Foster parents, like all parents, face joys and challenges in parenting and need strong parenting skills.
To help a foster child feel at home with you:
- Treat your foster child as your own child. Connect him with your extended family and include him in family functions.
- Make sure your home is a safe and secure environment.
- Help your foster child adjust to her new life. Show her around the home and neighborhood. Bring her to the grocery store or on other errands with you.
- Do things together as a family. Eat meals together, play games, and go to events, especially the kinds of events your foster child enjoys.
- Listen to your foster child and be open with him. When your child has concerns, listen to him and take his concerns seriously. Tell your child he can come to you anytime with questions and concerns.
- Give your foster child more independence as she ages. A 3-year-old can do a lot of things that a 1-year-old wouldn’t be able to do, such as talk on the phone with her biological parents, ask to have friends come to visit, and choose activities.
Stressful experiences can impact a child’s development and behavior. You can reach out to your health care provider or a counselor to learn about meeting your child’s specific needs.
Several pages on our website can provide more information: Abuse and Neglect, Bonding, What Is Social and Emotional Development?, Developmental Screening, Parenting Challenges, Respite Care, Special Needs, and Stress.