If you are a fostering a teenager, it is very important that you are able to connect with them. This is part of creating a positive experience for both of you, and it helps the two of you to grow a strong bond. Thankfully, there are specific things that you can do to connect with your teenager. Here are three great ways to connect with your teenager in foster care.
Spend Quality Time With Them
One of the most important ways that you can connect with your teenager in foster care is to spend quality time with them. This time can be spent doing things that the two of you enjoy doing together. This may be playing a sport, a game, drawing, shopping, or anything that allows the two of you to spend time together talking and growing closer.
Praise Them
One thing that your foster child likely has not received a lot of in their life is praise, so taking the time to praise them is very important. You can praise them whenever they do something good, such as cleaning their room, helping around the house, doing well in school, helping with siblings, etc. Praising them lets them know that you are proud of them and the things that they are doing. This helps the two of you to connect because you show them that you love and appreciate what they do.
Connect Emotionally
It is very important that the two of you are able to connect emotionally. A great way to build an emotional connection is through physical touch. This means giving your teenager hugs, holding their hand, squeezing their hand, or otherwise showing them that you are there for them and care for them.
To learn about more great ways to connect with your teenager in foster care, visit us today at TFI Family Services.