Making Summer Vacation Memorable: Tips for Foster Parents

Summer vacation is a wonderful time for bonding, relaxation, and creating lifelong memories. For foster parents, planning a summer trip can come with its own set of unique challenges and opportunities. At TFI Foster Parent, we understand the complexities involved and are here to provide you with some practical tips to ensure your summer vacation is enjoyable for everyone in your family.

1. Plan Ahead and Involve Your Foster Children

One of the keys to a successful summer vacation is thorough planning. However, it’s equally important to involve your foster children in the planning process. Let them share their interests and preferences. Making them a part of the decision-making process helps in building excitement and ensures they feel valued and heard.

2. Understand Their Needs

Each foster child comes with a unique background and set of needs. It’s crucial to be sensitive to these needs when planning your trip. If your foster child has experienced trauma, crowded or noisy places might be overwhelming for them. Conversely, a child who loves social interaction might thrive in such environments. Tailor your plans to cater to these individual requirements.

3. Communicate with Case Workers

Before making any major plans, communicate with your foster child’s case worker. There may be certain permissions required for travel, especially if you’re crossing state lines or traveling internationally. Keeping the lines of communication open ensures that all legalities are addressed and avoids any last-minute hiccups.

4. Capture the Moments

Documenting your trip through photos and videos can be a great way to create lasting memories. However, be mindful of your foster child’s comfort with being photographed and always respect their privacy. Creating a scrapbook or a photo album together after the trip can be a wonderful bonding activity and a keepsake they’ll treasure.

5. Be Patient and Flexible

Last but not least, remember to be patient and flexible. Traveling with children, especially those who have experienced upheaval, can come with unexpected challenges. A flexible approach allows you to adapt to changing circumstances and helps ensure a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone.

A summer vacation can be an enriching and joyous experience for foster families. By planning thoughtfully and keeping the unique needs of your foster children in mind, you can create a trip filled with wonderful memories and strengthened bonds. At TFI Foster Parent, we’re here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your family has a safe, enjoyable, and memorable summer vacation.

Happy travels!

Kansas

Don and Stacie Marquis have been a foster family for 12 years. They have had their 2 kids for 7+ years. They have the biggest heart and are willing to help in any way they can.

 READ MORE HERE

Oklahoma

Cherie and Diane Nelson have been foster parent’s with TFI since 2021. Over the past few years, the Nelson’s have taken placement of more than 20 children, maintaining connections to the children’s biological families and culture the entire time, as many of the children in their home entered trial reunification with biological families. READ MORE HERE

Nebraska

Angel and Tom Oakley exceed expectations of being an ER and respite home. They welcome children and youth into their home with open arms of care and understanding. The Oakley’s are well beyond an asset to TFI, children, youth and their community.
READ MORE HERE

Texas

QuanDre and Jacqueline Sewell, became fully licensed with TFI in February 2024. Prior to that, Jacquline fostered on her own with another agency from 2011 to 2017 where she was able to adopt a son and foster 23 children.    READ MORE HERE

Recruitment Corner

Nebraska has doubled in foster care workers, and they now have a new recruiter! Be on the lookout for an event in Nebraska in June. Keep an eye on TFI Village Facebook page or check with your worker for more information.

In Kansas, we held community events in Derby on June 15 and Topeka on June 16. These were fun family events for our current families and their friends.

Oklahoma held a skate party and has been collaborating with DHS and other agencies at bi-monthly meetings to recruit and retain more foster parents. These meetings have increased teamwork and networking to serve children and families with excellence. We are excited about these new relationships and opportunities!

Finally, in Texas, we were at the PRIDE event in Wichita Falls on June 22, and our recruiter spoke at First Baptist Church in Decatur, as well