3 Ways to Support Your Foster Child’s Transition Back to School
Are you fostering a child who’s feeling anxious about starting another school year? You’re not alone in this challenge. At RISE Services, Inc. Arizona, we partner with foster families to provide support through life’s seasons, including the often stressful back-to-school period. We aim to ensure you and your foster child start the school year on a positive note. Here are three strategies to help your foster child confidently ease into the new school year.
1. Address Concerns and Fears
Starting a new school year can be intimidating for any student, but it can be incredibly daunting for a child in foster care. They might face changes like attending a new school or being in a different district. They may also be worried about how their peers perceive their living situation. It’s crucial to listen to your foster child’s concerns, validate their feelings, and provide them with a safe space to express their worries. Reassure them that you’re there to support and encourage them every step of the way.
2. Make Shopping an Adventure
Turn the necessity of shopping for school clothes and supplies into a fun bonding experience. Before you go, check the school’s website for a list of recommended supplies. Allow your foster child to pick out a new backpack, lunch bag, and new outfits if your budget allows. Add some excitement with colorful school supplies, such as markers, crayon packs, quirky erasers, and vibrant pencils. Cap off the day with a special treat like dinner or ice cream to celebrate the start of a new school year.
3. Establish and Review a School Routine
Help your foster child feel more at ease on their first day by establishing a school routine before classes begin. Collaborate with them to create a personalized schedule that reflects their preferences. Encourage them to decorate it with stickers and hang it in a prominent place, like the fridge. Consider adding a weekly reward for following their routine and completing homework. Remember, the routine doesn’t have to be perfect—just find what works best for your foster child and household.
Become a Host Home with RISE
RISE Arizona licenses and supports foster homes for children of all ages and abilities. If you want to provide a nurturing and stable environment, contact us today to learn more about our family foster home, kinship, and child developmental home licensing. Use your heart, home, and skills to make a lasting impact on a child’s life.
