June 7, 2024
We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Charlene, one of our amazing foster carers here at Foster Cares Ltd. Our talk gave us a peek into Charlene’s journey in fostering, showing us the ups and downs of the role. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a foster carer, Charlene has gave us an insight of when she recently welcomed a 12 year old boy and 10 year old girl into her home.
Charlene stated “before they arrived, I wanted to make sure they felt safe. I sorted our bedrooms out and left my welcome book in the rooms for them to look through. The book we created shows photos and information about our house and key members of our family.
When they arrived they seemed a bit nervous. They’d been through a lot of waiting for court decisions. So, I wanted to make sure they felt comfortable right away. We went shopping for new clothes and essentials to help them settle in. I took time to chat with them, showed them around the house, and introduced them to my son. I wanted to make sure they felt safe and at home.
To get to know them better, I suggested a pizza night this way it allowed the children to pick toppings they enjoy. During our chat, they asked about my life, like Christmas traditions and my son. I was happy to share to help them settle in.
As they started to get comfortable, I noticed that the girl, was really into crafty stuff, while the boy, couldn’t stop talking about football and sports. So, I made sure to get craft supplies and football gear, to show them I was paying attention and that their interests mattered to me.
Looking back on the first night with them it was heart-warming. The boy was so excited about having a new brother, showing off his smart shirt and tie for school. And the girl, well, she was thrilled with a hot shower that smelled like watermelons! Having the Christmas decorations up during their arrival just added to the moment. It’s these little things that make all the difference, creating a cosy home where the kids feel truly cared for.
Beyond the daily routines and tasks, fostering is a lifelong commitment for Charlene. It’s about providing stability, love, and support to children who need it most, even in the face of uncertainty and challenges. Charlene’s journey displays the transformative power of foster care, not only in the lives of the children she cares for but also in her own life.
Through her dedication, Charlene creates a nurturing environment where children can thrive and grow. Every day, Charlene’s commitment to fostering reaffirms the belief that love and kindness can truly change lives.
We asked Charlene to document a typical day in her life as a foster carer, shining a light on the rewarding yet demanding nature of being a foster carer and offering insights to anyone interested in pursuing a career in fostering.
6:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Morning Routine. First things first, I’m up bright and early to get breakfast ready. Then it’s time to help the kids get dressed and ready for school. I make sure they’ve got everything they need, from their PE kit to their school books, before we head out the door for drop-off at 8:00 AM.
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Training Session. Today, I’ve got a training session at the Foster Cares office (PACE Training). It’s a great opportunity to connect with other foster carers, share experiences, and learn from each other. Of course, there’s always some paperwork to tackle, but it’s all part of the process. Before the session gets started, I make a quick call to the school to check in to make sure everything was okay.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: I usually head to a nearby café for lunch, taking a moment to recharge and refuel for the rest of the day.
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Daytime Tasks. After lunch, it’s time to tackle some errands. Whether it’s food shopping or picking up prescriptions, there’s always something on the to-do list. Then it’s back home for a bit of housework before the kids return from school.
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM: After School. Once the kids are back, it’s go-time! I pick them up from school, and we dive straight into homework. After that, it’s time to rustle up tea for everyone to enjoy together.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Evening Routine. Evenings are all about quality time. Whether we’re playing games, going for a walk, or simply chatting about our day, it’s important to me that the kids feel loved and supported. We wrap up the evening, making sure they’re settled and comfortable before lights out.
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Personal Time. Finally, it’s time for some me-time. I take a moment to reflect on the day, maybe catch up on some TV or log into my laptop to put the weekly child’s update reports on the system. Then it’s off to bed, ready to do it all again tomorrow.
Inspired by Charlene’s story? Learn more about how you can make a difference as a foster carer with Foster Cares Ltd. Contact us today to find out how you can provide a loving home to children in need.
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