Most children who are fostered are looking for something to be the same. Being able to predict what is going to happen is comforting to children in care. Creating a routine is an important skill for anyone to have.
Start Mornings the Same Way
Having your child wake up at the same time each morning and have the same breakfast can help them to settle. Consistently getting your child dressed and organising their school things in the same order can also help. In the end, children feel calmer if they know exactly what is going to happen.
Anchor Mealtimes to the Clock
The routine of mealtimes is also a consistent feature of daily life for children in care, and although different on weekends, eating of lunch and tea at about the same time each day provides children with reference points in the week.
Use a Visual Timetable
For younger children or those who feel anxious, using a visual timetable, such as a picture timetable on a wall or on a board, can help to make sense of the child’s day and make them feel more in control.also it can help to support children’s emotional wellbeing and can in fact reduce children’s anxiety. Foster Care Newport is worth getting right.
For more on foster care Newport, take a look at https://saferfostering.org.uk/foster-care-wales/newport/.
Keep After-School Transitions Calm
Providing a quiet snack, and low-key time, between school and evening activities, can help to decompress children after school, and aid their transition to evening activities, avoiding too much activity and conversation on school run.
Plan for Disruptions in Advance
Disruptions happen, eg due to children’s illness or a school closure happening during term time.
Small consistent actions on a daily basis create the greatest impression and contribute to the child’s sense of security.