For foster children, moving to a new family can be scary, and it can take them some time to acclimatise to a new home. By taking part in fun activities and experiences together, you can build your child’s trust and boost their self-confidence. There are a huge number of things you can do in the UK, but if you’re stuck for inspiration, here are five fun activities that you can do with your foster children.
Go to a Theme Park
There are few things that can top the
excitement of a theme park. Think back to your own childhood – how much fun did
you have speeding around on rollercoasters and eating candyfloss? Your foster
child might not have had the opportunity to experience the joy of a theme park
before, so spending the day at one of the parks up and down the country is a
fun activity that will give them memories to last a lifetime.
Take Them to the Zoo
Animals are great listeners, and for more
withdrawn foster children, spending time with our furry friends is a fantastic
way to encourage them out of their shell. It’s been proven that pets
can help children adapt to the challenges of a foster care environment, but
if you don’t have animals at home, a trip to the zoo is a wonderful
alternative.
Try a New Sport
Sports are a great leveller and can be a
super fun activity to do with your foster child. Trying a new sport doesn’t
need to break the bank either – lots of local areas have free-to-use tennis courts,
football pitches and skate parks, perfect for foster parents on a budget. The
agency you choose to foster through should be able to give you some advice
around the activities each child enjoys and depending on your location might
even be able to tailor their advice to your own circumstances. Orange
Grove Liverpool, for example, offers personalised support for foster
parents who want to expand their child’s horizons.
Join the Local Library
Learning and growing is one of the biggest
things that you should prioritise when raising a foster child. From taking the
time to encourage extra-curricular school activities to sitting down with them
to help with homework, education is a key element of fostering that shouldn’t
be underestimated. By joining the local library, you can open up a world of
learning opportunity for your child and develop their ambition.
Go on a Nature Walk
Fortunately, in the UK there are a number
of public footpaths and national
trails that take you through grassy fields and woodland, as well as nature
reserves and reservoirs that will give your foster child an appreciation for
the beauty of nature. A nature walk is also a brilliant way to encourage
physical activity in foster kids – and tire them out so you can have a relaxing
evening at home!
Welcoming a foster child into your home is exciting
and allows you to grow your family while making a huge difference to a young person’s
life. By taking the time to complete fun activities like walking, sports and
learning, you can encourage them to try new things and boost their confidence. Then,
as your child grows, you can take immense pride in the impact that you’ve had
on their life.
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