Children in care come from all different kinds of families and backgrounds, but they’ve all experienced some kind of trauma and often plenty of changes and instability. This can mean that they struggle with confidence, which can make it hard for them to make friends, push themselves, do well at school, or even enjoy fun hobbies. As a foster carer, you are in the perfect position to help the children in your care to build confidence and self-esteem, which can have a hugely positive impact on the rest of their lives.
One of the best ways that you can help them is by offering them a stable and loving home, with plenty of positive reinforcement and encouragement. But there are also some activities that can help. Here’s a look at some ideas.
Baking
Baking is great fun, but it’s also a chance to learn a new, and very important skill. It gives you an opportunity to spend time together talking, and the final result always offers a great sense of achievement. Start with simple things like cookies and cakes and try to let them get messy and have fun without making judgements or holding them back. As they grow more confident, move on to more challenging recipes, and start to give them more tasks to do alone.
Walking
People who spend more time outdoors are often more confident, have better self-esteem, feel less anxious, and have fewer concerns about their appearance or body image. Yes, more energetic workouts are great, but walking has the added benefits of being relaxing and something that the whole family can do together.
If you are interested in fostering in Kent or already fostering in a location with plenty of great routes, why not start exploring slowly, before perhaps building up to longer hikes and more challenging terrain?
Sports Classes
Walking and baking with the family are lovely ways to spend time together while boosting confidence, but at some point, it’s important to encourage your foster child to do things without you. Being able to make friends, enjoy social opportunities, and have some independence is incredibly important to building sustained confidence.
Sports classes are an excellent way for them to make friends, learn new skills, keep fit, gain confidence, and have some fun. Look for classes at their school or in your local area, and remember, they don’t have to be the best to celebrate achievements and small improvements.
Music
Sports classes are incredibly effective, but not all children like sports, and pressuring them into doing something that they don’t enjoy will only further dent their confidence. If they haven’t shown any interest in sports, then music lessons, whether it’s singing in a choir or learning to play an instrument, can have many of the same benefits. Arts and crafts and drama are also great confidence-boosting activities.
Any activities that give your foster child a chance to learn, or create something, and a way to improve, will be great for their confidence. If they have any hobbies or interests already, encourage them to enjoy them, look for local opportunities, and to teach you more about them.
