Welcome back to our Journey of Hearts series, where we delve into the daily challenges and triumphs of our foster carers. In the last episode with Erin, she touched on how she tries to balance freedom with boundaries in fostering teenagers. Today, we focus on Erin's approach to building trust in fostering through a consistent routine and open lines of communication.
Erin emphasizes the role of a consistent routine in building trust with the children in her care. Knowing what to expect each day provides the children with a sense of security and stability.
"If I say I'm going to do something, I'll do it. Whether they like it or not: whether it's a sanction, whether it's a reward, whether it's a day out... I stick with it."
Erin has established various communication channels, including texting and apps to help them keep on top of tasks and chores. This combo of communication methods makes it easier for the children to express their needs without feeling patronised and track and reward progress on important tasks like homework.
Rewards and expectations are another of the ways in which Erin brings consistency and builds trust with the children in her care. In Erin's household, rewards are given for completing basic tasks while sanctions are given when they do not get done. This not only encourages positive behaviour but also reinforces trust. When expectations are consistently met, it strengthens the bond between the carer and the child.
Erin shares instances where she has had to be there to support the children in her care when dealing with something, and because of the consistent behaviour they had come to expect from her, they were able to trust that she would be there for them when she said she'd be there. This consistency reinforces for the children that she is a reliable and trustworthy figure in their lives who does what she says she will. And above all, that she's someone they can depend upon.
Interested in learning more about foster care and potentially being that reliable and trustworthy figure a child can depend upon? Start your fostering journey by filling out our application form or connect with our team at Origins Foster Care to learn more about the impact you can make.
Reach out for any questions and enquiries. A member of our fostering team will get back to you as soon as possible.
