What Should My Foster Child Call Me?
It’s best to introduce yourself using the name you want the youngster to call you when they first arrive at your house. As soon as the foster child and the case manager or licensing agency enter the home, first impressions are formed. When welcoming the child and the case manager, speak in a kind and kind manner. Introduce yourself by using the name you want your foster child to use to refer to you, and explain your current role in their life.
Because of their age, developmental stage, or cognitive limitations, the kid might not be familiar with the foster care system. Additionally, it can be their first time interacting with social services, and they might not be familiar with the foster care system or the duties of foster parents.
By insisting that the youngster refer to you as their mother or father, or similar names such as ‘Mum’ and ‘Dad,’ which could be confusing, you are forcing the relationship. Since they can allude to the individual who mistreated or ignored them, these statements could set them off. “Dad” could be someone who is incarcerated or who left his family. Reminding the child of parents who couldn’t take care of them is not something you want to do.
Furthermore, calling other family members “sister” or “brother” is not appropriate for a foster child. The other members of the household ought to be addressed by their first names. If both you and your foster child are comfortable with it, let them use your first name when referring to you and your family.
When the youngster is first placed, you may give them a couple more name choices to use when addressing you. The child gains a sense of control when they are given choices. They will have the freedom to choose, something they might not have had with their birth parents or in their prior placement.
It is necessary to introduce any more household members or to let each person introduce themselves separately. Depending on the size of the family, having everyone show up at once could be too much to handle. “Aunt” or “Uncle” are other ways to introduce yourself, as is a nickname your family may use.
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