Become A Foster Parent – Make An Impact On The Community

21 December 2018

The number of children who are sent to foster care is alarming. It is a sad reality that needs to be handled with sensitivity and caution. After all, these are the future generations of the same community where we live. Fostering networks have been doing a commendable job for generations, helping children find a home amidst many uncertainties. Becoming a foster parent can be your calling too.

Reasons why you should foster:

One of the main reasons you should foster a child is the social responsibility that comes with it. As part of the community, it is in your power to have a good influence through your actions. If you have space and time to take in another young person into your family, then it must be something that should be considered seriously.

Fostering a child also comes with its own rewards. Depending on your geographic location and a few other factors related to the child, you get a certain amount of funding from the state to cover costs and take in extra income. There are also tax breaks available for income earned through fostering so this really helps in your long-term financial planning.

The emotional rewards of fostering a child are immeasurable but immense. You will be welcoming a stranger who will slowly gain the confidence and trust to accept you as an extended family.

Know the legal rights of the child:

When you want to become a foster parent it is important that you know the important legal details of the process and the rights of the child. To foster a child is an important responsibility and the state has certain parameters and provisions that ensure a humane and nurturing environment.

The right to be treated with respect, the right to live in a secure and safe place, the right to necessary nutrition and clothing, and the right to adequate healthcare are just some of the many legal rights of a child in foster care. Right to education and contact with social care networks and relatives are also part of this suite of rights framed to protect the children.

The impact of a foster parent:

If you are ready to learn about fostering, take some time to think about the positive impact you can have on the child. Children who are taken into care have missed out on some of the things we take for granted. Some of these children have been living in abusive households with parents who are suffering from addiction or who are never present. Many have faced physical and emotional abuse. They have not experienced the stability that is required to make a child feel safe and comfortable. By providing that stability, you will be giving the child a precious gateway to a normal life.

Children who go into care have many emotional issues, especially related to their confidence. This will be a big problem as they grow older because they will not be equipped with the tools to deal with life’s challenges. As a foster parent, you can intervene and give them the right environment to shed their inhibitions, trust people, and gain confidence in themselves.

These children need a pillar in their lives to give them an anchor as they discover new things and experiences. The foster parent’s role is to provide this support and also be a guiding light to help the children find their path.

In many cases, the foster parents can also be the bridge of reconciliation with the families of the children. There are times when parents are unable to take care of their children because of illness. In this case, the foster parent can provide a reassuring presence while helping the child stay in touch with his or her blood relations.

An uphill battle you can win:

Thousands of children grow into adulthood without ever leaving the foster system. They do not have the same relationships and skills because of the constant moving and shuffling. Many never get to complete a college education and thousands fail to find meaningful employment even when they have reached their mid-twenties. These are the challenges that you must foresee when you are a foster parent. And by knowing these things upfront, you can, to the best of your abilities, try to combat the scenarios.

By ensuring that the foster children get the basic education and a warm and loving space to live in, you will be giving them a glimmer of hope to grow into responsible and independent adults. Consider becoming a foster parent – make that impact.

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Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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The Importance of Date Night When You’re a Parent

