Things To Do As A Foster Family During Lent

Lent can be a meaningful time for reflection, routine and kindness in a foster family, whether or not you are practicing Christians. For children in foster care, the structure of Lent can offer a sense of stability, and the themes of hope and new beginnings can be especially powerful.

A helpful starting point is to explain Lent in simple, inclusive language. You might say that Lent is a period when some people choose to give something up or take something on to become kinder, healthier or more thoughtful. This keeps the focus on positive change rather than guilt or pressure, which is important for children who may already feel they have done something “wrong” in their past.

Many foster families choose to create a “Lent kindness calendar.” Instead of giving up chocolate or treats, you can plan a small act of kindness for each day or each week: writing a thank you note, helping with chores, calling a relative, or donating toys no longer used. This encourages foster children to see themselves as capable of giving to others, not just receiving support.

You might also introduce a family “Lent challenge” that everyone can adapt to their own level. For example, a screen‑free hour each evening, a regular family walk, or cooking one healthy meal together every week. These activities support routine, attachment and a sense of being a team. They also give foster carers regular opportunities to praise effort and resilience.

Creative activities can help children process feelings that arise during this reflective season. You could create a “worry box” or “reflection journal” where a foster child can write or draw their thoughts, which you then explore together at an agreed time. Art and craft projects themed around growth, such as planting seeds or decorating flowerpots, can symbolise new starts and the idea that change takes time and patience.

For foster families who do observe Lent for religious reasons, it is important to involve the foster child in an age-appropriate way, taking into account their own faith background and wishes. Some may want to join in church services, while others might prefer to light a candle at home or talk about what hope and forgiveness mean to them. Where a child comes from a different faith, or no faith, foster carers can show respect by asking about their traditions and adjusting family routines so no one feels excluded.

Lent is also a good time to focus on gratitude and strengths. Weekly family check‑ins where each person shares “one good thing” from the week can help foster children notice small positives and feel heard. Over time, this can build resilience and a more hopeful outlook, even when life in foster care feels uncertain.

By using Lent as a gentle framework for reflection, connection and kindness, foster families can support the emotional needs of children in care while modelling healthy habits and values that last well beyond the season itself.

Would you like to become a Foster Carer? Receive a call from a member of our recruitment team by clicking here