A Gentle Easter: Creating Safe, Simple Joys for Children in Foster Care

Discover trauma-informed Easter practices for foster carers. Learn how simple, meaningful traditions can create a sense of safety and belonging for children in care during the holiday season.

As Easter approaches, many families begin to prepare for chocolate eggs, pastel decorations, and joyful celebrations. But for children in care, this time can bring a mix of emotions – memories of past Easters, reminders of family members they miss, or the pressure to join in traditions that don’t yet feel familiar.

At Origins Foster Care, we know that while holidays can be a beautiful time of connection, they can also feel overwhelming for some children in care. That’s why we want to share a gentle reminder this Easter: simple is okay. In fact, sometimes simple is best.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Safe

Children who have experienced trauma may find big events, surprises, or changes to routine difficult to process. A low-key Easter can feel safer and more manageable.

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Here are a few ways to bring warmth and calm into your Easter celebration:

• 📅 Stick to a routine: As much as possible, keep familiar rhythms in place. Small changes are easier to manage when the rest of the day feels predictable.
• 👧🏻 Let them lead: Ask the child what they’d like to do – or not do. Maybe they want to paint eggs, maybe they just want to help you make toast in the morning. Both are valid.
• 💜 Focus on connection, not perfection: Like at Christmas time, connection is key – a simple walk to spot spring flowers or a quiet moment reading a book together can be more meaningful than any extravagant Easter hunt.
• 🧘🏻 Avoid sensory overload: Bright decorations, loud crowds, or busy family gatherings may feel like too much. Choose calm over chaos whenever possible.

Easter Can Be Healing

For many foster carers, holidays can be a chance to gently introduce new traditions – ones that foster a sense of belonging and calm. Maybe it’s the way you lay your table for dinner,  a morning routine or a story you read together each year. These small rituals can become anchors of safety over time.

There’s no “right” way to celebrate. Just being present and offering a calm, accepting space is more than enough.

And if Easter feels heavy for the children in your care – because they’re missing someone, or simply unsure how to feel – that’s okay too. There’s no “right” way to celebrate. Just being present and offering a calm, accepting space is more than enough.

Thinking About Fostering?

If you’ve ever thought about fostering, Easter is a powerful reminder of new beginnings. Just like spring brings fresh growth, becoming a foster carer can open a child’s life to new possibilities – stability, care, and hope.

Children of all ages are waiting for someone to believe in them. That someone could be you.

At Origins Foster Care, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way, offering training, support, and a community that understands the importance of trauma-informed care.

Wishing You a Gentle Easter

Whether you’re a foster carer, someone considering fostering, or simply part of a caring community – we wish you a peaceful Easter filled with small joys and meaningful connection.

Let’s keep things simple, kind, and grounded in love.