Fostering in Sheffield opens the door to unique paths of enrichment, experiences, and beyond. There are great local networks of fellow carers that you can tap into, and a lot of children who need your help! If you want to really excel in the role and be a successful carer in Sheffield, here’s what you need to know.
Embrace the Local Area
The greatest thing about fostering care in Sheffield is that you have a city on your doorstep that is built for young people and their caregivers. There are enrichment zones on every corner, and always something to see or do. Whether you wander around the Peace Gardens or dive into the National Emergency Services museum, you will never be short of a day out. This, combined with the sheer number of green spaces and leisure facilities means no two days have to be the same and you can really settle into a routine with your foster children that keeps everyone entertained and happy.
Connect with Other Carers
You can also visit some of these amazing attractions with fellow carers who live in your community. This will help your foster children find peers to connect with too and make your role easier by creating important relationships.
Embrace an Open Mind
If there is one quality that foster carers must possess, it is an open mind. You never know what the day will bring, and your top priority is keeping the children safe and well looked after. So, your mind must be ready for whatever that looks like. Whether it is a particularly hard day, or one filled with exciting and milestone moments, you just have to roll with the hours that pass by and see where they take you. A great foster carer is one who adapts with the flow and helps the natural story play out in a way that is safe, organic, and supported.
Set a Routine
It is important for both children and adults to have a sense of routine in their daily existence. Your job will be to set this up in a successful way and set both boundaries and general expectations. A routine helps you prepare for the days and weeks ahead and puts your foster children into a place of familiarity which is essential to their overall development. If they know what’s supposed to be coming, and have a framework to step into, they will wake up ready to handle it.
Be Resilient
Above all else, you must be resilient! Resilience is one of those essential qualities that you can learn if you lack it, and it is an incredibly useful tool for your skillset. It helps you stay strong in troubling moments and builds your sense of well-being from within. It will naturally pass on to the children you look after, and it will paint you as a great role model in the days to come.
Being a successful foster carer in an affluent area like Sheffield is easy. Embrace the local activities and get out there to explore the city in all of its glory.