Fostering at Christmas

Hi all,

Christmas is upon us again, where has that year gone?

I just wanted to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit about Christmas as a foster carer for Calon Cymru.

Obviously, everyone celebrates Christmas in their own unique way. You are asked to be mindful of this when opening your home to a foster child, especially during the festive period. It is important to ask them how they would like to celebrate this time. Do they have traditions they enjoy, what do they like to eat for Christmas dinner, do they believe in the magic of Father Christmas etc. You will receive an additional allowance in your pay to enable you to buy gifts for your foster child/children for Christmas. This is paid in plenty of time to allow you to do your shopping.

Unfortunately, a child in the looked after system may have experienced Christmas in a very different way to most children and it could have been a very negative experience. Your supervising social worker can help approach the subject and support you to make a positive experience for the child. Sometimes there is contact over the festive period, and this can have a profound effect on the child as it stirs up so many emotions.

The most important thing is to make the most of the time together and spend it making memories. Calon Cymru Fostering staff are available at all times to help and support you with whatever issues may arise, yes I do mean 24/7, all over the Christmas holidays.

Calon Cymru value their foster carers. We are always taken to lunch to celebrate Christmas and we receive a gesture of thanks. The children are taken to a festive activity, maybe a pantomime or something similar.

Working for a small independent agency has so many benefits but this time of year, I for one, am thankful for the support, guidance, advice and overall kindness I receive. So, thank you Calon Cymru Fostering.

Take care for now

Daisy Doo and Julian too xx