When you become a foster parent, you open up your heart and home to the child. You provide them with a safe place to stay, love, and support. It's normal for foster children to feel anxious or overwhelmed when they first arrive at their new home.

Here are some ways you can help your foster child feel welcome in your home. 

Give Them Time to Adjust

When a foster child first arrives, give them time to adjust. They've just been through a lot and need time to process everything. Let them know they can take their time and there's no rush. You want the child to feel comfortable and safe in their new home, so don't push them too hard if they're not ready.

Some children have trouble opening up at first, especially if they've been in and out of foster homes. It may take some time for them to trust you and feel comfortable enough to open up. Be patient and let them come to you on their own time. They may need some time to settle in and may not want to talk about their feelings right away.

Make Them Feel at Home

One of the best ways to make your foster child feel welcome is to make them feel at home. Give them their own space, whether it's a bedroom or just a corner of the living room. Help them personalize their space with things that are special to them. It can be something as simple as a favorite blanket or toy.

If you have other children in the home, involve them in welcoming the foster child. Let them help pick out bedding or decor for the foster child's room. You can ask them to show the foster child around the house and introduce them to the family pets. Foster children often feel more comfortable when they're around other kids. So this is a great way to help them feel welcome and included.

If you can, try and involve them in everyday activities. Ask them to help with dinner, pick out their own bedding, or pick a spot for their favorite toy. If you go out shopping, include them in the decision-making. This will help them feel like they're a part of the family and not just a guest. Within no time, they'll be feeling right at home.

Some foster children have been through a lot of changes in their lives. One way you can help them feel welcome is by keeping things consistent. Try to stick to a routine as much as possible. This will help the foster child settle in much quicker since there's a structure to their day. 

Contact a local foster care service, such as The Up Center, to learn more.