Welcoming a Foster Child Into Your Home

Being a foster parent is one of the most rewarding life decisions you can make. Foster children will find respite from the system and shared houses when they enter your home, finding a sense of belonging until they are placed in a more permanent home. Of course, if you are taking on your first foster child, or haven’t fostered for a while, you may be wondering what you can do to prepare for your foster child’s arrival. Here are some suggestions that will help you prepare as best as possible!

Decluttering

When it comes to home presentation, you will first need to declutter. Make sure to go through all of your belongings and determine what you use, what items you genuinely like and hold value and what you don’t really want or need. The final pile can be donated to charity, sold or otherwise disposed of. This will clear up space in your home, helping it to feel clean and clear rather than cluttered and overwhelming. It also frees up space for your foster child and their belongings.

Cleaning

Next up, cleaning. Every home should have a cleaning schedule. This helps to ensure that you keep on top of all of your routine tasks. Chances are, you’ve already taken care of routine tasks such as vacuuming, wiping down work surfaces, dusting, cleaning the toilet, mopping hard floors and more. However, you may need to conduct a good, deep clean before your foster child arrives. This will tackle often missed areas, such as skirting boards, the inside of the microwave, your oven, shower curtains and more. A sparkling clean home can make a good impression.

Setting Up Their Room

Your foster child should have their own room. Take some time to set it up, ready for their arrival. There are a few basics that should be in place, including storage options for their belongings, new bedding, suitable lighting (such as lamps for evenings and the night) and more. If possible, learn more about your foster child – from the foster care agency you’re using – before they arrive, so you can add some personal touches that will meet their individual needs and put a smile on their face.

Make Sure Efforts Are Age-Appropriate

Of course, it’s important that you take the foster child’s age into account when preparing for them. Children of different ages tend to have different needs and preferences. If you’re planning on taking care of a toddler, for example, you may need to invest in potty training equipment, smaller beds and more. If you’re caring for a teen, you’ll have an entirely different set of requirements. Consider age in all design choices, as well as ensure you have the right tools to take care of your foster child.

We all experience a little trial and error when getting used to bringing a foster child into our homes. However, the tips above should set you up for success and help you to welcome your foster kid with open arms!