Fostering involves far more than the practicalities of school runs, meetings, family time, and appointments. Foster carers also support children through the emotional impact of sibling disagreements, feelings of rejection, and the ongoing effects of trauma on mental health and behaviour. These experiences can result in heightened emotions or emotional withdrawal, both of which present…
Toys aren’t just something to keep kids busy – they can actually be amazing tools for learning. Whether you’re a parent, carer, or foster parent, knowing how the right toys can boost a child’s development makes a huge difference. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best educational toys out there, what makes…
On June 7th, we took a group of young people and foster families out for the day to visit Buttercups Goat Sanctuary. Buttercups is a large sanctuary near Maidstone in Kent for goats who need a safe and caring home. It is the only rescue facility just for goats in the whole of the UK.…
Thinking back, for those of us that can recall those early days of parenthood will remember one thing very clearly – that we often did not know exactly what we were doing, but we were trying our very best. For many new parents, especially those without strong, positive support networks or good examples of parenting…
We get this question all the time. People who feel called to care for children but aren’t quite sure of the different types of care. Honestly, it can feel like a maze of terms, so let’s break it down. Here is a quick guide to help you make sense of it all: Fostering This one’s…
Each June, National Age Without Apology Month, is a time to challenge negative stereotypes and cultural biases around aging. Since its inception in 2017, this month-long observance has grown in visibility and impact, shining a light on the power of positive aging and advocating for a society where every individual, regardless of age, is respected,…
Father’s Day is a time often associated with cards, gifts, and moments of celebration. But behind the tradition and social media posts lies a deeper, more meaningful opportunity, especially in the world of fostering. Society has traditionally placed the weight of childcare on women, while men have often been cast in supporting or peripheral roles.…
We asked our male foster carers what they love about fostering and why positive male representation as carers is important to them. David and Vinay, based in the north-west of England, shared the following with us: Establishing males as caring and non-threatening when young people may have experienced the opposite of this The sad fact…
When people first express interest in becoming foster carers, one of the frequent questions is: “How do we choose which child we will get?” The answer lies in a process called matching. What is Matching? Matching is the process of carefully considering how well a potential foster carer can meet the specific needs of a…
When your child’s language comes off as unfriendly, rude, or unkind, it’s important to avoid labelling them with phrases like, “You are so rude!” There are many reasons a child might behave in a way that seems disrespectful. For one, they may not realize how their behaviour is coming across – and this can happen…