Christmas with Foster Children

It’s supposedly ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, but for foster children, the Christmas period can sometimes feel like the exact opposite. Rather than happiness and warmth, Christmas time can make foster children feel confusion, loneliness, anger and even guilt – all of which can manifest in unfavourable behaviours, especially when the child cannot fully articulate their emotions.

As the festive season approaches, here are some things you can do to bring the joy and make a foster child feel special and part of the family at Christmas.

1. Involve everyone

Make your home inviting and cosy together! The key is to ensure that the children or young people see the change in setting as positive and a fun activity to do together.

2. Talk about Christmas

A child in care may not have a good understanding of the Christmas holiday, what it means and what traditions it brings in your home. Take time to read a few books in the run up to Christmas and be ready to hear about their past Christmases. Encourage them to share good memories, then work out ways that traditions can be integrated. Let them know what to expect, even if it’s as simple as decorations, Christmas music, stockings and lots of family meals!

3. Involve everyone

Make your home inviting and cosy together! The key is to ensure that the children or young people see the change in setting as positive and a fun activity to do together.

4. Write a letter to Santa

For younger children, if this is their first Christmas with you, it’s important that Father Christmas knows where to find you!

5. Anticipate Christmas to be an emotional time

Expect Christmas to be an emotional time for the children you look after, especially for those who may be unable to see their family. All families have their good moments, even if they are few in number and children may want to talk about these and share memories with you. Take time to listen and enjoy time to bond.

6. Prepare for guests

Introducing children or young people to extended family or family gatherings can be a daunting experience for them. Planning around family gatherings is important – let them know who’s coming and when. Sometimes, it helps to talk about the visitors in advance, so that your foster child feels a familiarity and level of comfort before they have arrived. If the children or young people want to social that’s great, but remember to give them time and space to get comfortable at their own pace if they would rather.

7. Be alcohol aware

Be wary that the children may have witnessed the misuse of alcohol and drugs at home, and seeing people drinking at home could cause anxieties to surface, so drink responsibly.

If you’d like more advice, then please feel free to give your local team a call or have a chat with your Social Worker – we want to make sure that Christmas is enjoyable for everyone.

You contact us by calling +44 1702 59 77 97 or sending an email to info@fw-fostering.co.uk