8 Ideas for Helping a Foster Child Rest in a New Environment

Foster children have often moved around to different homes, which can be unsettling. They may have trouble sleeping in a new place or feel anxious and unable to rest. Here are some ideas for helping a foster child feel more at ease.

1- Keep a Routine

Try to stick to the same bedtime routine as much as possible. If the child is used to reading a story before bed, do that. If they like to sleep with a particular stuffed animal, make sure it comes with them to the new home. Let them choose their bedding and where they want to sleep in the room if possible.

2- Make Their Room Their Own

If the child is old enough, involve them in decorating their room. Let them pick out their favorite color for the walls or help choose pictures to hang up. If they have any particular belongings, put them in a place where the child can see them. If they are not old enough to help decorate, try to make the room in the foster home as homey and inviting as possible.

3- Create a Safe Space

Sometimes a child needs a little space to call their own. This can be a corner of their room or even a closet they can go into when they need some time alone. Fill the space with things that make the child feel comfortable, such as blankets, pillows, books, or toys.

4- Get to Know Their Interests

Talk to the child about their favorite things. Find out what TV shows they watch, books they read, and games they want to play. This will give you ideas for activities and help the child feel more comfortable in their new environment.

5- Do Something Fun Every Day

Make sure to do something fun together every day, even just for a few minutes. This can be playing a game, walking, or watching a movie. Doing something fun will help the child relax and feel more at ease.

6- Make Them Feel Welcome

When the child arrives, please hug them and tell them how happy you are to have them. Let them know that they are safe and loved and that you will do everything you can to help them feel comfortable.

7- Encourage Them to Talk About Their Feelings

If the child is having trouble adjusting, encourage them to talk about their feelings. Let them know it’s okay to feel scared or sad and that you will help them through it. Encourage them to express themselves in whatever way they feel comfortable, whether through talking, writing, drawing, or any other outlet.

8- Be Patient

Adjusting to a new environment can take time, so be patient with the child. They may have good and bad days, but eventually, they will settle in and feel more at ease.

If you are considering foster parenting, these tips can help make the experience more positive for everyone involved. Remember to be patient and understanding, and to make the child feel welcome, loved, and safe. The child will adjust and feel at home with little time and effort.