As a foster carer, you will play a crucial role in a child’s life, offering them stability, love, and guidance. Your duties will include -
- providing day-to-day care - Ensuring the child’s physical and emotional needs are met.
- supporting their education - Helping with homework and attending school meetings.
- encouraging their interests - Nurturing their hobbies and talents.
- working with professionals - Collaborating with social workers, teachers, and healthcare providers.
Fostering can be challenging at times, as you may face difficult situations and emotional moments. However, the support from Hull Fostering and the joy of seeing a child flourish make it all worthwhile. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of our children.
5 things every foster carer should know
Fostering is an incredibly rewarding journey, full of moments that will change both your life and a child’s. But like anything worthwhile, it comes with challenges. Julie, a foster carer with 9 years of experience, shares some key lessons she’s learned along the way to help anyone considering taking that first step.
1. Learning as you go is part of the journey
No one starts fostering knowing everything – and that’s okay. Julie admits, “I thought I had it figured out. I didn’t. And that was fine. Fostering is a learning experience that never stops.”
Some days will feel easier than others, and there will be moments when you question yourself. But every experience helps shape you into the carer you’re meant to be.
2. Looking after yourself helps you care for others
Taking time for yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. “Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s what keeps you going. You can’t pour from an empty cup. There will be challenging days, and when they come, it’s important to pause, breathe, and remember how far you’ve come.”
By making sure you’re okay, you’ll be in the best position to give children the support and stability they need.
3. You’re never on your own
Julie initially thought she had to manage everything alone, but she quickly discovered the power of community.
“Connecting with other foster carers made all the difference. Support groups, coffee mornings, and social events are full of people who understand exactly what you’re going through. You’re never alone in this.”
Hull has a fantastic network of foster carers, professionals, and support services—people who will be there to share advice, encouragement, and a listening ear when you need it.
4. It’s about progress, not perfection
There’s no such thing as the ‘perfect’ foster carer—what really matters is showing up and doing your best.
“You won’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. It’s not about getting everything right all the time—it’s about being there, being patient, and celebrating the small steps forward,” Julie shares.
Those little victories, the moments of connection, and the progress you see over time are what make fostering so special.
5. Fostering is more than a role – It’s a privilege
Julie sums it up beautifully: “Fostering isn’t for everyone, but for those of us who do it, there’s nothing more rewarding.”
Over the years, she’s seen children grow in confidence, take steps toward brighter futures, and find safety and security in a caring home.
Julie added “Fostering is a little different from parenting your own children. While some aspects feel familiar, fostering requires a new way of thinking.
“Fostering has taught me to see things through a different lens. It’s not about quick fixes or simply applying what worked with my own children. It’s about patience, connection, and meeting each child where they are.
At the heart of fostering is therapeutic parenting—an approach that prioritises trust, empathy, and healing, helping children feel safe and supported as they navigate their own experiences." Julie – Foster Carer
If you’re thinking about fostering, take a moment to reflect on these lessons. It won’t always be easy, but if you’re ready to open your heart and home, the rewards will be life-changing—for you and the children.
