Becoming a foster parent is a meaningful and impactful way to support children in foster care. While Virginia DSS sets specific standards that all foster parents must meet to become certified, fostering goes beyond simply meeting these requirements. At Impact, we understand that the most successful foster parents possess essential skills that help them truly make a difference in a child’s life.
1. Empathy and Emotional Sensitivity
Fostering requires understanding that children in care have often experienced trauma, neglect, or loss. Developing empathy allows foster parents to see the world through the child’s eyes, making responding with compassion rather than frustration easier. Emotional sensitivity helps in reading between the lines of behaviors that might seem challenging on the surface but often stem from the trauma that they have experienced.
Practice Tip: Try actively listening without judgment, focusing on understanding the feelings behind a child’s words or actions.
2. Flexibility and Adaptability
Every day in foster care is different. A child’s needs may change quickly, and situations can be unpredictable. Flexibility in adapting to new routines, behaviors, or emotions can make a big difference in creating a stable environment.
Practice Tip: Set aside some routines to allow room for adaptation, especially when a new child joins your family.
3. Resilience and Patience
Children in foster care may struggle with trust and boundaries, and it can take time to see progress in building relationships with them. Resilience helps foster parents stay committed, even during tough times. On the other hand, patience allows them to meet the child where they are emotionally, giving them space to heal and grow at their own pace.
Practice Tip: Find a self-care routine that keeps you grounded—whether it’s journaling, exercising, or connecting with other foster parents.
4. Open-Mindedness and Curiosity
Each foster child brings unique experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. Embracing an open-minded approach allows foster parents to respect and honor the child’s cultural heritage, personal preferences, and background.
Practice Tip: Show genuine interest in their stories and celebrate aspects of their identity, whether through learning about their culture, traditions, or interests.
5. Consistency and Boundaries
Many children in foster care come from unstable environments. Providing structure and predictability can help them feel secure. However, foster parents must balance this with warmth and flexibility to avoid becoming too rigid.
Practice Tip: “Connect before Correct.” Make sure you have a solid foundation and educate the youth on what the expectations are in the home. Communicate rules and expectations clearly while remaining open to modifying them based on the child’s needs.
6. Communication and Conflict Resolution
Communication is essential for foster parents, who must be clear with the child and social workers, case managers, and other professionals involved in the child’s care. Conflict resolution skills also come into play when addressing misunderstandings or challenging behaviors.
Practice Tip: Encourage open dialogue, affirming that discussing emotions and conflicts is okay.
7. Sense of Humor and Positivity
Finding moments of joy in everyday life is a strength when fostering. A sense of humor can help foster parents weather the difficult days and bring lightness into the lives of children who may have faced hardship.
Practice Tip: Look for small ways to create joy, whether through games, silly routines, or shared activities that allow both you and the child to unwind.
Fostering is not just about providing a roof over a child’s head; it’s about offering the warmth, understanding, and adaptability a healing environment requires. You build a toolkit to help each child feel seen, heard, and valued by honing these soft skills.
So, what are you waiting for?
If you haven’t already started your journey with us, we’d be happy to speak to you about the impact you can make! Click here to get started.