the joys of gaining a […]
3 Reasons Why Summer Is The Best Time To Foster
As the school year winds down, most children are looking forward to a summer filled with fun and creating family memories. But for youth in foster […]
The Ultimate Foster Family Playlist
Spring is in the air, and it’s a time of new beginnings—so let’s get happy! Naturally, finding the hidden joy as a foster family takes time. […]
3 Tips For Getting Foster Care Placements
Becoming a foster parent begins with the licensing process, including an application, background checks, a home study, and training. Once licensed, Camelot looks at the needs […]
Helping Foster Kids Feel Loved This Valentine’s Day
It takes a big heart to become a foster parent. In the US alone, nearly half a million kids are in foster care on any given […]
Top 4 Tips For New Foster Parents In The New Year
Over the past several years, our blog has served as a valuable resource for current and prospective foster families. Continuing that time-honored tradition, Camelot Care Centers […]
Observing The Holiday Celebrations Of Your Foster Child
For most of us, the holiday season is filled with comfort and joy, but for children and teens in foster care, it can be a difficult […]
3 Reasons To Fall In Love With Fostering
Many foster parents will tell you how grateful they are to be able to alter the course of a child’s life in such a significant way. […]
How To Make Halloween Less Overwhelming For Foster Kids
For many children, Halloween is an exciting time of year — a time for fall festivals, dressing up in fun costumes, and trick-or-treating. But sometimes, and […]
Understanding Difficult Behavior In A Foster Child
All children act out now and then. According to Psychology Today, this behavior is a young person “attempting to survive in this complex world.” But what […]
Foster Children And Bullying
As young children and teenagers head back to school, it’s natural for parents to worry about bullying. According to stopbullying.gov, an official website of the US […]
What Does Being A Foster Parent Really Look Like
When it comes to foster parenting, potentially harmful myths and misconceptions abound. If you have never met someone who has opened their heart and home to […]
Finding Healthy Summer Pursuits For Foster Teens
Kids of all ages are looking forward to a fun and memorable summer. It’s easy to keep younger children busy with camps and trips to the […]
Helping Your Foster Child Feel Welcome On The First Day
Imagine being suddenly uprooted from your home and family, through no fault of your own, and forced to live with strangers. This may be a scary […]
Establishing A Secure Relationship With Your Foster Teen
As any parent of a teenager will tell you, things change once children reach the age of thirteen. Gone are the days of holding hands as […]
What Is Foster Care And Why Is It So Important?
Unless you personally know a foster family, or child or teenager taken into foster care, it’s hard to fully understand this vital need. For some, their […]
3 Foster Parenting Missteps And How To Avoid Them
Let’s face it. Regardless of what your social media feed wants you to believe, there is no such thing as perfect parents or perfect kids. We […]
Building A Bridge Between Foster And Biological Parents
When you become a foster parent, you grow to love the children in your care. Sometimes, it can be a challenge to feel that same tenderness […]
The Positive Impact Fostering Can Have On Biological Children
As you prepare your family to welcome a foster child, you may be worried about how fostering will affect your biological children. This feeling is natural […]
14 Empowering Quotes About The Fostering Experience
Maybe you can’t change the whole world, but you can change the whole world of a child in foster care. Deciding to become a foster parent […]
3 Ways To Ring In The New Year As A Foster Family
There are many different ways to find the hidden joy as a foster family, including creating new holiday traditions together. This year, plan a family-friendly celebration […]
Navigating The Holiday Season With Foster Children
The holiday season can be a difficult time for children and teenagers in foster care, but it also provides a wonderful opportunity for bonding and creating […]
4 New Holiday Traditions Just For Foster Families
For many children and teenagers in foster care, November and December can be a difficult time of year. For some, it can be a sad reminder […]
4 Reasons To Get Cooking With Your Foster Kids
Cooking is the perfect combination of science, math, social studies, and language arts — with a dash of creativity thrown into the mix! From reading a […]
3 Helpful Tips For Transracial Foster Parenting
Parenting is filled with both joys and struggles, whether you have biological, adopted, or foster children at home. With that said, transracial foster parenting (welcoming a […]
Fun Ways To Celebrate Halloween At Home With Foster Children
Are you looking for alternatives to trick-or-treating this year? Your house may not be haunted, but you can still give your foster children and teenagers something […]
Encouraging Words For Prospective Foster Parents
