How can I support the foster care system during the holiday season? If you are already caring for foster kids, the holidays can be an extremely emotional and trying time. If you don’t have children of your own, there are still ways you can support the foster care system. Foster children deserve to be happy and loved like any other kid.
Ways To Support the Foster Care System During the Holidays
What are ways I can support the foster care system during the holidays? Here are some things you can do.
Become a Foster Parent
There’s always a need for people like you to foster a child in need. You can become a foster care parent and help these kids grow and heal by nurturing them in a conducive environment. There are many great resources out there that you can use to find out all you need to know about becoming a foster parent. This is probably one of the best things you can do to support the foster care system.
Donate to a Foster Care Agency
If you know of any foster care agencies near you, you could consider donating, especially around the holidays. Foster families do a lot for their children alone, and often they seek support from others to help. Your donation will mean the world to many of these families and can also help in making this time of the year merrier. This is a great way to show that you actually care.
Post on Social Media
Even if you have already given or donated to a foster care agency, you can still get others involved by sharing links on your social media pages. These links can be directed to foster care donation pages so they can donate at their discretion. You can post these links on Twitter, Facebook, or even Instagram. This is a great way to help the foster care system spread great information about fostering and why your support is much needed.
If you are already a foster parent, there are also several things you can do to support your foster child this holiday season. You can try any of the following:
- Plan for extended family visits. The holiday season is a great time to get together with family and friends. This is also the perfect time to plan for your foster child to meet your extended family.
- Encourage visits with biological family. It is also great to plan family visits with your foster child’s biological family if they are in contact with their family.
- Allow for space. The holidays are extremely emotional for many people, and foster children can experience a great sense of anxiety or stress. If your foster child pulls away during this time, allow them the space to do so. Remember that their actions have nothing to do with your parenting.