The concept of education when it comes to foster care is a broad and an all-encompassing one. The education we are referring to covers both the foster carers and the foster kids. Not only that, this concept also applies to the agencies that handle foster care, such as the Social Service and the people connected with foster care such as social workers. Education is a catalyst for learning, for change and for understanding. It is essential that both the foster carers and foster kids are educated accordingly in order to improve the environment and community of foster caring. So how does education improve foster caring?
For the Foster Carer…
A big part of the importance of education lies with the foster carer. A foster carer applicant must be educated not by virtue of his academic accomplishments, but a carer must be made to learn the basics of foster caring and social outreach. It’s not just enough to spare a room and have a kind and understanding heart. A good foster carer needs to be educated in the following areas of practice.
Housekeeping
To be a good and exemplary foster carer, you need to be educated in good housekeeping. It’s not enough to spare a room. The room has to be clean and organized for the foster kids to stay in. Don’t let unnecessary things be left lying around your house. You’re sharing it with someone, so at least give the kids room to move around freely and comfortably.
Communication
Another thing a foster carer applicant should consider is effective communication. In the article “Everything you need to know about Fostering before you apply”, Lisa Witter says that one of the most important traits a foster carer will need is the ability to effectively communicate. A foster carer shouldn’t be the one who always does the talking. He or she should be a good listener and should promote open communication between foster kid and carer. Remember to always be conversational and patient. The foster home shouldn’t be a place for shouting and arguments.
Mobility
A foster carer must know the best way to move around from place to place while accompanying the foster kid. The foster carer must know how to drive a car, commute or take a hike when necessary or if the situation calls for it. Foster kids need somebody they can rely on to go along with them on occasional trips, walks and strolls.
Healthy living and good hygiene
Always remember that foster carers serve as role models for their foster kids. You need to show them that you eat a healthy, balanced and sufficient diet and you take good care of your body. That is how you teach by example. It is sometimes overlooked, but is actually an effective form of teaching. Show your foster kids that you are eating healthy food, doing regular exercise and cleaning and caring for your body. You’ll be surprised at how they will follow your lead.
Being human
This is quite a tricky area. All foster carers have to bare in mind that they don’t need to be ashamed to show their weaknesses to their foster kids. Act naturally and properly at the same time whenever you are around them. It’s OK to be clumsy, funny and to ask them for help sometimes. Show them you make mistakes, but you are also trying your best not to repeat those mistakes. Also show them your strengths, your good qualities and above all, your willingness to love, care and nurture them to grow up as responsible and capable members of society.
For Foster Kids…
Foster kids take in a very significant chunk of education at the early part of their lives. As a foster carer, you need to realize the importance of providing quality education to them. Education starts at home, so remember to apply the key areas of practice for foster carers at all times. Being with your foster kids for a significant amount of time every day makes you their primary teacher. That is why you need to set your mind to think that the times you spend interacting with them are your classes for teaching them valuable life skills and basic school education. Secondly, you should be highly encouraging and proactive about sending your foster kids to school. It may not look like much for now, but the rewards these kids will get for attaining education will be great and become apparent when they grow up. Keep in mind to monitor their progress and achievements in school and also let them feel that you are willing to assist them whenever they need help. These little things you do for them now can one day do great wonders in their adult lives.
The significance of education in foster caring is more than we can imagine. It can remarkably improve the outcome of foster caring efforts across different countries if implemented properly. Although there is no tangible way to measure how significant education is on improving foster caring, but time and observation can tell the difference between foster caring that applies education with it and from one that doesn’t. Education always looks forward, so the results we are looking for are found in the future – when the kids we nurture and care for today grow up.
