If you are preparing to foster, or have just started fostering a child who has experienced emotional trauma, it is so important that you give them what they need. These children have already been through so much, and you want to do all that you can to improve their life and help them to cope. Here are three important things that foster children who have experienced trauma need the most.
Spend Time With Them
One of the most important things that you can offer a child who has experienced trauma, is your time. Take time each day to simply sit and be with them and let them know that you are there for them. They can choose what you do during this time, whether you just sit, you talk, you play games, or whatever they would like. This lets them know that you are there for them, and you will offer your support.
Be Patient With Them
Another thing that you need to remember with children who have experienced trauma is to be patient with them. They likely aren’t going to respond the same as child who hasn’t experienced trauma, and they may act out in different ways. The best way to deal with this is simply to give them time to adjust and be very patient and caring with them during this adjustment period.
Help To Guide Them
Lastly, it is important that you act as a guide or compass in their life. They have likely come from a place where they were not only abused, but also didn’t have any type of structure or support in their life. You can help to guide them and let them know that you are there to let them know what they need to do to in a normal child and parent situation.
To learn more things that foster children who have experienced trauma need the most, or to start the process of becoming a foster parent and fostering these children today, visit us at TFI Family Services.