Throughout Son’s and Daughter’s month (October), we’re shining a spotlight on the children of foster carers who are sharing their homes, and their parents, with foster children.
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.
Yianna’s memories and experiences
Yianna is the daughter of Jayne, who has been fostering for Knowsley for over 10 years.
Yianna told us “My mum has been fostering for as long as I can remember. For many years she did short-term, mostly at weekends, to provide respite for other foster carers. When mum said she was interested in becoming a full-time foster carer, I was excited by the idea.
“I always enjoyed having people to play with and talk to, and at times support. It was great having an extra sibling to be a sibling to.
“It can be very rewarding, particularly when I could help to make their life a little better and feel like I was making a difference.
“One of my favourite memories is taking out my foster sister to Liverpool. I loved shopping with her until we were exhausted. It was our little thing that we did together that I loved. It also helped mum out because it took the pressure off finding things like school shoes, because we actually enjoyed shopping and so sorted things like this out.
“Fostering is something I believe my mum was supposed to do. She’s helped many young people and she wanted to foster long-term, long before she did.
“My mum’s role as a foster carer has definitely shaped my whole life’s trajectory. Growing up around vulnerable children and adults has made me passionate about doing the same, and all of my adult working job roles have included supporting people with special needs or working with children.
“Working in a special needs summer camp in New Jersey has led to me currently living in Virginia, where I support a child on the spectrum and a neurotypical child as a Nanny. I’m glad that mum passed her passion for working with kids and vulnerable people on to me.
“Being a birth child in a family that fosters is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I believe it’s shaped me into a very capable, supporting and understanding person, with skills to support people in a crisis.”
Find out more
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