Each and every foster child needs to be part of their new family, new school, church, friends, etc. One of the many jobs we have as foster parents is to help make this transition smooth.

Example: We can include foster children in all family activities where possible. Making a foster child feel accepted can be as simple as spending time, listening and sharing your thoughts. Communicating on a common level (age appropriate) will take some time until each of you feels comfortable. The more you talk to each other the easier it may become. Especially if you open up and share "fun facts" about yourself.

We need to help promote (teach) good communication skills.

Example: If your Child is rude to new people, you need to explain that new people should be made to feel welcome and that is done by being thoughtful. Being thoughtful is as simple as saying, "can I get you something to drink?" Think of the other persons needs first! You can explain, "by doing this that person will want to be nice to you, and you will have a better chance of being accepted by them." Also you should introduce the new person to your foster child and try to mention something that they have in common to help start a conversation.

If your child is of a different race or nationally than yourself, it may take extra time to understand one another. Your child may have different customs from you that you find difficult. For example your child may speak with an unusual dialect of English. The child may even think you sound funny. They may say you talk too fast, or you may say they talk too fast. The point is this - we need to have patience and accept our new child. We can work on helping them to be more like what we would like, but it will take time. While we are growing together we must not make the child feel inferior.

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