There are many benefits to being a foster family. The experiences shared with children who come in and out of our lives for just a season continue to bless us for a lifetime. Here is a compilation of responses from foster parents when asked, “What has been your favorite aspect of fostering?”
Kevin and Nadine and their two sons (pictured here) saw fostering as a way to serve their neighbors.
Hope and Healing
- Watching a child heal and learn to trust, and also explaining to people why I choose to foster during such a busy phase of life, a great opportunity for evangelism. (Leland)
- Being able to show love and stability to a child that hasn’t had it is a privilege – one I don’t take lightly. (Pam)
- Watching the children in our home grow and overcome obstacles is one of our favorite parts of foster care. (Kevin and Nadine)
- I love watching our foster kids grow and become comfortable. I love seeing them learn to laugh and to trust. (Kimberly)
- Seeing kids transform when they have their needs met and feel loved and safe. It really is amazing! (Melissa)
Chad and Pam along with their adopted children (pictured here) have cared for children and youth from 0-17.
Perspective
- Reminiscing on my own childhood, and realizing what great parents I had. They always taught me to trust others, to see the best in them, and to be a value added to others’ lives. Foster care has given me a whole new level of gratitude and respect for my parents. (Chad)
- My favorite thing has been learning to adapt, which is not my strong suit. But in this life, it is needed and demanded. You never know who is coming in or out, or how long they will stay, or what they will bring to the family. We MUST adapt to these new situations. And I love that. (Christy)
- My favorite aspect of fostering has been the perspective shift. The experience of welcoming in children and by extension their families has completely changed the way I see myself, my role in my community, and the world around me. It has created a new community of friends that I am forever grateful for. (Kaley)
- The community, and the perspective shift. The aspect of allowing getting to know children and families you would never have known if it wasn’t for foster care. And the constant stripping away of being “me-focused” to focusing on others. (Jennifer)
Aundrea now has four adopted children and continues to care for others.
Love Given, Love Received
- Simply providing a safe and loving home for children who have been neglected or abused. (Aundrea)
- Living out a calling to help children in need, and all that entails. Also the love we get, the love we give, and the lessons we as a family learn with every child and family. (Kendal)
Melissa maintains relationships with children and their families after reunification or adoption.
Rewards of Reunification
- It’s rewarding seeing families reunited, even if it isn’t with Mom and Dad. I’ve seen the look in a grandmother’s eye and heard the gratefulness in her voice when she knows her babies are being taken care of and loved. And sharing new experiences with children, such as taking a child on his first-ever trip to see the mountains or the ocean, or helping him catch his first fish. (Melissa)
- I enjoy seeing the kids go back to their biological parents. My motivator in foster care is the temporarily help parents by providing a safe home with structure for their children while they take time to resolve whatever issues they have going on in their lives at that particular time. (Karina)
Supportive community is invaluable to those investing their time and energy in foster care. Care2Foster is Fostering Great Ideas support for foster parents.
Connection and Community
- The foster care community is the easiest part! (Lee)
- The connection with the kids! Seeing them enter our house and see what is like a weight being lifted off their shoulders. Watching them blossom and unwrapping the layers to seeing who they really can be. (Andrea)
What do you love about fostering? Tell us more in the comments.
If you are looking to connect with other foster parents near you, check out Care2Foster or your local Foster Parent Association. We’d love to help you find connection, support, and resources that will encourage you. Reach out to us at [email protected].
