There is no question that fostering can be an incredibly positive and rewarding experience. However, it is natural to have fears when you are considering fostering for the first time. It is a tough decision to add a foster child to your family; even more so when the child could come from a potentially disadvantaged background.
It is important to know that the fears you are experiencing are completely natural and you are certainly not alone. Remember, the child is also going to be scared of entering a new home. It is an experience you will be going through together, and one which will ultimately be incredibly fulfilling.
Below we will look at the most common fears people have about fostering.
How will fostering affect my own children?
Before you foster a child, you need to have the support of everyone in the household, including your own children. How will fostering affect them? All children are different, and some will be a lot more open to the idea than others. You will need to be prepared to answer a lot of questions.
You can ease their concerns by being straight about your reasons for wanting to foster another child. The more open and honest you are and attentive to your child’s concerns, the more likely they are going to accept a foster child into the home. Often, children like helping other children so highlight how you will all be helping the foster child. Also highlight the positives that adding a new child into the home will have on them, for example, they will have another child to play with.
Above all else, you need to be able to reassure your children that your relationship with them will not change. If you do foster a child, be sure to schedule in both time alone with your own child, as well as family time all together.
What if the foster child is difficult?
Some children may be frightened or confused about entering a foster home, which in turn could lead to them lashing out. Understanding the behaviour will help you to address the issue. Whilst some children do have behavioural problems, you are never forced to take on a child unless you are completely comfortable with their history. It could be that the child is simply misunderstood so that also needs to be considered.
You will always be informed about a child’s history before you take them on. You will also be able to ask any questions you have. Banya support all their foster carers by offering in-depth training.
What if I become attached to the foster child?
It is common to develop a strong bond with the children you foster. However, there is support available when the time comes for them to leave. You must also remind yourself it is better for the child when they move on and remember the difference you have made to their life.
These are just three of the top fears people have when they are thinking of becoming a foster parent. Just like becoming a biological parent, fears are a natural part of the process. However, with a good support system in place and plenty of research beforehand, you will be in a great position to make a real difference. Remember, the positives far outweigh any fears you may currently be experiencing.
Discover more about your eligibility to foster or, if you have questions, drop us a line and we’ll call you back.