Did you happen to see the recent movie, Instant Family, starring Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne? Based on a true story, the plot centers around a […]
3 Ways To Help Your Foster Child Successfully Navigate Distance Learning
If you have children or a foster teenager in your home, chances are you are starting the school year virtually (or will be shifting to distance […]
Tips For Fostering Children And Teens With Special Needs
All foster children need a safe and stable home with someone to support and care for them. With that said, there are some in foster care […]
3 Myths And Misconceptions About Foster Parenting
Parenting is perhaps the most important job in the world, whether you have biological children, or you have opened your heart and welcomed a child into […]
How To Encourage Foster Kids And Teens To Be Themselves
Every child is uniquely special — including children in foster care. From the top of their heads to the tip of their toes, foster children and […]
5 Screen-Free Summer Activities For Foster Teens
The start of summer brings sunshine, soaring temperatures and more free time for your bored foster teenager at home. Whether you are leaving the house to […]
Finding The Hidden Joy As A Foster Family
When you hear the term foster family, what comes to mind? Many people automatically think of brave but clueless foster parents taking on a troubled teenager […]
What Does It Take To Parent A Foster Teen And Is It Right For You?
Some potential foster parents may be intimidated by the idea of fostering a teenager or may worry they lack experience with this age group. While it […]
Tips For Making Your Foster Teen’s Bedroom More Comfortable
When fostering a teenager in your home, providing a space for a comfortable, inviting bedroom is key. Teenagers enjoy their privacy and want a space that […]
How To Create A Safe And Stable Home Environment For Foster Teens
When a foster child enters your home, you have the chance to make them feel welcome from the moment they walk through your door. While showing […]
Free Online Educational Resources For Your Foster Teen
If you are in need of a few new ways to keep your foster teenager busy while learning from home, there are a variety of great […]
Boredom Busters: 5 Indoor Activities For Foster Families With Teens
While it is easy for a teenager to fall into the same pattern of self-isolating and playing video games alone at home, there are ways to […]
4 Heartbreaking Statistics That Will Make You Want To Be A Foster Parent
While foster parents are helping children all around the globe, there are still many children waiting for a safe and stable home. Many children in foster […]
Spring Fever: 6 Outdoor Activities For Foster Families
The weather is warming up, the sun is shining and kids are bouncing off the walls. Now is the perfect time to plan some outdoor activities! […]
How Therapeutic Mentoring Helps Children In Foster Care
While fostering provides a safe and stable environment for foster children, many continue to struggle with a variety of emotional and communication skills. Camelot Care Centers […]
Why Support Is Vital In Foster Care
All children deserve the chance to grow up in a safe and loving home. Choosing to provide foster care means providing a safe space, both physically […]
How To Help Foster Children Transitioning Into Adulthood And College
Foster children transitioning into adulthood need support, guidance and encouraged independence. While younger foster children become used to adults running the show, those entering adulthood need […]
5 Pieces Of Advice For Future Foster Parents
So, you have decided foster parenting is right for you. Now what? While looking into fostering resources is a good idea, it also helps to have […]
The Pluses And Minuses Of Long Term Foster Care
So you are considering becoming a foster parent? Congratulations! Fostering is a great opportunity to help a child in need, and you may just find opening […]
6 Festive Christmas Activities For Foster Families
The holidays can be difficult for many foster children, but they can also be a great opportunity for foster parents to bond with their foster child […]
How To Create A Safe And Stable Home Environment For Foster Children
Foster children need one thing above everything else — security. Many foster children come from broken homes where they are moved around regularly. They may be […]
How To Develop An Attitude Of Gratitude As Foster Parents
How many times do you stop and consider how grateful you are? Research shows that people who experience gratitude have more positive emotions and are overall […]
8 Life-Changing Reasons To Become A Foster Parent
Deciding to engage in foster parenting means you are deciding to impact the lives of foster children in need. Whether you have just started researching the […]
5 Fun And Clever Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas For Foster Families
Halloween is the perfect bonding time for you and your foster children. You can decorate, dress up and share an enjoyable evening trick-or-treating together. One way […]
