No foster parent will ever tell you that what they do is easy. They may say it’s the most rewarding and fulfilling thing they’ve ever done – but it certainly has its challenges.
Challenges are all part of the journey of foster care, and working through those challenges is what makes it all worth it in the end.
In this post, Anglicare Victoria addresses some of the most common challenges in foster parenting and how to overcome them:
Behavioural issues
It’s common for foster kids to experience behavioural issues, as a response to trauma experienced in the past. What ordinary parents may see as being ‘naughty’ or ‘poorly behaved’ takes some time adjusting to, and reminding yourself that foster children often act out due to past trauma.
The main ways to overcome behavioural issues include creating a stable, predictable environment within the foster home, practising patience and empathy with your foster children and using positive reinforcement when the child is displaying good behaviours.
Your Anglicare Victoria allocated worker will be available to support you with this, and may source therapeutic support for the young person as required.
Emotional regulation issues
Foster kids commonly experience emotional regulation issues, and this can present a challenge for foster parents. Outbursts of anger, sadness and anxiety should be expected for some foster kids, especially ones who have experienced trauma. Foster carers should remain calm and composed during emotional outbursts to de-escalate the situation, and can always encourage expression in the form of sharing their stories or drawing or writing.
Anglicare Victoria offer ongoing training to our foster carers, which may support in developing the skills required to support children managing their emotions.
Get in Touch with Anglicare Victoria
Yes, foster parenting is a challenge – but the rewards are simply unmatched. Interested in making a significant impact on the lives of young Australians through foster care? Anglicare Victoria offers opportunities to join a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing safe and loving foster homes across Victoria. Whether you want to become a foster carer or support the team behind the scenes, contact our Carer Recruitment Team today to learn more about applying.
