October is Son’s and Daughter’s month – an annual campaign highlighting the important role that children of foster carers play in a fostering household.
Fostering has so many positive effects on the children and young people whose parents foster. It can offer an enriching experience where they can see life from another’s perspective, helping them to develop strong caring and empathy skills. They also benefit from an extended support network, with access to organised activities and events – all whilst making lifelong friends in the process.
Son’s and Daughter’s month acknowledges the amazing contribution that the children of foster carers have in helping a foster child to feel safe and welcomed into their new home.
Hayley and Andy have been fostering for a year and they shared their 12 year old’s experience of being part of a fostering family. They said “Our son is on cloud 9…they get on so well together! She’s taught him to do gymnastics, he’s taught her to play football. Our son loves taking on the big brother role.”
With regards to the impact of fostering on the whole family, they said ‘It’s actually brought our own family closer together. As a family we spend more time together playing games like uno and cards downstairs. Just that extra bit of time we are spending together that we wouldn’t normally have done.”
And ‘Big Brother’ said “I like having someone to play footy with, chat to and mess about with. I still get time with mum and dad by myself.”
Cllr Sean Donnelly, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “I’m delighted to celebrate Son’s and Daughter’s month throughout October.
“I know that their kindness and support is crucial in welcoming a new child or young person into their home and it really is appreciated. Thanks to their support, many children and young people get to experience a loving and safe home – something we want for all children and young people in Knowsley.
“If Son’s and Daughter’s month relates to you, you really are making a huge difference to other children and young people’s lives and you should be incredibly proud of your contribution.”
If you’d like to find out more about fostering, call Foster4 for an informal chat on 03456 460098, email enquiry@foster4.co.uk or visit www.foster4.co.uk