Foster children can often feel uncertain, vulnerable, and disconnected, especially when they are first placed in a new home. Building a strong bond with foster children can help them feel more secure, develop trust, and ultimately, increase the chances of a successful placement. Here are some ways to bond with foster children:
- Spend quality time together: Set aside time each day to spend one-on-one with the foster child, whether it’s playing a game, going for a walk, reading a book, or just chatting. This can help the child feel valued and cared for.
- Listen and validate their feelings: Foster children may have experienced trauma, loss, and disruption in their lives. Listen to their concerns, validate their feelings, and let them know that you are there to support them.
- Establish routines and rituals: Establishing routines and rituals can help create a sense of stability and predictability for foster children. This can include having regular meal times, bedtime routines, and special traditions like movie night or game night.
- Engage in their interests: Find out what the foster child enjoys doing and try to engage in those activities with them. This can help build a connection and create shared experiences.
- Be patient and understanding: Building a bond with a foster child takes time, patience, and understanding. Be patient and understanding with the child, and try to approach situations from their perspective.
- Provide consistent support: Foster children may have experienced a lack of consistency and support in their lives. Providing consistent support, even in small ways, can help build trust and establish a strong bond.
- Respect their boundaries: Foster children may have experienced a loss of control in their lives. Respecting their boundaries, giving them space when needed, and allowing them to make choices can help them feel more in control and build trust.
Remember that every foster child is unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. It’s important to approach each child with an open mind and to be flexible and adaptable in your approach to building a bond.
Contact us for all of your Foster Care, Parent Coaching, and Mental Health needs. We’re open Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm … You can visit our website at Family Services of America, you can email us at info@familiesofusa.com, or give us a call at (910) 860-9787
