Most foster children have had turbulent pasts and may have experienced anything from serious neglect to physical abuse. Their experiences leave them in need of a safe home full of love, which can be strengthened with the addition of a family pet.
Offers Companionship
Foster children often feel alone and isolated, especially when they first arrive in your unfamiliar home. By having a furry friend around, they’ll have a companion that will always listen, love to cuddle, and will enjoy playing. As well as this, a pet provides common ground to foster children, which gives them something to bond over with the entire family.
If you’re concerned about expenses, remember that you will receive an allowance for taking care of your foster children, which is detailed by fosterplus.co.uk. This means that all you have to worry about is buying your pet, insurance, food costs, and vet bills. Sit down and write a budget before choosing to buy a pet.
Provides Physical Activity
If your family has a dog, it will need walking daily, which presents the perfect opportunity to encourage your foster children to get physical. Aside from walking, most dogs enjoy playing catch, which will help improve hand-eye coordination.
A dog may not be suitable for all foster children, but that doesn’t mean a pet can’t provide opportunities for physical activity. For example, young cats are extremely active and need plenty of playtime, which your foster children can join in with.
Teaches Responsibility
Pets have a unique set of needs that must be fulfilled to give them a happy life. This presents the perfect chance to teach your foster children all about taking responsibility. Depending on your foster child’s age, this could be anything from feeding to grooming. As most pets are cared for on a schedule, taking part in these activities will teach your foster child how to manage time, how to be gentle, and how to solve problems.
Relieves Stress
Foster children may suffer from anxiety and high levels of stress caused by various life experiences. By having a pet around the home, some of these feelings can be alleviated. For example, some research has shown that pets calm the nervous system, which is directly linked to stress and anxiety.
Promotes Normalcy
Many foster children go on long journeys with plenty of change, whether that’s moving from home to home, battling with academic achievement, or struggling with emotional issues. By having a pet, this instability can be converted by promoting a sense of normalcy. As well as responsibility and purpose, your foster children will look forward to seeing the pet every day.
Having a pet can be a fantastic way to provide support and love to foster children. They do this by offering companionship, supporting physical activity, and encouraging responsibility. If you’re planning on having a pet in your home, spend time making sure you can afford to give it a great life and that it’s suitable to be around children.
