In our Journey of Hearts series, we delve into the nurturing practices that foster emotional resilience in children. In this latest instalment, Erin, a dedicated foster carer with Origins Foster Care, shares her approach to building confidence and resilience through celebrating achievements, both big and small.
Erin emphasises the importance of creating scenarios where children can achieve and feel a sense of accomplishment. Whether it's baking a cake or completing a school project, recognising these moments plays a crucial role in building their self-esteem. "Even if it's a small thing," Erin notes, "we make a very big deal out of any kind of achievements in terms of school and sport."
A touching example Erin shares involves the younger girl in her care who, after some time, revealed her interest in jigsaws – a hobby she had initially hidden, fearing it only serve to make her stand out from other children her age.
Our younger girl only last year said that she had an interest in jigsaws. When we realised that, we were able to find some fantastic 3D jigsaws and she was so, so proud of herself when she built them!
Once Erin, discovered this secret passion of the child in her care, she went out of her way to find 3D jigsaw puzzles online for the child so she could work on something that brings her joy. Not only do these puzzles require a high level of three-dimensional awareness and problem solving abilities, they also work to build the ability to hold deep focus for long periods of time.
These benefits, coupled with the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from completing a challenge of this level, make it easy to see the importance of nurturing a child's interests.
The key, according to Erin, is to "find what they're interested in and promote that." Encouraging children to explore their interests and celebrating their achievements gives them a sense of direction and goals. More importantly, it assures them that their foster family is there to celebrate their successes alongside them, reinforcing their sense of belonging and achievement.
Supportive fostering practices, like those Erin employs, align with psychological and parenting best practices that highlight the significance of positive reinforcement in child development. Celebrating achievements can significantly impact a child's emotional resilience, helping them to feel supported and loved, boosting self-esteem and giving them the toolkit they need to navigate future challenges with confidence.
Fostering emotional resilience is a journey of small steps and big leaps, of quiet moments and loud celebrations. It's about recognising the potential in every achievement and every interest, no matter how hidden or modest. Erin's story is a beautiful reminder of the transformative power of supportive care and the profound impact it can have on a child's life.
Are you inspired to make a difference in a child's life as a foster carer? Take the next step by learning more about becoming a foster carer, discover what sets Origins Foster Care apart, or if you want to get a better idea of how fostering might work in your specific scenario, please get in touch with our team of dedicated fostering experts who are happy to answer any questions you might have.
Reach out for any questions and enquiries. A member of our fostering team will get back to you as soon as possible.
