Becoming a foster parent not only gives you an opportunity to provide a safe home for children in need, but it also is an opportunity to give your foster placements experiences. Giving children experiences, in general, is a fantastic way to take their minds off of their current situation and gives them knowledge of a world outside of their past, and sometimes current, environment. Your placements need to have more than full bellies and nice clothes, they need knowledge. A sense of direction in the world, a destination to places they have never been before. Below I’m going to supply you with a list of fun things you can do with your foster child.
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Road Trips
Now, I know as foster parents, you must get permission before you take your placements anywhere. So, be sure to ask before leaving town with the children who are placed in your homes. That being said, pack your foster children up and visit other states! Some have never been outside of their own neighborhood block. If possible, book a semi-luxury hotel and order them room service, it will make them feel special, speaking from experience of course.
- Baking
What child doesn’t love sweets? Teach your foster children how to make delicious treats. Cakes and cookies to start then get more advanced as they show interest.
- Build an Indoor Fort
Show your foster child your inner child. Build a fort in their bedroom or the living room. This is a great way to help them use their imagination (and it’s free).
- Go Sledding
Do you have a lot of snow in your area? Get your foster child outside and go sledding.
- Laser Tag
There is nothing like a good work out. Spend some time running off all that extra energy.
- Indoor Nerf Gun Battle
This is one of my family’s favorites. Gather all the nerf guns and bullets and scream and run all over the house.
- Game Night
Have a set night every week that your foster child can look forward to. Play video games, board games, or outdoor games.
- Visit New Restaurants
Children in care need to be exposed to different foods. Introduce them to healthy entrees from different cultures rather than from a drive-thru or fast food line. Take them to places where they can practice using their etiquette and manners sitting down in a restaurant and ordering from a menu.
- A Night At The Theatre
Take your foster child to see a play at the theatre. Exposure to the arts may spark their interest in pursuing it themselves
- Go Fishing
Take time to enjoy nature. Fishing is a time for you to have open and enlightening conversations with your child. You never know, you may even learn a thing or two.
