What do you do when a foster child is returning home? If you’ve had a foster child in your home for any length of time, you know how easy it is for foster parents to get attached. However, since reunification is always the original goal of foster care, what can a foster parent do when a foster child is returning home? Exactly how does a foster parent get over the feeling of loss?
10 Things to Do When a Foster Child is Returning Home
- Grieve! You will miss your foster child and always wonder how they are doing. Sometimes it takes time for our hearts to heal. It’s hard for a foster parent to keep emotions in check all the time.
- When the birthfamily agrees, maintain some connection to your foster children after they leave your foster home …. that can make a huge difference!
- Cry! Watch a sad movie to give yourself an excuse to cry. Remind your children that it is okay to be sad sometimes.
- Take a time-out from foster parenting. If you need to, put things away that reminds you of your foster child for a while and give yourself time to heal.
- Indulge yourself in what makes you happy. That could mean taking a vacation or a weekend getaway. (We have taken a Disney cruise, visited SeaWorld, and played at Hurricane Harbor waterpark.) You might treat yourself to a pedicure or massage. Or simply enjoy an indulgent meal/dessert with your family.
- Spend some quality time with your forever children. Devote to family bonding time. Cling to and love the family in your home.
- Keep yourself busy. Work on projects and throw yourself into painting a room, rearranging rooms or some other project with your forever family.
- Make a memento of your foster child’s stay. Make a photo album of your foster child (see the easy photobook I made of LilBit). Add your foster child’s photo to your wall. Make a Christmas ornament for each of your foster children.
- Pray for your foster children and their families!
- Foster a child {again}! Get ready for the revolving door of your foster home to open for the next hurting foster child. There are so many children in foster care that need a loving home.
