As a foster parent, you provide care for the children you welcome into your home, but it’s also important to teach them about caring for themselves. While much of the self-care literature aims at adults, kids need healthy habits and a little pampering too. Here are some of our favorite ideas for helping foster children to develop their own capacity for self-nourishment.
Exercise Regularly for Self-Care
Advice about healthy living can get complicated, but staying active is a simple strategy that solves many issues. If you can help your foster children to enjoy exercise, you’ll be giving them a head start on managing their weight and avoiding many of the complications that come along with being overweight or obese. You’ll also be introducing them to the psychological benefits of an active lifestyle, including lowering their risk for depression and anxiety. Make working out fun, and give them choices, like signing up for dance lessons or going bike riding on weekends.
Eat Healthy Foods
The foods we eat also have a big impact on our wellbeing. Stock your kitchen with delicious snacks so your foster kids will get used to reaching for fruit and nuts instead of processed meat and candy. Prepare meals together so they’ll learn how to cook for themselves instead of depending on fast food chains and takeout.
Have Fun
Self-care is seriously important but it can also be a lot of fun. Make plenty of time in your schedule to share laughter and playtime with your foster kids. Let them pick activities for special outings and evenings at home. Show them that their foster home is a safe place to act silly and share their feelings.
Learn More About Self-Care for Your Foster Children
If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent, contact us at 2INgage. We’re honored to have been selected by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to serve as the Single Source Continuum Contractor in the 30 counties that make up Region 2.