Our Journey as Foster Carers: A Letter from Julie and David
Fostering can be very hard work…but the heart and soul you put into it can truly transform lives.
Hello! We’re Julie and David, and we want to share our journey as foster carers with you. It’s been a path filled with challenges and rewards, and we’re excited to offer a glimpse into our lives as we strive to create a loving home for the boys in our care. Fostering has always been something we wanted to do. With a big house and a love for children, it felt like the perfect fit for us. David often says, “I’ve always wanted children,” and it was through his work in support that we realised just how much we could help.
Knowing there are children out there who need a nurturing environment, we felt compelled to step in and make a difference. We won’t sugarcoat it: fostering can be incredibly hard work. From the moment we took on this responsibility, we learned that patience and understanding are crucial. “It can be very hard work,” I (Julie) tell anyone considering fostering. “You have to cater to the individual needs of each child.” It’s not always easy, but the heart and soul you put into it can truly transform lives. David shares, “This has been my hardest job yet.” But he also adds, “It’s incredibly rewarding.” We’ve learned that every day is different, filled with new challenges and joys.
Meeting Their Unique Needs
Each boy in our care is unique, and we’ve tailored our approach to meet their individual needs. Our elder boy craves affection and reassurance, while the younger one is more independent but still needs guidance. “We just reassure him that everything’s okay,” David explains. Our goal is to create a safe environment where they can thrive, and that means being there for them whenever they need us. When the boys first came to us, they had so much to adjust to, and it wasn’t easy for them or for us. They had little understanding of structure, and things we take for granted—like having their own beds—were completely new to them. It was heartbreaking but also motivating to see how much they needed a stable, loving environment. Over time, we’ve seen incredible changes.
We’re especially proud of the small moments that show how far they’ve come. One of them now takes it upon himself to help around the house, like clearing up after meals without being asked.
One of the boys has become more confident and curious, often joining in on lessons we plan for the other and picking things up quickly. The other, while facing his own challenges, has made steady progress in school and is thriving with the encouragement we give him.
We’re especially proud of the small moments that show how far they’ve come. One of them now takes it upon himself to help around the house, like clearing up after meals without being asked. The other has responded so well to praise that he’s gained a real sense of pride in his accomplishments. It hasn’t been an easy road, but seeing their growth has made all the hard work worth it. For anyone considering fostering, we can honestly say that the effort you put in will lead to moments of pride and joy you’ll never forget. When conflicts arise, we’ve established what we call “discussions.” The boys will come to us and say, “Can we have a discussion?” This simple practice helps them express their feelings and work through their disagreements in a calm and constructive way.
Celebrating the Holidays Together
The festive season is something we cherish as a family. Decorating for Halloween and Christmas has become a beloved tradition in our home. I (Julie) have always loved going all out for these occasions. I remember the first Halloween we celebrated together; the boys were overwhelmed with excitement! We made our home friendly spooky, and they couldn’t believe the amount of candy they got to collect. Christmas is another big event for us. We create a joyful atmosphere filled with decorations and family fun, ensuring that the boys feel included and loved. These traditions have not only brought us closer together but have also provided the boys with memories that they will cherish.
We’ve gone from living a quieter life to one filled with joy and activity. Fostering has made me grow as a person.
Support from Progress
We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from Progress. From the moment we started our fostering journey, the resources and training available to us have been invaluable. Although we haven’t been able to attend every training session, we know there’s always someone to reach out to if we need guidance. One of the most rewarding experiences we’ve had was when the boys received awards for their achievements. It was a proud moment for us, and it reinforced the progress they’ve made since joining our family.
Fostering has also transformed us personally. We’ve gone from living a quieter life to one filled with joy and activity. David reflects, “Fostering has made me grow as a person. I’ve learned what it means to be a father figure.” The first time the younger one called him “Dad,” it brought tears to his eyes. “I never thought I would experience that,” he shares. We’ve discovered that our lives are now filled with laughter and love. Each day is an opportunity for growth, not just for the boys but for us as well.
Final Thoughts
Our journey as foster carers have been a rollercoaster of emotions, but we wouldn’t trade it for anything. We’re passionate about providing a safe and loving home for children who need it most. If you’re considering fostering or want to learn more, we encourage you to reach out. Together, we can make a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable children and create nurturing homes filled with love.
Thank you for reading about our journey. We hope our story inspires others to take that step and foster a child in need.