The Importance Of Fostering Sibling Groups And Why You Should Consider It
Think about your brothers and sisters. Growing up together, you had time to make the childhood memories you have today. Children in foster care need time […]
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Foster Parenting
While foster parenting starts off with a compassionate heart and a desire to help children, there are other things to consider before deciding whether it is […]
How And When To Childproof Your Home For Foster Care
Whether you are already a parent or not, learning how to childproof your home is an important preparation step before your foster child’s arrival. Childproofing looks […]
Understanding Separation Anxiety In Foster Care Children
While most children would prefer to be at home with their family, there are times that their safety and emotional well-being are better off in foster […]
How To Make A Foster Child’s First Day At School A Good One
Going back to school is an exciting time that is filled with change. But change can also be scary. It’s natural for children to feel a […]
What To Expect With Your First Foster Care Placement
While it helps to read up on foster parenting beforehand, nothing will prepare you like the actual experience. Inviting a foster child into your home is […]
5 Ways To Know You’re Ready To Be A Foster Parent
Taking the leap to commit to foster parenting is a big decision. Inviting a new person into your home means your current life will change, and […]
How Camelot Care Centers Help Kids In Foster Care
Camelot Care Centers (also known as “Camelot”) has been serving children and adolescents in foster care since 1972, in hopes of reuniting them with their family […]
Free/Cheap Ways to Keep Your Foster Child Busy This Summer
Last week, our blog covered how to help your foster child have a fun and memorable summer. Tips ranged from planning a trip together to finding […]
How To Help Your Foster Child Have A Fun And Memorable Summer
The school year is officially over and it’s time to celebrate! If you want to create a fun and memorable summer for your foster child, here […]
How To Create Boundaries And Discipline With Care When Fostering A Child
While foster children need love and positive attention, they also need boundaries and discipline to help guide them to make positive decisions. It is good to […]
4 Phrases Not To Say To A Foster Parent
While most people have good intentions, some people fall into stereotyping foster parents without realizing it. They may think foster parents have extra patience most humans […]
How To Show Empathy When Communicating With A Foster Child
When your foster child first arrives, expect them to be guarded or quiet the first few days. Depending on their prior situation, they may be recovering […]
How To Make Your Foster Child’s Bedroom A Happy Place To Be
As a foster parent, it is your job to create a welcoming, safe environment where your foster child will feel at home. The best way to […]
4 Tips For Helping Foster Children Before And After A Visitation
Part of the job of a foster parent is to ensure that court-ordered visits with biological parents run smoothly. Doing so allows the foster child to […]
How Will Fostering Affect My Biological Children?
Choosing to foster affects the whole family, including your own children. While it may take some time for adjusting, fostering can be a positive and rewarding […]
4 Tips For Fostering A Child As A Single Parent
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 […]
5 Ways To Inspire Creativity In A Foster Child (And Why It Helps)
While structured activities help create a safe space where foster children can thrive, it’s equally as important to give them time for imaginative play. Providing the […]
4 Things A Foster Child Wants (And Needs) From A Foster Family
Deciding to bring a foster child into your home is a major decision for any foster family to make. The next step is to then prepare […]
What To Do When You Find It Difficult To Bond With Your Foster
Like any relationship, the bond you have with your foster child takes time to form. While some foster children bond right away with their foster families, […]
4 Myths And Misconceptions About Children In Foster Care
The word “foster child” carries a stigma with it as thoughts of a broken, abused, or disobedient child appear in one’s mind. Many people carry judgment […]
5 Little Ways To Show Your Foster Child Love
Choosing to foster means that you already have love to give and room in your heart to spare. Once your foster child is in your home, […]
What To Expect When Fostering A Child With Learning Disabilities And Developmental Challenges
Opening your home and heart to foster children means opening to the possibility that your foster child may have a learning disability or developmental challenge. Many […]
How To Prepare Your Foster Child For Daycare
Becoming a foster parent to a toddler or preschooler can be a rewarding experience. However, it comes with it’s own unique challenges — especially if you […]
5 Tips For A Successful Transition Into Foster Care Parenting
Deciding to foster parent means opening your heart and home to a child in need. Whether you have children of your own, or want to open […]