Nearly all parents will tell you that finding the time to conduct adult conservations are difficult enough, meaning regular dates nights are almost an impossibility! However, the effect of being unable to dedicate regular time to a relationship is damaging for both men and women. If you feel that your relationship is lacking in both communication and intimacy, now is the perfect time to take stock and change this. 1. Couples Need to Communicate Regularly : While many of us may believe that we communicate already, rushed conversations on the way out of the door about who is picking which child up and who needs to get milk are the types of communication that are hardly stimulating! Adults need to spend time with other adults, and when there are children involved, the possibility of this happening diminishes with each year. However, it’s so easy to fall into that rut whereby you give up communicating with one another and therefore stop talking about what goes on in each other’s life. This lack of communication, when left to build, means you begin to miss the signs of unhappiness from your other-half and the phrase, my partner just doesn’t understand me anymore is so often the starting point of an extra-marital affair. The solution is to demand that adult time each day, with a couple of hours spent together out of the family home once a week. 2. Sexual Is an Integral Part of a Couple’s Relationship : When we become parents, more than likely our sex lives take a back seat for a couple of weeks at least. However, when you combine the demands of parenthood alongside work, household chores and ongoing financial issues, these weeks can ever so quickly turn into months. Before you realize it, you have difficulty pinpointing the last time you both had any form of sexual contact. Yet, sex in a relationship is vital and should always be given importance to. It’s another form of expressing your love for your partner and once it starts to diminish, so too do those emotional feelings. Unfortunately, with so much responsibility placed on parent’s shoulders, sexual desires often begin to decrease substantially. For men, finding a solution for decreased sexual performance isn’t always easy. Additionally, it’s still seen as a somewhat hushed and slightly taboo topic. This doesn’t have to be the case, as there are readily available solutions to combat this temporary problem including cheap male enhancement pills that work, to name but a few. 3. Children Need to Understand That Couple Time Matters : Many couples will say that their children just don’t allow them the time to behave like adults. While it’s true that trying to snatch a few minutes of couple time throughout the day can be hard with younger children under your feet, that’s not to say it’s impossible. More importantly, it’s more of a case of educating our children to understand that Mom and Dad are adults who need to be able to spend quality time together as a couple if the family unit is to continue functioning. The solution is to start with simple things such as highlighting that bedtime means bedtime, that is once the kids have gone to bed, there’s no getting up and merely wondering downstairs into the living room. This is Mom and Dad’s time. Additionally, if you can emphasize the importance of date night and everyone is aware each week that this is an essential date which will be taking place, whatever happens, that day, you will eventually encourage your kids to view your date night with the respect it deserves. Read Also : Golden Pregnancy Care Tips For All Expectant Women Smooth Discharge Before Period 10 Effective Homework Tips For Your Kids

Are You Better Suited To Short-Term Fostering Or Long-Term Fostering?

If you are considering becoming a foster carer, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether short-term or long-term fostering better suits your situation and preferences. Both short and long-term fostering play vital roles for children in need but require different levels of commitment and have different rewards and challenges. This article will explore the key differences to help you determine which option may be the better fit for you. Providing Immediate Support with Short-term Fostering Short-term fostering, also referred to as emergency or respite fostering, involves temporarily caring for a child or sibling group for anywhere from one night up to two years. Reasons children may need short-term care include: Their regular foster home is not available for a period A permanent placement option is being sought for the child by the fostering agency The child’s home situation is unsafe, and care is urgently needed while next steps are determined As a short-term carer, you would provide stability, comfort and reassurance while the child’s longer-term placement is finalized. It can be extremely rewarding to know you are providing vital immediate support at a time of uncertainty and crisis. However, saying goodbye can also be emotionally difficult. Short-term fostering also requires high flexibility as placements may be made urgently. It suits those whose work and personal life enable them to adapt plans at short notice when placements come up. Providing a Consistent Loving Home with Long-term Fostering Those who become long-term foster carers take on more responsibility for consistency and continuity in the child's development. Reasons a child may need long-term care include: Court orders preventing them from safely returning to their birth family Their parents agree that fostering is best for the child’s stability Efforts towards adoption or placement with relatives are being explored As a long-term carer, you support the child to feel safe, secure, and cared for despite the uncertainty around where they will ultimately live as an adult. You attend school events, and medical appointments and participate in hobbies alongside them. The aim is to reduce the amount of change and upheaval the child must cope with. This care helps them develop securely. Saying goodbye when an adoptive family or relatives are found can be extremely difficult emotionally. However, some long-term foster carers maintain contact which eases the transition. Assessing Your Suitability When weighing up short versus long-term fostering, reflect honestly on questions such as: Could you grow attached to a child knowing care would not be permanent? Would you feel comfortable looking after children with little advance notice? Do you have space in your life for extensive long-term commitments? How might foster impact others in your household? Seeking guidance from fostering agencies on what each role involves day-to-day is crucial. Be open about any apprehensions you may have too. Exploring the pros and cons in an honest, self-reflective way empowers you to know which option is the best match. Whilst all foster care has emotional highs and lows, understanding what you feel able to manage realistically is key to being the support these children truly need. Reflecting on whether emergency or routine care suits your situation better clarifies if short or long-term fostering is your calling. Most importantly, follow your instincts as you consider this life-changing, highly commendable commitment. Read Also: 30+ Fathers Day Gift Ideas: It’s More Than Gifts Speech Therapists Unlocking The Power Of Communication The Art of Being a Great Mom: 10 Simple Tips for Modern Moms

