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.
During Son’s and Daughter’s month, Mark Mirfin, Knowsley Council’s Executive Director for Children and Young People, shares his own experience of what it was like sharing his home with other children. Mark’s parents were foster carers for four years.
Mark said “I was around the age of four when my parents decided to foster children, and they fostered until I was 8 years old. During these four years, I can’t remember a time when there wasn’t a house full of children. I was always the ‘big brother’ as the children they fostered were always younger than me.
“I didn’t ever feel like I was sharing my parents – we were one family and we did everything together.
“The local council did a really good job when matching our family to the needs of children we fostered, and my overwhelming memories are very positive ones.
“I knew, even at an early age, that children didn’t all have the same opportunities that I was lucky to have, and I knew that we were doing something amazing!
“My parents created an environment where we were just one family, which mean that when we had babies with us, for example, I helped like any older brother might. And, for those of a closer age, I have great memories of playing, going to school together and having lots of fun!
“Early life experiences of living in a fostering household played a significant impact on the choices I made in my personal life and professional career.
“My wife and I have since gone onto foster children and later adopt a child we fostered.
“Those early experiences of fostering have undoubtably shaped my career and inform the decisions I make today in my role at the council.”
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.
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