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Waiting for your first arrival when you start fostering in Nottingham

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When you start fostering in Nottingham, it’s just the start of your journey. Once approved, the reality of your amazing journey ahead as a foster carer really sinks in when you’re waiting for your first arrival. Naturally, whilst all the attention and focus is upon your foster children, it’s really important that you take some time for yourself too and really embrace any emotions and preparation.

Whatever the situation and whatever you may feeling, it’s good to be prepared for the time ahead and in this article, we’ve quickly summarised a few points to advice foster carers.

Back view picture of young african man wearing hat and scarf sitting on a bench on the street.

Start fostering in Nottingham with some ground rules

Of course, when your foster children come into your home, you want them to feel as welcomed and settle them as soon as possible. This can be achieved through a good regime and proper rules. This doesn’t have to be anything too strict but helps your foster children to identify boundaries and have a routine to stick by.

To make this seamless as possible, you can incorporate this into the house tour and give them time to familiarise themselves with their surroundings and the associated rules. It’s easy to think of this as a strict ‘pen and paper’ activity but this can include discussing general timings such as when people wake up for work or talking about meal times and the types of foods your family like and dislike. This will not only open up conversations, but encourage your foster children to talk about themselves.

Little girl washing dishes with her father near by

 

Know you are not alone

Everyone needs help from time to time and that is perfectly okay. If you use fostering agencies like us, Fostering Dimensions are always a phone call away. It’s easy to think the support may stop once your foster children arrive but that isn’t the case when you start fostering in Nottingham.

If you’re looking for more of a personal talk, you can turn to friends and family and even existing foster carers who have experience of what you’re going through. Our advice to you is to embrace every moment and know that with an open heart and a level-head, you will be an amazing foster carer.

family waiting to start fostering in Nottingham, parenthood, fatherhood, adoption and people concept - happy father and little girl walking in summer park

Don’t give up

Sometimes, it’s best to trust your gut if you’re feeling nervous or anxious. You’re going through a transition in your life as much as your foster children. When you start fostering in Nottingham, do not be afraid to stand your ground and trust the way you are feeling. Life as a foster parent will often push your limits and if you’re out of your comfort zone, it’s hard to know what’s right to do. With training, support and development with Fostering Dimensions, you may be able to resolve any issues that occur. However, if you still have concerns about particular foster children, you should raise your concerns straight away.

The ultimate goal for fostering is placing foster children in the best possible care. Sometimes, there are instances and circumstances that may not make this possible for you to care for them and that’s okay. The best thing to do is discuss this with your foster agency and allow for other arrangements to happen.

For more information on how to start your fostering journey, get in touch today.