Managing Father’s Day with foster children
When you are a foster parent, days such as Father’s Day can be difficult. You may be wondering what you can do to support the children in your care, and how to respond to their questions regarding this day.
Discuss their feelings
In the days and weeks leading up to this day, reach out to your foster child or children by asking how they are feeling about Father’s Day.
Depending on their backgrounds and experiences with the event, they may want to buy a card and/or present for their biological father, or ignore the day altogether.
Regardless, it’s important to consider their feelings and talk to them about what how they would like to approach the day when it comes.
Get everyone involved
If you have biological children and they are celebrating Father’s Day, encourage your foster child to get involved too.
Whether you are organising a trip or buying or creating gifts, it is a great way to make the foster child feel included and a part of their foster family, giving them a sense of belonging within a family unit.
Talk to other adults in your foster child’s life
Often, it helps to reach out to other adults that your foster child interacts with regularly, such as teachers, sports coaches or the parents of their friends.
Giving these adults a heads-up regarding your foster child’s sensitivity around Father’s Day will clear up any potential misunderstanding over their behaviour. In the case of their teachers, it will enable them to adjust their lesson plans accordingly.
At Beacon Fostering, we look to provide families with guidance around difficult topics such as these. Reach out today to learn more about the foster care process.