Making The Most Of Hand-Me-Downs And Second-Hand Finds For Your Kids

If you have kids, you know how expensive it can be to buy them new clothes, toys, books, and other items. Kids grow fast, and their tastes and preferences change often. Buying everything new can put a strain on your budget and create a lot of waste. That's why many parents opt for hand-me-downs and second-hand finds for their kids. Hand-me-downs are items that are passed down from older siblings, relatives, or friends. Second-hand finds are items that are bought or acquired from thrift stores, garage sales, online platforms, or other sources. Keep on reading to learn more… How to Make the Most Out of Hand-Me-Downs? In the era of fast fashion and quickly outgrown children's clothes, buying everything new can get very expensive. Luckily, there are plenty of ways for savvy parents to cut costs by making use of hand-me-downs and second-hand items. Read on for tips on how to source, care for, and refresh these gems for your little ones. Here are some of the tips that you can use to make the most of the hand-me-downs: Sort and Store One of the first things you must do is sort and store your hand-me-downs and second-hand finds properly. This will help you keep track of what you have, what you need, and what you can pass on to others. Sort your items by size, season, and category. For example, you can have separate bins or boxes for winter clothes, summer clothes, shoes, accessories, toys, books, etc. Label them clearly and keep them in a dry and clean place. Store your items in a way that preserves their quality and prevents damage. For example, you can use vacuum-sealed bags, plastic containers, or cedar chests to protect your items from dust, moisture, insects, and mold. You can also use hangers, dividers, or organizers to keep your items neat and tidy. Check your items regularly and get rid of anything that is stained, torn, worn out, or outdated. You can donate, sell, or recycle your unwanted items or use them for crafts or other purposes. Mix and Match Another thing you need to do is to mix and match your hand-me-downs and second-hand finds with your kids' existing wardrobe and preferences. This will help you create some fun and stylish outfits for your kids and make them feel comfortable and confident in their clothes. You should try to mix and match: Colors, patterns, and textures. For instance, you can pair a solid-colored shirt with a floral dress or a plaid skirt with a denim jacket. You can also mix and match different fabrics, such as cotton, wool, silk, or leather. This will add some variety and interest to your kids' outfits. Styles and trends. For example, you can combine a vintage sweater with a modern pair of jeans, or a classic dress with a trendy pair of sneakers. You can also mix and match different genres, such as casual, formal, sporty, or bohemian. This will give your kids some personality and flair in their outfits. Accessories and details. For example, you can add a belt, a scarf, a hat, or a necklace to your kids' outfits. You can also add some buttons, patches, stickers, or pins to your kids' clothes. This will give your kids some fun and creative touches in their outfits. Customize and Personalize The last thing you must do is customize and personalize your hand-me-downs and second-hand finds for your kids. This will help you make your items fit better, look better, and feel better for your kids. It will also help you express your kids' individuality and uniqueness. Customize your items to fit your kids' size and shape. For example, you can hem, alter, or resize your items to make them fit your kids better. You can also add some elastic, buttons, or snaps to your items to make them more adjustable and comfortable. Customize your items to suit your kids' style and taste. For example, you can dye, bleach, or paint your items to change their color or pattern. You can also cut, rip, or distress your items to give them some edge or character. Personalize your items to reflect your kids' interests and hobbies. For example, you can embroider, applique, or print your items with your kids' names, initials, or monograms. You can also decorate your items with your kids' favorite characters, animals, or symbols. Sourcing Quality Second-hand Pieces You can uncover great