We’ve assembled some popular New Year’s resolutions and aligned them with foster parenting. Hope they help you and your child move confidently into 2022!
This New Year is a blank canvas. Use these ideas to paint an inspiring picture on it.
Volunteer.
You’ve already got this one down pat – by becoming a foster parent you’ve shown that you’re committed to others’ wellbeing. In fact, in every moment that a foster child finds comfort in your home, you’re actively improving his life and improving the condition of your community, too. Engaging your foster kids in volunteer work can open their hearts to helping others in some amazing ways!
“Lose weight.”
“Losing weight” is about removing excess and streamlining your life. Are there things that swallow up oodles of your time and energy? Commit this year to take time from something less pressing and devote it to your foster child’s well-being. You’ll be surprised how much more time you have for the things that count when you let go of the things that don’t.
“Quit Smoking.”
Smoking is an unhealthy habit that’s often tough to conquer. But with diligence and hard work, many find freedom! Do you have any habits that are not serving you or your family well? Need to work on your temper or maybe a propensity to say unkind things about people? Remember how important you are to your foster child—and always remember that you are one of his most important role models. When your foster child misbehaves, resolve to take a breath and do your best to understand his actions before resorting to anger or punishment. There’s no better way to come to terms with the problems you and your child face than to understand them – which brings us to our next resolution.
“Eat Healthy Food.”
What we feed our bodies impacts our health—either positively or negatively. (Think fresh broccoli or greasy pork rinds.) Likewise, what we feed our minds has an impact on our thinking. Remember, kids learn what they live—and what they observe. Make it a point this year to seek out positive content—in what you read, what you watch, and what you listen to. Feast on wholesome, healthy, uplifting ideas. Pray and cultivate a relationship with God. It will change you and those you influence!
Learn something new.
Learning more is never a bad thing – it empowers you to make the right decisions and take control of your life. This year, resolve to brush up on your knowledge of foster care.
“Take a trip.”
It’s fun to do this literally – hop in a car or book a flight – but you can do it figuratively as well by taking a “mental vacation.” Set aside time for yourself each day – to de-stress, reflect and prepare for the day ahead. Some “travel” through prayer or meditation, others through reading a good book. Investing yourself deeply into the well-being of your foster child is a big undertaking, but no matter how pressured you feel by your obligations, carve out special moments to appreciate a bit of peace and quiet!
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For some of us 2021 flew by – and for others, it felt like it would never end. But there’s no doubt that for your foster children, 2021 was made more special by your willingness to open your home and your heart. Here’s to an inspiring, upbeat, healthy, rewarding New Year for you and the children you care for.
