Getting creative when Fostering in Nottingham
Encouraging creativity in foster children is vital to help them express themselves, feel confident and even find something they are passionate about. It can provide a common ground for the child and their foster parent, forming a bond. When children use their imagination it can help them cope better with pain, foster children especially may have been exposed to painful experiences in their childhood. Creativity also helps children be more confident, develop social skills, and learn better. Creativity is never far away when fostering in Nottingham, a city full of creative minds and places. These simple steps will help you let your foster child’s creativity flourish.
Creative Space
Designating a space in your home for your child’s creativity will help them thrive. This doesn’t mean you have to have a huge, expensive playroom, it could simply be a cosy room corner filled with books, lego or craft supplies for your child. The most important thing is that your foster child feels they have power over their creative space. Make the space welcoming by designing it around your foster child’s interests and fill it with their favourite things. Don’t forget to communicate with your foster child to find out these things, as well as how they want to be creative.
Foster Care and Free Time
Giving your foster child structure is essential, however, it is also important to find a balance so they don’t feel trapped in their routine. A good way to find this balance is to have designated free or creative time for your child with no scheduled activities, leaving them free to explore and play. Children thrive when they have unscheduled free time, it is a special time for them to think, relax, daydream and just be.
Creative Workshops
If you are fostering in Nottingham, there are a range of creative workshops and activities that you and your foster child can attend. These can provide your child with creative opportunities in an environment that is designed especially for it (also much better if you don’t fancy getting paint or wet clay mix on your carpet at home). There is a range of workshops available across Nottingham, from jewellery making to ceramics.
New Experiences in Foster Care
Exposing your foster child to new creative experiences can allow them to use all their senses and encouraging their creativity. Like their creative space, this doesn’t have to come at a cost. You could take them to local museums, libraries, art galleries and parks. Fostering in Nottingham means you’re not far from any of these creative spaces. Here are a few Nottingham attractions to help inspire your foster child’s creativity:
Get Creative with your Foster Child
Finally, children learn from their parents, so don’t forget to take time for your own creativity too. Join in with your foster child when they’re colouring and listen and learn as they create their very own made-up game.
Fostering in Nottingham is simple with Fostering Dimensions. We’re here to help you every step of the way on your fostering journey. Give us a call today to see how we can help you.