New home. New school. New routines. Here’s how to support children through it all.
Change is hard…for anyone. But for children, especially those in the foster care system, change can feel overwhelming, confusing and even scary. A new home, unfamiliar caregivers, different schools and shifting routines all represent major disruptions to their sense of stability.
Whether you’re just beginning the process to become a foster parent or you’ve welcomed multiple children into your home, helping kids adjust to change is one of the most important things you can do. Here are five ways to ease the transition and create a safe environment where healing can begin:
- Create Predictability Through Routine: When everything feels uncertain, routine becomes an anchor. Simple things like having meals at the same time each day, establishing a consistent bedtime or reviewing the next day’s schedule can help children feel more secure. For youth in foster care, even small, predictable moments can make a big impact.
- Give Them Space to Feel What They Feel: Children may not be able to express their emotions clearly, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t feeling them. Sadness, anger, anxiety, confusion and even withdrawal are common responses to big life changes. Let them know it’s okay to have those feelings, and try to respond with empathy instead of correction.
If you’re new to fostering or in the process of becoming a foster care parent, know that emotional dysregulation is a normal response to change and that your calm presence matters.
- Talk About What’s Coming Next: When appropriate, talk through upcoming transitions in advance. If a school change is happening, visit the new campus together. If a new routine is starting, walk through it step by step. Even if the child doesn’t ask questions, they’re almost always thinking them. Communication builds trust and trust builds connection.
- Let Them Personalize Their Space: For kids in foster care, having some say in their environment can restore a sense of control. Let them choose their bedding, pick a nightlight or help decorate a part of their room. These small gestures go a long way in helping them feel like they belong.
Whether you’re new to fostering or have supported many children over the years, small gestures of safety and inclusion can make a lasting impression.
- Ask for Help When You Need It: Foster parenting is meaningful, but it’s also hard. When a child is navigating major change, you may need additional support too. At TFI, we offer foster care classes, trauma-informed guidance and ongoing case support to help you meet challenges with confidence.
If you’re thinking about becoming licensed or exploring the idea of foster care adoption, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.
Every Child Deserves Stability, Even During Change
If you’re preparing to become a foster family, you’re already taking the first step toward creating a safe, consistent space for a child in need. Change may be inevitable, but with your support, it doesn’t have to be scary.
Check out our website to learn more about how TFI supports foster families and children through every transition, from new routines to new beginnings.