used pieces from friends and family, charity shops, and online marketplaces. When accepting offers of hand-me-downs, don't feel you need to take everything you're given. Politely decline items that are overly worn or stained, and only keep pieces that are still in good condition. For second-hand shopping, hit up charity shops in more affluent neighbourhoods where higher quality kit is often donated. Check items thoroughly for flaws and be selective in your purchases. Online, sites like eBay, Depop and Vinted offer everything from babygrows to bikes being sold on by other parents, helping you make the most of your budget or fostering allowance. Caring for Hand-Me-Downs To maximise the longevity of hand-me-downs and second-hand items, properly launder and care for them before passing them on to your little one. Check clothing labels and wash items according to fabric type. Mend any small holes, broken zippers or loose buttons. For items like bikes or baby gear, inspect them thoroughly and replace any worn parts. Give everything a thorough cleaning to remove grime and make sure pieces are fresh for their new owner. Refreshing & Repurposing Finds Sometimes second-hand stuff just looks, well, second-hand. Luckily there are inexpensive ways to give things new life. For clothes, accessories and soft toys, a spot clean followed by a wash in Oxiclean or similar can freshen up fabrics. Embellish with ribbons, embroidered patches or appliqués to add decorative flair. Turn that dull vest into a one-of-a-kind piece your child will love. Repurpose old pieces too - vintage babygrows make adorable doll clothes, and adult t-shirts can be made into dresses. Making Second-hand Finds Feel Special Hand-me-downs and pre-loved items often come with a history. Share what you know about an item’s origins with your little one - they’ll love having their own “special story” attached to their clothes and toys. Help them personalize pieces by adding custom touches like initials or fun fabric paint designs. And display their second-hand treasures proudly by letting them select special books or toys for their rooms. Soon these pre-used gems will hold pride of place in your child’s heart. Additional Tips Check items’ safety before passing to little ones - no small broken parts, frayed edges etc. Store off-season clothing rotated with your child’s growth Mix second-hand pieces with new ones in your child’s wardrobe Pass pieces along to younger friends/family members when outgrown Sourcing and caring for pre-loved items takes a bit more effort than just popping out for new gear. But with some time and creative vision, you can kit out your kids in great finds without breaking the bank. And by giving their clothes and toys a history, you’ll add an extra layer of love. Bottom Line Hand-me-downs and second-hand finds can be a great way to save money, reduce waste, and give your kids some unique and quality items. However, they can also pose some challenges, such as finding the right size, style, and condition for your kids. By following these tips and tricks, you can make the most of hand-me-downs and second-hand finds for your kids. Learn More About: 8 Newborn Baby Care Tips for First-Time Parents Irish Twins: What Does It Mean? It’s Not What You Think The Art of Being a Great Mom: 10 Simple Tips for Modern Moms

Become A Foster Parent – Make An Impact On The Community

Reasons why you should foster:

Know the legal rights of the child:

The impact of a foster parent:

An uphill battle you can win:

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How to Get a Cheap Divorce in Texas

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Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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The Importance of Date Night When You’re a Parent

Are You Better Suited To Short-Term Fostering Or Long-Term Fostering?

Making The Most Of Hand-Me-Downs And Second-Hand Finds For Your Kids

Become A Foster Parent – Make An Impact On The Community

Reasons why you should foster:

Know the legal rights of the child:

The impact of a foster parent:

An uphill battle you can win:

Share this Article

5 Reasons Why Girls Should propose to boys

How to Get a Cheap Divorce in Texas

Tags

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related