3 Great Blogs For Foster Parents To Follow In The New Year
Foster Parenting can feel like a lonesome journey at times, with unique obstacles. Finding like-minded foster parents can help you to feel more connected with others […]
How To Cope When A Foster Child Leaves
Inviting a foster child into your home means opening yourself up to the possibility of a long-term relationship. Not knowing when the foster child may leave […]
28 Inspirational Quotes For Foster Parents
As we reflect on the past year and prepare for 2019, here are a few of our favorite inspirational quotes for foster parents (and families) — […]
5 Activities To Help You Bond As A Foster Family
Once your foster child arrives, you will want to make them feel welcome and part of the family. Participating in fun activities together can help you […]
How To Show Compassion And Understanding When Your Foster Child Acts Out
All children have their moments of acting out. For foster children, this behavior may happen more often than not. While you cannot control if and when […]
3 Common Challenges You May Encounter As A Foster Parent And Tips To Overcome Them
Choosing to foster a child is one of the greatest gifts you can give. While fostering has many rewards, there are some unique challenges as well. […]
Foster Care: 4 Traits Of A Loving And Stable Home
A loving and stable foster home starts with foster parents who are ready and excited to participate in the fostering experience. When it boils down to […]
How To Help Children In Foster Care During The Holidays
The holiday season can be a difficult time for children in foster care, for so many reasons. If you’re not quite ready to become a foster […]
How To Prepare For The Holiday Season When Fostering A Child
The holiday season is upon us! Now what? Knowing how to properly prepare your foster child for family festivities can be daunting task. Making the season […]
Tips For Explaining Foster Care To Extended Family And Friends
Choosing to foster is a major decision for any family to make. Once the decision has been made and the process has been started, it’s time […]
First Time Foster Parent Shopping List
Making the choice to foster a child is only the beginning. Now that you have taken the plunge, it is time to start thinking about what […]
Helpful Tips For Fostering An Infant Or Toddler
Choosing to foster an infant or toddler in your home is a big decision. Foster parents of little ones this small must prepare for their home […]
Having A Happy Halloween With Your Foster Children
Fostering is a rewarding yet challenging experience, especially when it comes to celebrating holidays. Children may have negative experiences tied to holidays, or they may not […]
5 Tips for Successfully Fostering Teenagers
Choosing to foster a teenager is a wonderful decision for any family to make. While there are many rewards to fostering a teenager in your home, […]
How To Prepare Your Family To Welcome A Foster Child
While fostering a child means background checks, paperwork, and training classes, there’s another important item to check off the list — preparing your family. Start a […]
How To Prepare For A Foster Care Home Study
Preparing for a Home Study is a necessary part of the fostering process. Once the application and foster parenting classes are completed, the home study comes […]
How To Help Your Foster Child Thrive At School
You have all the traits of a good foster parent. And while there are challenges at times, your foster child is thriving with your support. With […]
What Does It Mean to Be A Foster Family
Foster families are like other types of families in a lot of ways. Foster parents are there to help their foster children learn and grow. The […]
How To Help A Foster Child Transition Back To School
While going back to school means going back to a strict routine, it also means a chance for a fresh start. Whether your foster child struggled […]
7 Skills You Need To Master Before Becoming A Foster Parent
Choosing to foster a child requires mental and physical preparation. With that said, you probably already possess many of the skills needed to successfully foster a […]
How To Prepare Your Home For Foster Care
Choosing to provide foster care is a selfless act. Not only can it positively benefit a child in need, but it can also benefit you and […]
How To Help Your Foster Child Feel At Home
It is not easy to be displaced, regardless of the reason. And sadly, some foster children are used to temporary housing and moving from one place […]
The Top 5 Traits Of A Good Foster Parent
Choosing to foster a child is a selfless act that changes your life forever. Inviting a new child into your home may lead to jealousy issues […]
How To Become A Foster Parent In The State Of Illinois
The need for foster families is great, and becoming a foster parent isn’t that difficult to do. The state of Illinois partners with families to provide […]
Is Fostering A Child The Right Choice For You?
The decision to become a foster parent isn’t an easy one to make — even when your heart is in the right place. While the choice […]