We talk to Foster Carer Alison Aris about here foster caring journey and experiences.
Name: Alison Aris
Age: 50
Who lives in your house?
Three foster boys and my two girls.
Where in the UK do you live?
Croydon
How old are the children you’re fostering?
15,16 and 17 years old.
How long have you been a foster carer?
23 years
How many children have you cared for over the years?
I wish I’d counted. I didn’t think about it at the time!
What did you do before becoming a foster carer?
I worked in fashion and then at a university.
What is the most enjoyable/ rewarding part of being a foster carer?
When the effort I put in makes a positive change to the child’s life and the child is happy living with me.
Tell us about a typical day in your life…
6:30am Alarm goes off.
7-7:45am I help the kids with breakfast so they can get to school on time. The boys are slow at everything!
8:30am Do school drop off
9am-12pm Do any shopping that I need to do.
12:30 Come home and make some lunch
12:30-1:00pm Do some housework
1:15pm Attend foster child’s meeting
2:00pm Talk to social worker about other children
3:30pm School pick-up
5:30-7:00pm Cook, eat and clear up after dinner
7:30-9pm Deal with all the children’s personal issues, squabbling, homework…
9:30- 10:30pm Encourage two of the boys to use the bath and brush their teeth
11pm Struggle against resistance to get everyone to bed on time
11:30pm Fall into bed
What is you most memorable foster carer moment?
When a four-year-old was adopted and I hugged her and her siblings on the platform at Euston Station. I didn’t think she understood that this was the end of her living with me. As she was about to board the train, she ran back to me, straight into my arms for a final hug goodbye. It was like something out of a romantic movie, I had underestimated her understanding of what was happening that day, even though I had been preparing them.
What is the biggest thing you’ve learnt from being a foster carer?
The biggest thing I’ve learnt is to keep remembering they are not my children. This is necessary to remember in a lot of areas, it covers so much, such as, how much you love them or show affection, discipline, haircuts, holidays abroad, what you can and can’t do, what you need permission for. This protects you and your family’s heart and personal space, as well as the child’s.
What would you say to anyone considering becoming a foster carer?
They should do it. It’s a worthwhile experience. You definitely learn what life is really like for some people, as well as being in a position to influence and inspire so many young people. You need a lot of diplomacy; I could run for PM!
How would you describe your Banya experience?
Overall it has been very positive.
